MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Is Beale Street Landing ever going to open?
The project has been under construction for years. When finished it will be the future home to the city's riverboats, offer another waterfront park and a new restaurant.
Workers are still hammering away, but there is now a definitive answer to those wondering when they can visit.
The landing will be opening in phases. The first partial opening is scheduled for March 1st.
"I come down at least once a week," says Larry Tharps, who likes to walk the bluff and take in the sites. "I go to the different eateries. I'm retired. It's part of my regimen."
As he's exercised, he's watched Beale Street Landing take shape.
"I've seen it all the way from the start. I was wondering what they had done," he tells abc24.com.
"Unfortunately its cost has gone over and all the delayed time is not good, but at least there is something happening," says Lenore Tate.
After months of delays and millions of extra dollars, those with the Riverfront Development Corporation say local riverboats will dock at the landing beginning March 1st.
A small portion of the main building will open to offer daily sightseeing tours.
"It's been, I think, a long time coming. We want to see a vibrant downtown, we want to see things happen," Tate says.
The landing is also the future headquarters for the American Queen. It's set to dock for the first time March 9th.
"I'll be here as soon as it opens," Tharps says.
Construction is far from complete. Workers are still busy and the four acres of terraced parks and playgrounds are nowhere near finished.
"Hopefully we get our money's worth," says Tate. "And it will attract more people to the riverfront to socialize and see the boats coming back and forth."
A restaurant is also supposed to open. The Riverfront Development Corporation is still negotiating a lease for the space.
