As a former Memphian (born and raised and grew up there in the 1950's and 60's,in the hey day of "Memphis Music,"), I often marvel at the fact that the city doesn't capitalize more on it's uniquely rich musical heritage and gorgeous geographically located downtown.
Any other city would have already milked those things for all they were worth! For example, I could not believe the city was only charging a quarter to ride the trolley when it first started. I believe most people would have gladly paid far more, especially the tourists, for a tour of the area with the lovely Mississippi River and it's riverboats, barges, etc.
Concentrate on those two things being the cornerstone of development downtown, and the rest (restaurants, retail stores, hotels, etc.) will follow!!
I know the city has tried some semblance of a plan, but none has worked very well, obviously. With the right progressive minds behind a venture(or ventures) like that, with not only their great ideas, but the investment dollars to back it up, I can just imagine how the downtown could prosper! Of course, the crime problem will be a major hurdle, but I know there has to be a much better way to deal with that issue also.
I have always loved downtown Memphis, and there is absolutely no reason it cannot be just as vibrant as the downtowns of Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago and other great cities.
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