With the exception of the occasional security guard, the fairgrounds
and Libertyland haven’t seen much activity in the past few years. The
Youth Building, home to the Memphis Roller Derby and the Big One Flea
Market, has been the exception.
But after demolition of the southeast side of Libertyland began last
week, some residents wonder if the rest of the fairgrounds aren’t far
behind.
SMG Management, the company hired by the city to manage fairgrounds
properties, recently told the roller derby it couldn’t renew its
contract on the building after the new year.
“About two or three weeks ago, when we were getting ready to renew
another six-month contract with SMG, they told us the city had asked
them not to take any more contracts beyond December 31st,” said Don
Mynatt, one of the organization’s board members.
The derby has been paying more than $30,000 a year to rent the Youth
Building. They use the space for bi-weekly practice sessions and
monthly bouts.
Although calls to SMG were not returned by press time, Tonya Meeks,
a spokesperson for Mayor A C Wharton’s office, confirmed that the city
is still undecided on the fate of the fairgrounds buildings.
“They may not be demolished, but we don’t not know yet,” Meeks said.
“[The city] is pulling this together as quickly as they can, but
they’re not trying to make any flash-in-the-pan decisions. They’re
looking at the whole project and all the components involved.”
City officials have been trying to decide what to do with the
fairgrounds property for several years. The Memphis City Council hasn’t
approved any final plans for the future of the site, but last month,
Lowery held a groundbreaking for demolition of unused structures at the
fairgrounds.
The Big One Flea Market, which holds monthly shopping events in the
Youth Building, is under a lease until 2012. At this time, Meeks says
the city hasn’t determined what will happen with that lease.
Meanwhile, Memphis Roller Derby is seeking a new home. Though SMG
wouldn’t renew a six-month contract, Mynatt said the management group
was willing to take down the derby’s dates for events happening next
season.
“We have a bout scheduled for January 9th. It’s two home teams
playing each other, so theoretically we could scrap that if we had to,”
Mynatt said. “But in February, we already have a St. Louis travel team
booked to come down and play us.”
