West Memphis has a lot of projects going on right now. We all know about Southland's gaming and hotel expansion. There is even a possibility that Delaware North (Southland's parent company) will build a second hotel tower in the city.
From the
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette:
Quote:
"Delaware North is big enough to do pretty much whatever it wants to do," said one person who asked to remain anonymous since the company has yet to publicly release all of its future plans. "Our understanding is that they want to make Southland the flagship attraction for the whole company. They're confident enough that the 20-story hotel will stay full that they're already thinking about a second tower."
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West Memphis is also expanding certain city services. Two new fire stations are being planned in addition to a police substation and a municipal court building. Also, a new public library is under construction. Furthermore, West Memphis has received
$20 million dollars to construct new schools throughout the city.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/...-fire-station/
https://wreg.com/2019/04/25/west-mem...r-new-schools/
The hotel boom in the city also shows no plans of slowing down. Recently, the city has added LaQuinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham, Holiday Inn Express, and Tru by Hilton to its room offerings. The renovation of a former Clarion Hotel is now taking place. It is being renovated into a 130 room Radisson Hotel.
Over the past two years, West Memphis has planned
595 hotel rooms. Most of these rooms are completed or under construction as we speak.
The restaurant scene in the city is also expanding. Two restaurants have chosen West Memphis for their Mid-South debuts (Matchbox American Kitchen and Spirits and Big Buns Best Damn Burger Co.).
https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/...s-for-mid.html
There are (somewhat credible) rumors that Chick-fil-A is planning to build a restaurant next to Holiday Inn Express on South Service Road. Planners have been very reluctant to announce anything officially but the city is working very hard to make it happen.
Marijuana dispensaries are also being built around the city. They are expected to provide many jobs and will hopefully positively impact the local economy.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/...-dispensaries/
Factories have also created major news in West Memphis. In addition to Carvana constructing a distribution center in the city, Coca-Cola is planning a
$33 Million dollar expansion.
https://talkbusiness.net/2019/04/coc...phis-facility/
West Memphis is also planning a
$12 million dollar
renovation of the city's parks. The crown jewel of this project will be Tilden Rogers Park, which has needed extensive renovation for years.
One thing that the city has been focusing on is
blight. A lot of buildings have been leveled in an effort to reduce blight after the city received federal funding.
A
gated apartment complex has also been approved for West Memphis. Four buildings (64 units) will be constructed on the sight of the former Mayfair Apartments.
Finally, the city is studying the possibility of a water park, movie theater, and shopping district.
https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/...waterpark.html
I am surprised to say that most of the projects in West Memphis are already funded and are already under construction. I hope that everything goes as planned as these projects will advance Metro Memphis as a whole.
There are projects going on in nearby Marion, most of which are hotel projects. Marion has been promoting a shopping area named Angelo's Grove for years, and this is where most of the city's new developments are taking place. I really hope that Crittenden County continues to improve.