Liberty Park apartments, hotel, entertainment ‘coming to fruition’

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis City Council committee on Tuesday signed off on long-term leases for future attractions at Liberty Park , including a bowling alley, golf, and laser tag center built by a company that bills itself as “the Chick-fil-A of entertainment.”

The 30-year leases with 10-year renewal options, which still need approval from full council, also encompass a multifamily and retail development with 200 residential units, and a 150-room hotel, on the property close to Central Avenue and East Parkway.

The move marks forward progress in a redevelopment effort at the old Fairgrounds that began under former Mayor Willie Herenton after the loss of Libertyland and the Mid-South Fair. The city broke ground in 2021.

“To finally see this project come to fruition after years and years of planning, it’s just a wonderful feeling,” Council Member Jana Swearengen-Washington said. “Especially in the Midtown area.”

Tax revenues from the developments will help support the youth sports complexes at Liberty Park, which are already hosting tournaments.

Swearengen-Washington noted that whenever she visits sports events at Liberty Park, families always tell her they want to see more hotels and restaurants close by.

Mary Claire Borys, a Housing and Community Development adminstrator who is currently moving to a role as interim director of Memphis Animal Services, broke down the financials of this phase of the project for City Council. She said the city’s $13.7 million investment will yield $112 million in private investment.

“When we looked at other cities that were building sports tourism zones and working with private developers, most of them are getting large cash incentives, free land for a dollar,” Borys said. “We’re not giving away anything here, so, for once, Memphis came out with the best deal.”

The apartment units make up about 36% of the project’s investment. HCD Director Ashley Cash said 20% of the units will be dedicated to residents who earn 80% or less of median income, about $43,000 for one person.

Scott Emley, owner and developer of Austin-based High Five Entertainment, thanked council for their support. He said the company has built six locations in Texas and surrounding states.

Approved uses for the High Five Entertainment Center at Liberty Park include arcade, bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, axe throwing, virtual reality, virtual golf suites, mini-golf, zipline, ropes and rock climbing.

“This has been before us for a minute,” Council Member Michalyn Easter-Thomas said before the vote. “I’m ready for it to go ahead and get it started, so we can go ahead and have some traction, get us some money back over there, and get these developers on the road.”

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