SHEFFIELD – John Elkington really likes Sheffield. He likes the city’s cultural history in music. Loves The Shoals and its residents.
John Elkington reveals plans for Inspiration Landing
And so, last night, John Elkington, the man who turned around a blighted street in Downtown Memphis into Beale Street, wants to come into town and breathe new life into the community. Elkington told the standing-room-only audience at Sheffield’s Municipal Building that he retired 2 years ago from his land development business, based in Germantown. But when he learned about the land attached to Sheffield’s dilapidated City Park West, and the potential for development there, he decided, that, if possible, he would do it one-more-time.
Tribal representative, and Port Authority Chairman, Robert Perry emphasizes that Indian cultural heritage and artifacts must be protected
He explained that the proposed development, if approved by the City Council, wouldn’t be another golf course, such as the project proposed for the site in 2007 by a Jack Nicklaus company. “We have enough great golf courses in the Shoals,” Elkington explained, “What we need is something that celebrates the Tennessee River, the great music heritage, and the National historical treasure of Tuscumbia Landing.” The plans are for a 4-thousand seat amphitheatre attached to a large natural grassed area that would hold another 6-thousand music fans. There would be retail shopping areas and restaurants. He promised that brand-name chain restaurants would not be found in “Inspiration Landing”, the name given to this project. Instead, restaurants there would be unique venues that celebrate the heritage of the South.
Site map of Inspiration Landing proposal.
The presentation was, by all accounts, a hit. Elkington was interrupted a couple of times by applause. When the public was given the opportunity to comment before the Council-vote, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The only question was with regard to the sacred Indian sites on the property, and the imperative to preserve them.
Audience has opportunity to ask Elkington questions regarding Inspiration Landing development.
Following the presentation, the questions from the audience, and some adjustments to the language in the ordinance that conveys the site, along with the responsibilities of each party, the Council voted. The project gained approval by a unanimous vote. A quorum of the City Council was present, with the exception of Mary Stephens, who had a previous commitment, and Mayor Ian Sanford, whose family is a major shareholder in some of the property being conveyed to Elkington’s company.
