MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The transformation from the Raleigh Springs Mall to the new$40 million Raleigh Springs Town Center has come a long way.
“We’re very excited that we are finally approaching thebeginning of the end of construction out at Raleigh Springs,” said Mary Claire Borys, Division of Housing andCommunity Development Strategic Initiatives Manager.
Borys said the new Raleigh Springs Town Centerwill be the go-to of Raleigh.
“It’s such a central location, thecorner of Austin Peay and Yale Road. It’s really kind of, if not the geographicheart, the spiritual heart of Raleigh,” said Borys.
The Town Center will house a police station, library, skatepark, and an 11-acre lake with a walking trail. Crews are working to build avehicle repair shop for police, but there’s still a huge chunk of emptyland.
“We have about 20-acres left on the site that we don’tcurrently have plans for. We are working with the Memphis 3.0 team andtrying to figure out what the future of that acre is,” said Borys.
Inthe meantime, residents are excited for what’s to come.
“Oh, it was empty for so long. It was an eye sore. It wasjust horrible. From that to this, I am so, so excited aboutit,” said Cherris Christensen, a resident.
“I hope that it brings more success, moredevelopment, more positive work, more benefits to not just the Zgeneration and the millennials, because this is going tobring jobs and this is going to bring opportunities for them,” said Richard Kuenzinger, Germantownresident.
Project organizers say the construction gates could comedown at any time. The police station is set to open early next year, andthe library will open late spring or early summer.