Elvis Presley Boulevard to Get Overhaul

Elvis Presley Boulevard is one of the most traveled roads in Memphis, but many argue the sight beyond the Graceland Estate is not fit for a king. 'It's really not becoming', said Whitehaven resident Yvonne D. Nelson. 'It's more of an eyesore'. Over the years, part of Elvis Presley Boulevard in between Brooks Road and Shelby Drive has fallen into disrepair. Trash and blight litter the street, and the roads are in poor condition. Citizens argue it's a poor showing in an area that is crowded with tourists arriving to see Elvis' estate.

'People from all over the world, Australia, China, whatever, they've been here', said Visitor Center worker Eric Wilburn. 'They know Elvis. They want to see this, so therefore we want to present the best picture possible', he added. It's why a handful of citizens gathered at Grace United Methodist Church Tuesday night to talk about what will likely be a $43 million upgrade to the street. With a $27 million commitment already from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, City Councilman Harold Collins hopes to secure an additional $16 million from the city over the next two years. Collins will introduce the measure at the next city council meeting.

The money will go toward projects including road repairs, sidewalks, drainage and landscape improvements, crosswalks and signs. 'The upgrade is definitely needed. Graceland is the second most visited home in the U.S.', Nelson said. 'The roads need to be repaved, the neighborhood needs to be renovated and they need to have a nice hotel/convention center', said one Elvis Fan named Willie Nelson. 'The city has kind of neglected this area'.

The project could start as early as the end of 2012, and Collins hopes to have the project completed in three years. 'Hopefully these things will happen soon. We can get it done and it won't take long', Wilburn said.

© Copyright 2025 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au

https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis-presley-boulevard-to-get-overhaul.shtml

No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission.