Construction started this week on Beale Street Landing, the $30 million boat landing at the north end of Tom Lee Park.
Workers were moving building materials and a large crane on to the site. The project is scheduled for completion in 2010. It will cover a total of six acres and add four acres to Tom Lee Park by building a dam in the river and filling in behind it. A small wetlands area at the tip of the park will be eliminated.
The 25-acre park is the site of the Beale Street Music Festival and the Memphis In May barbecue contest, among other events, but lacks food and beverage stands and a signature feature to attract return visitors.
Beale Street Landing will include a boat landing for tour boats, concrete islands for pedestrians to get close to the water, a parking lot, restaurant, and gift shop. It is being funded with $19.5 million in city funds and $10.5 million in state and federal funds.
— John Branston
