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A riverfront concept for Tennessee's second-largest city has been unveiled by the internationally recognized Studio Gang, the same architectural practice behind Chicago's undulating Aqua development. Their proposal envisions a complete redesign for six miles and five distinct zones of the Mississippi River, offering short-, medium-, and long-term investment ideas for the stretch of land.
The scheme is guided by three key principles — foster positive encounters and civic pride, restore natural conditions, and connect assets along the river to the city and people — aimed at creating a network of public spaces and cultural opportunities. Studio Gang developed the concept after multiple site visits, stakeholder interviews, surveys with 4,500 respondents, and studies of past planning exercises.
The five zones — the Fourth Bluff, Mud Island, Tom Lee Park, MLK Park, and Greenbelt Park — would play to their strengths and become unique places that offer individual experiences. Many of the concept's proposed features, including an adventure playground and a "special overlook where people can listen to live music at sunset," were suggested by the community at large.
"The riverfront is a great opportunity for a transformational public-private partnership between business, government and philanthropy — much like the one that created Shelby Farms Park," said Mayor Jim Strickland. "With that kind of partnership, we'll continue to uphold my commitment to not using city general fund dollars that we prioritize for public safety and strong neighbourhoods. I'm thankful that RDC, the Hyde Family Foundation and the Kresge Foundation have already stepped up."
With the support of the Hyde Family Foundation and Kresge Foundation, the Riverfront Development Corp. appointed Studio Gang to the Mayor's Riverfront Task Force, which will now examine the concept, approach the public in a round of consultations, and determine the ideas that can be feasibly implemented.
