New ideas for up coming Graceland plaza redevelopments

[EP75]

Here are some cool new attractions that EPE could take into consideration for when they make the massive mega changes that are soon to come. I thought of what is hip and cool and at the same time what would bring in more young adults and children to Graceland. I also thought of ways to enhance the full experience of EP and to double the attendance yearly as Bob Sillerman is expecting with the changes. So here's my ideas.

1)A massive museum detailing the entire career of EP through artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia.

2)Jumpsuit museum and exhibit highlighting the most popular phase of EP's career, the jumpsuits, with the largest display ever of his 70's stage costumes (bigger than what is planned for this year).

3)Automobile museum and exhibit highlighting a larger collection of cars and limousines and motorcycles. Much bigger than the current museum.

4)Aircraft museum and exhibit where fans can visit the Lisa Marie jet and Hound Dog 2 indoors in a large building with a inside walk way surrounding it's every angle.

5)Art & Photo Gallery displaying artwork from fans all over the world plus rare personalised photos of EP taken by fans.

6)Hollywood and Imax Theater featuring his movies and concerts and special projects and productions by EPE/CKX.

7)EP themed restaurant in the form of the old EP Memphis that was on Beale Street, only better and bigger.

8)Recording studio where fans and visitors can make their own demo of their favorite EP song with new backing tracks already laid down for them to add their own vocals. Make it like EP did it in 1953 when he made his first demo.

9)An EP statue to represent Graceland and the EP world.

10)An EP wax museum to display images of EP in wax figures done with taste.

11)The Harley Davidson satellite shop to sell and display EP themed bikes.

12)An outdoor Amphitheater for live concerts in the summer, including former American Idol stars.

13)An indoor race track for kids and young adults to race racing style miniature cars to the music of EP. (EP did make 3 films as a race driver)

14)A Blue Hawaii indoor water attraction with a pool and Hawaiian setting in an EP movie theme with eatery.

15)Bandmates, Songwriters & Inspirations museum and exhibit highlighting the music behind the artist and the people who made EP's career possible.(this would shine a bright light on the image of EPE and EP in the black community)


If you have any ideas that you feel would present EP in a respectful and dignified way that you would like to add, then feel free to add them here.

[JDD]

Some of that could probably be good for business. The big one for me would be a Resturant and a better hotel then Heartbreak. They don't even have internet there that leaves it off the map for a lot of business people that travel into Memphis. I know EPE just bought and plans to keep open a Chineese resturant, which I guess is good for folks that like that kind of food. I don't, and there isn't anything else on the complex. The water Park thing could work with the hotel, go to Branson or Gatlinberg sometime or the Wisconsin Dells etc, people come to hotels there and they have water parks connected right to the hotel, families come there and stay for a whole week.
Lots of Elvis fans do the same at Graceland but more might, if there was more
for families there. Plus if they keep it all Elvis themed, with Elvis Music playing etc, then maybe some of the kids may see what the folks like so much about the King and maybe they'll come back with their kids.

[EP75]

Some of that could probably be good for business. The big one for me would be a Resturant and a better hotel then Heartbreak. They don't even have internet there that leaves it off the map for a lot of business people that travel into Memphis. I know EPE just bought and plans to keep open a Chineese resturant, which I guess is good for folks that like that kind of food. I don't, and there isn't anything else on the complex. The water Park thing could work with the hotel, go to Branson or Gatlinberg sometime or the Wisconsin Dells etc, people come to hotels there and they have water parks connected right to the hotel, families come there and stay for a whole week.
Lots of Elvis fans do the same at Graceland but more might, if there was more
for families there. Plus if they keep it all Elvis themed, with Elvis Music playing etc, then maybe some of the kids may see what the folks like so much about the King and maybe they'll come back with their kids.

PERFECT! But let me say 2 things. 1)the water attraction would work better with a new hotel like FXS wants to build and more than likely will tear down the current shack called Heartbreak hotel. That would be part of the resort he woants too. 2)the chinese restaraunt is only being kept open for now while they continue to buy up property and land and decide what the master overall plan will be for the area. Then they will close it and tear it down too. It's not in the long term plans to keep it opened.

I have noticed one major thing that nobody else has mentioned. EPE has been extremely careful and tight-lipped about the massive redevelopments that Sillerman is planning to double up the tourist attendance.

[vulcandude]

"13)An indoor race track for kids and young adults to race racing style miniature cars to the music of EP. (EP did make 3 films as a race driver)"

As much as I like this idea, I think it'd be much cooler to do golf carts instead because of the lengendary stories we have all heard of Elvis racing golf carts on the Graceland grounds.
I'd also like to see a museum of some sort set up dedicated to just Elvis' Circle G Ranch. It isn't owned by EPE, and last I heard the land it was on was up for sale for redevelopment. Elvis loved the short time he owned the ranch, and it is a period of time most historians don't bother researching.
And how about more history on Elvis' horse Rising Sun? I'd love to see more photos displayed of Elvis on him, that horse was so magnificent.
And to really bring in the fans, cordon off an area to bring in people that either knew or worked for Elvis to sign autographs and let us get to know Elvis better through them personally, rather than just by books or documentaries.

That's what I'd like to see.

[EP75]

Golf carts might be too corny and the teenagers might not be interested. EP is however associated with racing due to him doing the films as a racer.


16)A display of EP themed NASCAR race cars included in the expanded car museum. Done like the Rusty Wallace car was done a few years ago and have the racers drive them in the races and autograph them after the race and have them delivered to Graceland where they would be permanently retired and on display.

17)A replica of EP's bedroom behind glass since it will more than likely never be viewed by the general public. Maybe include his office and his study which are all off limits and upstairs at Graceland. This should be included in the new museum plans.

18)An EP themed putt-putt course could be included for kids and young adults. Maybe it could be part of the new resort and hotel FXS wants. Maybe also include the Blue Hawaii water plan I listed earlier.

19)An EP Laser show that allows people to see EP through modern day technology. Maybe this could be included in the Imax movie theater. Or by itself.

20)FXS could buy a riverboat like the Memphis Queen and have nightly cruises on the river with an EP themed like live music and shows produced by Graceland.

[JDD]

17)A replica of EP's bedroom behind glass since it will more than likely never be viewed by the general public. Maybe include his office and his study which are all off limits and upstairs at Graceland. This should be included in the new museum plans.

This is another ideal I've always said they should do. Its not ever going to be possible for the upstairs of that house to accomidate the more then 600,000 annual visitors, but they could easily duplicate it on the ground accross the street . I'd go just to see that. I have the blue print thing of the floor plan and I have an ideal from those horrible
photos Linda allowed to be taken by her friend, but I'd still like to see it in actual 3-d size.

[EP75]

This is another ideal I've always said they should do. Its not ever going to be possible for the upstairs of that house to accomidate the more then 600,000 annual visitors, but they could easily duplicate it on the ground accross the street . I'd go just to see that. I have the blue print thing of the floor plan and I have an ideal from those horrible
photos Linda allowed to be taken by her friend, but I'd still like to see it in actual 3-d size.

It would be nice for EPE and Bob Sillerman to allow us, if only through a replica of the room to see what EP saw as he walked through those black leather coated doors. Maybe have a room where you wlak through those same type of doors to his room, only a replica.

[Merry]

Hi,

There are some wonderful and well thought out suggestions, in this thread.

My thoughts are, that most of all, dignity for Elvis' memory would be a good catch cry, for EPE/CKX's outlook.

Perhaps Presidents of the Fan Clubs should present the Fan's thoughts on how they are concerned as to where Sillerman appears to be heading with his business plan (he appears (please correct me if I'm wrong) to be more interested in a money making venture, selling junk and encouraging impersonators, rather than focusing on the excellence of Elvis' work). I'm not running down impersonators, sorry, it is a different subject; however, I feel that Elvis' work should remain to the way he envisaged it. I feel that they should stay TRUE to ELVIS' body of work, that that should be the life blood of their development of Graceland.

As an example, that undignified bust of Elvis' that has been released. I read that some people are going to approach Sillmerman's company, to complain (rightly so).

What do other's think re the thought that dignity of Elvis' memory should be paramount in the Business Plan of EPE/CKX? (Hey too late at this point, for EPE/CKX have probably projected their Business Plan for the next five years or more; however, my point is, is that the fans can talk with their money, their feet, changing what isn't desirable, pretty quickly, surely? (hint, hint, lol).

One or more people can make a difference.

O.K. sorry, off the soap box (clunk) lol.

Jess

[Jungleroom76]

15)Bandmates, Songwriters & Inspirations museum and exhibit highlighting the music behind the artist and the people who made EP's career possible.(this would shine a bright light on the image of EPE and EP in the black community)

I DEFINITELY AGREE WITH THIS ONE EP75!!

While we all obviously know Elvis Presley's music, it would be a real shame to continue to underplay the contributions to his music from the musicians, singers, and influences that had a hand in Elvis' music!! A section of the museum devoted to his love for gospel, R & B, and country music would be a MUST!!

Then of course, sections of the museum dedicated to the TCB Band, The Jordainaires, J.D. Sumner & The Stamps, The Sweet Inspirations & The Imperials (just to name a few) would definitely allow fans to really learn more about the people who helped Elvis sound so good!!!

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

17)A replica of EP's bedroom behind glass since it will more than likely never be viewed by the general public. Maybe include his office and his study which are all off limits and upstairs at Graceland. This should be included in the new museum plans.

You should be on Bob Sillerman's planning board for this project EP75!!

Another FANTASTIC idea...instead of just putting items from his bedroom on display, put those items into actual context by displaying them in a lifesize model of what his room actually looked like....give the fans a glimpse into the "inner sanctum" of Elvis' life, so to speak.

TCB!
Mike

[EP75]

You should be on Bob Sillerman's planning board for this project EP75!!

Another FANTASTIC idea...instead of just putting items from his bedroom on display, put those items into actual context by displaying them in a lifesize model of what his room actually looked like....give the fans a glimpse into the "inner sanctum" of Elvis' life, so to speak.

TCB!
Mike

Thanks I wish I were in charge of the planning. I am a creator who loves to design and creat things. I actually meant a model of the entire room as it looks from floor to ceiling and all around. I should have been more clearer on that. Maybe this idea will somehow get to EPE and they will use it as part of the new museum.

[EP75]

There seems to be some misconceptions about what is staying and what is coming. Here's how I see it from what all FXS, EPE, and Priscilla recently said about the changes soon coming.

1)The new museum won't be just expanded area added on to what is now there. It will be a totally separate and new facility on its own. I would think that they would want it to be the money maker of the future to tell the entire story and in a unique and lavish way. That's the reason that FXS got Bob Weiss' top designing company in the world (Island Designs) to design the layout. I expect it to rival in size and popularity and uniqueness to The Rock Hall Of Fame Museum in Cleveland and the Country Hall Museum in Nashville. If not bigger. I did a Google earth measurement of those two facilities and they are about the same in size, at around 130 yards by 130 yards of space. The entire property line across from Graceland is 670 yards North to South and 540 yards East to West. The current plaza is only 70 yards deep and 300 yards wide. That is over 450 yards of remaining available space (east to west) that EP has to redevelop.

2)That massive space is also why FXS sees the potential for Graceland to be on par with Disney World and Epcot Center as far as tourism, attractions, landscaping, and designing of facilities are concerned.

3)The current plaza will more than likely be completely torn down after the new museum is built and completed from my understanding.

4)The Heartbreak Hotel is probably the biggest question mark and hurdle they have to get over. Why? Because the inside is as lavish as you can get. Let's all be real-that hotel is a stellar for beauty and style. However the outside is very dated compared to the hotels and resorts in Orlando at Walt Disney World. It could be added on to by building on top and expanding it out another full size without shutting it down during the seasons. But it only has 128 rooms. FXS wanted in his statements, 2- 400 room hotels with a resort in it's location. But that comment has changed.

5)In order to plan a massive hotel or in the likes of what FXS wants, there's obviously a master plan of tourist attractions involved. As it is now, or even with a new museum, that still would not guarantee a massive increase in visitors yearly for at least a few years. So it has to be more than just that planned.

6)EPE owns a good chunk of land North of the mansion which by Google ruler comes to 200 yards across and 130 down. That is a lot of free space for other attractions or possibly the new expanded visitors center that they want.

7)Whatever they do decide on building (which I expect something announced before August from EPE) it will take at least 2-3 years to complete. They have to do a lot of bulldozing building behind the current plaza in that apartment complex or business complex. I can't really tell what that is. That will take a couple months if not longer and they have to break up that massive bit of concrete asphalt for the parking area that has been used forever. If they do decide to tear down the hotel and build from scratch up, then that will delay it even more because of the lack of parking space.

8)I am wondering if FXS will want to build a tunnel for driving under EPB (from north of Graceland) to get to the other side without having to cross all that traffic. They could use all that space where the car dealership was and use it for parking until the construction is complete.

Some interesting notes about both.

The Rock Hall Of Fame Museum cost of $67,000,000.00 to build.

The Country Hall Of Fame Museum cost only $37,000,000.00 to build.

EPE has stated in the past that their dream museum would be $100,000,000.00 in total cost. And that is what they are now saying is coming. That is almost 3 times the cost of the Nashville museum. So imagine something even bigger than those wonder structures across the street from Graceland soon. That's why I am so excited about the next time I go there, it will be to see this new massive structure that will tell the entire story from beginning to end as it should be told. That will then truly be the ultimate EP experience.

A museum fit for a King named ELVIS!

[JDD]

4)The Heartbreak Hotel is probably the biggest question mark and hurdle they have to get over. Why? Because the inside is as lavish as you can get. Let's all be real-that hotel is a stellar for beauty and style. However the outside is very dated compared to the hotels and resorts in Orlando at Walt Disney World. It could be added on to by building on top and expanding it out another full size without shutting it down during the seasons. But it only has 128 rooms. FXS wanted in his statements, 2- 400 room hotels with a resort in it's location. But that comment has changed.

They really have to be careful with the hotel too, because it needs to be bigger, and nicer (as I said the current one doesn't even have internet, Days INNs have Internet) , but at the same time they can't have a Hotel there, that costs 200 bucks a night because that isn't the kind of person that seems to generally go to Graceland. It wouldn't draw well with families at 200 a night, Memphis isn't Vegas, it isn't Disney . It needs to be affordable. I hope they plan as well as some of the ideals that I've heard here from you and others, because a failure I suspect wouldn't be seen by the media as a Failure of Sillerman, it would be blasted as Elvis Popularity falling. As it is the Media always reports anything Graceland and Elvis related as sort of a crazy cult like thing. They have a uphill battle but if they do it right it could be a whole new experience .

[EP75]

They really have to be careful with the hotel too, because it needs to be bigger, and nicer (as I said the current one doesn't even have internet, Days INNs have Internet) , but at the same time they can't have a Hotel there, that costs 200 bucks a night because that isn't the kind of person that seems to generally go to Graceland. It wouldn't draw well with families at 200 a night, Memphis isn't Vegas, it isn't Disney . It needs to be affordable. I hope they plan as well as some of the ideals that I've heard here from you and others, because a failure I suspect wouldn't be seen by the media as a Failure of Sillerman, it would be blasted as Elvis Popularity falling. As it is the Media always reports anything Graceland and Elvis related as sort of a crazy cult like thing. They have a uphill battle but if they do it right it could be a whole new experience .

I agree! The hotel concept needs to be affordable. Something like a Holiday Inn or Marriott. They could take the ideas of the Graceland themed rooms that they now have and put those at the top floors for the big spenders who want to live like a king.

Another idea I came up with on my way home from work is a walkway over EP Boulevard. This would be much cheaper and wouldn't take as long as a tunnel under EPB would. A walk way would allow both pedestrians and handicap to cross over EPB and avoid the traffic. Plus they could place a big sign on each side advertising Graceland. I got this idea from a elementary school here that has a walk way bridge over University Dr here which is 6 lanes just like EPB is.

[ruggishboo]

Does anyone know what the city leaders in Memphis have to say about the new additions to the complex? And by the way, EP75, your ideas are in my opinion, completely on the mark! You definitely put some thought into your proprosals, and they all sound great.

[vulcandude]

16)A display of EP themed NASCAR race cars included in the expanded car museum. Done like the Rusty Wallace car was done a few years ago and have the racers drive them in the races and autograph them after the race and have them delivered to Graceland where they would be permanently retired and on display.

17)A replica of EP's bedroom behind glass since it will more than likely never be viewed by the general public. Maybe include his office and his study which are all off limits and upstairs at Graceland. This should be included in the new museum plans.

18)An EP themed putt-putt course could be included for kids and young adults. Maybe it could be part of the new resort and hotel FXS wants. Maybe also include the Blue Hawaii water plan I listed earlier.

19)An EP Laser show that allows people to see EP through modern day technology. Maybe this could be included in the Imax movie theater. Or by itself.

20)FXS could buy a riverboat like the Memphis Queen and have nightly cruises on the river with an EP themed like live music and shows produced by Graceland.

While I like your idea of the laser show so fans can see Elvis through modern day technology, it still sounds to close to the idea of "Elvis The Concert" like the one on the DVD released not too long ago.
The replica of Elvis' bedroom sounds great too, but I wonder if EPE or Priscilla would allow it....not to mention even a replica takes away what little privacy Elvis had left in his life. His bedroom was his refuge, his escape, and although I'm curious to see what it's like, I'd also like to repect Elvis' privacy.
As for the other ideas, it makes Graceland sound like a theme park, or something worse, rather than what it is.....the home Elvis lived in for 20 yeards and died in. These other ideas, along with the "Elvis Talking Head" remind me of things Col. Parker would do to earn the quick cash. But Elvis' dignity dies in the end.

[EP75]

While I like your idea of the laser show so fans can see Elvis through modern day technology, it still sounds to close to the idea of "Elvis The Concert" like the one on the DVD released not too long ago.
The replica of Elvis' bedroom sounds great too, but I wonder if EPE or Priscilla would allow it....not to mention even a replica takes away what little privacy Elvis had left in his life. His bedroom was his refuge, his escape, and although I'm curious to see what it's like, I'd also like to respect Elvis' privacy.
As for the other ideas, it makes Graceland sound like a theme park, or something worse, rather than what it is.....the home Elvis lived in for 20 yeards and died in. These other ideas, along with the "Elvis Talking Head" remind me of things Col. Parker would do to earn the quick cash. But Elvis' dignity dies in the end.

I don't see any problem with a model replica of the upstairs bedroom and study. It's not his actual room that people are viewing but a layout behind glass of if you were standing there looking through a window into his room. Priscilla allow Hollywood to film in that room when they did the mini series Elvis And Me back in 1987. So why should she be a hypocrite now and say it's personal or private?

[JDD]

I don't see any problem with a model replica of the upstairs bedroom and study. It's not his actual room that people are viewing but a layout behind glass of if you were standing there looking through a window into his room. Priscilla allow Hollywood to film in that room when they did the mini series Elvis And Me back in 1987. So why should she be a hypocrite now and say it's personal or private?

I agree with you since We also caught a glimpse of it in This is Elvis, and Linda Thompson also allowed photos of it to be taken by her friend, which have been in circulation every since. I personally don't allow folks into my bedroom, because its private, so I understand that. If someone saw a replica though I can't imagine getting upset over that because its not My room. It would just be something for fun. Thats my opinion anyway. I know I'd take a special trip down to see most any of the improvements discussed in this thread but this one is the most interesting.

[vulcandude]

First off, I wasn't aware that it was actually Elvis' room from the scenes in "This Is Elvis" and the short lived 1987 tv series. Still, I would think that as protective as they are of the upstairs, I really would think a replica of any kind would be out of the question. Sure those photos have been around for ages, and sure I'd love to see how Elvis truly lived behind those doors, but even with him gone 30 years, I think I'd still want to respect what little privacy he had left. I think the replica is a bad idea.

[EP75]

First off, I wasn't aware that it was actually Elvis' room from the scenes in "This Is Elvis" and the short lived 1987 tv series. Still, I would think that as protective as they are of the upstairs, I really would think a replica of any kind would be out of the question. Sure those photos have been around for ages, and sure I'd love to see how Elvis truly lived behind those doors, but even with him gone 30 years, I think I'd still want to respect what little privacy he had left. I think the replica is a bad idea.

I think you are overreacting a little bit. There's nothing private anymore about Graceland. As I said, Priscilla allowed strangers to roam the upstairs bedroom to film her story with EP and to allow the entire world to see it and what it looks like. Did you forget that those actors were acting out love scenes on EP's original bed? That's enough to make a person roll their eyes at right there. So what's the difference in a replica in a museum owned by the estate of his bedroom since they know how bad the public would triple their pay just to see that part alone?

And the real reason that Graceland's upstairs is even off limits has nothing to really do with "privacy". It has more to do with safety. That's just an excuse. The upstairs isn't sturdy or strong enough to withstand 600,000 plus a year walk through it and it's not wide enough for tours. The house itself is old and over 60 years old.
And too much weight on the upstairs floors could give away and cause a collapse and then what? No more Gracleand as we know it.

If EP wanted that part of his life to remain private, then he would have said NO to Linda's close friend of taking the pictures from upstairs knowing that they would eventually get out to the public. EP wasn't naive to not know just who he really was in the public's eye. He knew anything he touched would turn to gold for others.