New Details In Graceland Expansion Plans

[EP75]

I saw this in the Memphis Commercial Appeal online this morning. This gives us a more clearer picture of what to expect in the soon coming changes at Graceland. However notice the part that I highlighted in bold. The "new attractions" makes you wonder what exactly they mean by that. It's as if something is being hidden behind that statement while everything else is described. Yesterday I saw over at FECC about this new buyout that Bob Sillerman and Simon Cowell are involved in and about the details. It includes marketing and constructing Elvis themed parks in that deal.



Graceland kingdom expansion hinges on public funds

By David Williams
Contact
June 2, 2007
Elvis Presley's Graceland kingdom would be totally transformed -- the king's mansion aside -- in a $250 million improvement plan led by CKX Inc. chief executive Robert F.X. Sillerman.

There would be a new boutique convention hotel, a potential second hotel, a new visitors center, new attractions and new shops within five years -- provided local and state governments commit to an unidentified amount of funding, as Sillerman hopes will happen within the month.

"I think they recognize that we're blessed with an attraction like Graceland. There's really nothing like it in the world," Sillerman said Friday, after it was announced that publicly traded CKX is being taken private in a buyout he's leading.
"With the kind of investment we're prepared to make, in partnership with the jurisdictions, we really could have a significant impact on the entire region.

"They recognize it and we're thrilled about it."

Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton also expressed optimism about the project, without specifically addressing the funding issue.

"This significant private investment will have a positive impact on the community as a whole, but it also dovetails into our existing efforts to further enhance the vitality of the Whitehaven community," Wharton said in a statement. "The company's commitment will facilitate our efforts to attract additional businesses and biomedical companies to the corridor and assist in the development of our aerotropolis strategy.

"We look forward to working with the company, other local officials and the people of the Whitehaven community to bring this plan to fruition."

On the city side, chief financial officer Robert Lipscomb referred questions about public funding to Mayor Willie Herenton. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.

There have been ongoing talks between EPE and public officials, including a March meeting attended by Sillerman, Wharton, Herenton, Lipscomb, members of the Memphis Regional Chamber and Priscilla Presley.

Also, the City Council asked the Herenton administration to develop a plan for a Center City Commission-like board to oversee the redevelopment of the area, which includes Memphis International Airport and Brooks Road.

Although plagued by decay, the area also is home to three of the city's key industries -- distribution and logistics, medical device manufacturing and tourism and entertainment.

"We need a lot of help from the community," said Jack Soden, Elvis Presley Enterprises CEO. "It wouldn't work to think in terms of this 100-acre campus and pouring a tremendous investment in here and just hoping things work out OK for Elvis Presley Boulevard and Whitehaven.

"It all has to be integrated -- the Brooks Road initiative, Elvis Presley Boulevard, the whole community. We want to be the catalyst for just a huge rebirth, redevelopment of the whole Whitehaven area."

Sillerman, asked if government funding is essential to his plan, said, "That's exactly right."

Sillerman paid $100 million for an 85-percent stake in EPE in a deal announced in December 2004. He vowed to transform what had been run as a "family business," using a "risk-oriented and expansive approach."

During a February 2006 visit to Memphis, Sillerman talked of doubling Graceland's total of 600,000 annual visitors and said the late King of Rock and Roll's home should "take its logical place as one of the great attractions in America, like Disneyland or Universal theme parks."

Toward that goal, EPE and affiliated companies have been gobbling up real estate, and now own or control more than 100 acres around the mansion.

The companies have spent more than $13 million on property since January 2006, including a 182-unit apartment complex and former car dealership.

Friday's announcement that CKX -- which also owns rights to the Muhammad Ali name and the "American Idol" TV show -- is going private could speed up the Memphis project.

That's because while CKX goes private, an affiliated company, FX Luxury Realty LLC, would pursue the Elvis-related real estate projects around Graceland -- as well a hotel and casino development in Las Vegas.

"It was frankly too big a project for a company like CKX," said Sillerman, who built billion-dollar entertainment empires with radio stations and concert promotions. "What we have created is an opportunity for the real estate development company to do that. Assuming we have appropriate cooperation from the city, county and state, this actually should speed up the regeneration, if you will, of the area surrounding Graceland."

[ajr]

I cannot say that Whitehaven & all around Graceland doesn't need cleaning up. It surely does......At night, it can be dangerous especially.

Like all things pertaining to Sillerman....we'll just have to wait & see.
He's made a lot of money....did he hinder or improve the places/things he bought & made his money from?? I've never researched him that far.

He obviously can help the city of Memphis & that neighborhood. Will he enhance or hurt Elvis?? I have no idea.

Our concern is about Elvis; as we look to the man.....unfortunately, Elvis has been turned into a commodity long ago. I really hate that.
Short of coming up with millions of dollars to buy them all out ...it appears all we can do is show our dis -satisfaction at anything outrageous they might do. Hold your breath; we might all be in for a bumpy ride ......
starting August 2007.

[EP75]

If this is any indication of the type of boutique hotel that Bob Sillerman is planning to build then we are in for a smoother ride than we anticipated. This is absolutely gorgeous! It's called the Biltmore Boutique Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. It has a spa, tennis courts, and a golf course. Imagine something similar to this breathtaking resort across from Graceland with a newly revamped view of the home 5 years from now.

[toffe]

Wow, BIG

[ajr]

If this is any indication of the type of boutique hotel that Bob Sillerman is planning to build then we are in for a smoother ride than we anticipated. This is absolutely gorgeous! It's called the Biltmore Boutique Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. It has a spa, tennis courts, and a golf course. Imagine something similar to this breathtaking resort across from Graceland with a newly revamped view of the home 5 years from now.

Now that would be impressive . I like !!
The "clean-up " & revamping of Graceland . Sounds good .
Gosh ,I hope everyone gets to go to Graceland .....at least once.

[EP75]

Looking at what isn't there now when it comes to attractions and at what should be there to attract newer fans and to make it more of the complete EP experience, this is what I believe we will see as the "new attractions" at Graceland within the next 5 years.

1)A new state of the art museum and attraction.- This is definitely needed and in my personal opinion should be top priority as the main new attraction. The current one (Sincerely Elvis) is too small and outdated and lack style and appeal. They need something eye catching and unique like the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Museum in Cleveland, or the Country Music Hall Of Fame Museum in Nashville. Priscilla has already stated that they will be getting their dream facility (museum) that would display the entire world of EP with the new expansions. This would be the ideal attraction that would attract new fans and non fans to Graceland.

2)An Imax Theater- This too is needed with keeping up with modern day times and technology. All major museum attractions like the Science Museum in NY, Children's Museum in Indianapolis, and Space & Rocket Center here in Huntsville all have Imax theaters as a major attraction for the kids and young adults. This would be attractive with Aloha From Hawaii, That's The Way It Is, Elvis On Tour and other special productions by EPE/CKX in the future on the giant digital screen. And now with some of EP's movies going into HD format for the first time then this would become even more useful. It would be a major attraction and would be a great way to introduce EP to newer fans.

3)EP Themed restaurant- This is something that should be included in the new plans. I saw in the new deal with FXLR that restaurants and clubs are included in their marketing themed projects.

4)A newly expanded Automobile museum- One of the hottest attractions for the teenagers would be EP's cars and motorcycles. There are many of EP's personal vehicles missing and not on display at Graceland. Now that they have the money, they should put together a search firm to locate these special cars such as the yellow Pentara, his tour bus, and you could even go further and include his hearse. I know to some that may seem tacky but that would be a big attraction to many including the media. It would be the last vehicle in rode in on this earth.

5)The Lisa Marie and Hound Dog 2 Jets-These two planes need to be indoors in a large hanger like building, preferably the new museum. Not outside rusting in heat and rain. On rainy days some fans who tour Graceland never get to see the planes.

[srj1967]

Man, I would hate to see a hotel-style complex of that magnitude be built around Graceland. It is hideous!!!

Whatever is to be done in future, it needs to be kept on a relatively small scale (physically), just like the mansion itself. I'm not saying Graceland and the surrounds don't need a cleanup, but the US doesn't need a second Disneyland!

And we don't need to see theme park rides there either! I can imagine few things worse than that scenario.

And I have no objection to more hotels, but I think the Graceland area has enough already. Surely, they could build them away from the mansion? I, for one, don't want to see Graceland turned into some bizarre facsimile of Vegas!

I said at the time of the Sillerman sale that it was the "beginning of the end", and nothing delivered from this group has so far convinced me otherwise.

I'll be at Graceland at the end of this month for the first time in 19 years, so I will have more of an opinion then; based on comparisons to 1988 and other things.

But I don't like it so far; I just don't like what's being done to that wonderful place ...

[srj1967]

.. and you could even go further and include his hearse. I know to some that may seem tacky but that would be a big attraction to many including the media. It would be the last vehicle in rode in on this earth.

No, no, NO!

What a ghastly idea! Besides, if the hearse is still in service (doubtful), it would belong to the funeral company. Why would anyone want to see that? There would have been hundreds of bodies in it after Elvis', so there'd be nothing really to associate it with The King.

The last vehicle Elvis rode in on this earth was his '73 Stutz Bearcat. The hearse only carried his dead body.

Ghastly, ghastly idea ...

[ajr]

Looking at what isn't there now when it comes to attractions and at what should be there to attract newer fans and to make it more of the complete EP experience, this is what I believe we will see as the "new attractions" at Graceland within the next 5 years.

1)A new state of the art museum and attraction.- This is definitely needed and in my personal opinion should be top priority as the main new attraction. The current one (Sincerely Elvis) is too small and outdated and lack style and appeal. They need something eye catching and unique like the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Museum in Cleveland, or the Country Music Hall Of Fame Museum in Nashville. Priscilla has already stated that they will be getting their dream facility (museum) that would display the entire world of EP with the new expansions. This would be the ideal attraction that would attract new fans and non fans to Graceland.

2)An Imax Theater- This too is needed with keeping up with modern day times and technology. All major museum attractions like the Science Museum in NY, Children's Museum in Indianapolis, and Space & Rocket Center here in Huntsville all have Imax theaters as a major attraction for the kids and young adults. This would be attractive with Aloha From Hawaii, That's The Way It Is, Elvis On Tour and other special productions by EPE/CKX in the future on the giant digital screen. And now with some of EP's movies going into HD format for the first time then this would become even more useful. It would be a major attraction and would be a great way to introduce EP to newer fans.

3)EP Themed restaurant- This is something that should be included in the new plans. I saw in the new deal with FXLR that restaurants and clubs are included in their marketing themed projects.

4)A newly expanded Automobile museum- One of the hottest attractions for the teenagers would be EP's cars and motorcycles. There are many of EP's personal vehicles missing and not on display at Graceland. Now that they have the money, they should put together a search firm to locate these special cars such as the yellow Pentara, his tour bus, and you could even go further and include his hearse. I know to some that may seem tacky but that would be a big attraction to many including the media. It would be the last vehicle in rode in on this earth.

5)The Lisa Marie and Hound Dog 2 Jets-These two planes need to be indoors in a large hanger like building, preferably the new museum. Not outside rusting in heat and rain. On rainy days some fans who tour Graceland never get to see the planes.

The things you have mentioned wouldn't hurt Graceland at all ,IMO.
I can't see any "theme parks" etc .mentioned here.
I'd have to agree that none of the "circus typr" things should be included though.
So too, the things you mention would have to be "scaled to size" in order to have Graceland front & center to everything.

I was at Graceland 2 years ago....& it's falling apart as it's left there to deteriorate. I really hope , if Lisa can't do it ,she'll allow someone to repair it & clean it up.

[ajr]

No, no, NO!

What a ghastly idea! Besides, if the hearse is still in service (doubtful), it would belong to the funeral company. Why would anyone want to see that? There would have been hundreds of bodies in it after Elvis', so there'd be nothing really to associate it with The King.

The last vehicle Elvis rode in on this earth was his '73 Stutz Bearcat. The hearse only carried his dead body.

Ghastly, ghastly idea ...

GOOD LORD !! I HAVE TO AGREE WITH SRJ ON THIS ONE !! *** ARE THEY THINKING ???????????THE MEDIA HAS DONE QUITE ENOUGH TO ELVIS , IMO !!
JUST STOP ALL THE BS ......
SHOW SOME
HE IS NOT AN ANIMAL IN A ZOO !!

IF YOU KNOW SILLERMAN : PASS OUR COMMENTS ON !!

[srj1967]

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH SRJ ON THIS ONE !!

[EP75]

The hearse was just a thought. But I believe it went out of commission after EP died as it was a historical hearse then and no longer used after that. I believe someone in Memphis bought it. My friend Lakeisha told me a couple months ago that from what she heard was that a theme park could be built down the road in Whitehaven as part of the redeveloping of that area. But it won't be at Graceland. I think she said it would be about a mile or so down the road. They will definitely have to upgrade the entire area and bring in new attractions such as I listed in order for this to make any profit back from the $250,000,000.00 that it is going to cost Bob Sillerman and EPE.

The Disney comparisons are based solely on the fact that Disney is a resort and attraction that brings in millions of visitors a year and is known for its beautiful facilities and layout. I do believe that the changes will include mass newcoming changes to the area across from Graceland and down the road.

I use Google Earth to get a better idea of what the changes will be and from my understanding there is enough land along EP Boulevard to build 4 Superdome stadiums side by side. So there is a tremendous amount of newly purchased land to redevelop that entire space into something amazing and appealing attractions to new fans and non fans who are interested or curious. And from what has been written in the above article and the previous articles on this issues, I get the feeling that by 2012 Graceland and EP Boulevard and the entire area won't be recognizable as it is today. When you talk of government funding for redevelopment, you are talking about buying up residential property, and neighborhoods being demolished and land sold to redevelopers as expensive real estate for redevelopment. Those who currently live bordering the Graceland estate will no longer have that right once this is all done. That is why the local and state government are being included in this. They have to be the ones to buy out the residents for this to happen the way Bob Sillerman wants it to.

Don't feel to sorry for those who will have to sell their homes. They will get double for what it's worth and can better their own lifestyles after this in a better community than what Whitehaven is today.

[ajr]

Sometimes you just say such intelligent things......

[ajr]

The hearse was just a thought.

Don't feel to sorry for those who will have to sell their homes. They will get double for what it's worth and can better their own lifestyles after this in a better community than what Whitehaven is today.

Just tell them to re-think the hearse thought.
I thought it was stolen & found wrecked someplace a long time ago ??

I don't feel sorry for the residents exactly.....I do understand urban renewal.
Realize they'll get more than their property is worth. I just hope any older residents are not forced out if they've lived there all their lives .
I DO know someone that lives there.....but, only after Elvis passed.
Well, it's yet to be seen just how this all might affect EP.
We'll be watching.....
Anyone that hasn't been to Graceland yet, I encourage you to go somehow.
It might be "cleaner & better" when all this is done......but, it can't & won't be the same .....IMO.

[Tommy]

Goral Gables Biltmore Hotel History - 1926 Mediterranean Revival hotel (see photo at bottom of the page)

This hotel was not built by Sillerman.

A Storied Name In Miami Luxury Hotels, Boasting A Rich History And Tradition
As the creator of Coral Gables, land developer George E. Merrick also founded the University of Miami, and developed the suburbs with strict building codes to ensure the beautiful surroundings. Coral Gables is a largely residential, affluent area graced with broad, planted boulevards, golf courses, and country clubs. Stately Mediterranean homes, Banyan trees, and tropical foliage line its quiet streets. The thriving business district is also home to over 150 multinational companies and multinational headquarters.

In 1925, young Merrick joined forces with Biltmore hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman at the height of the Florida land boom to build "a great hotel...which would not only serve as a hostelry to the crowds which were thronging to Coral Gables but also would serve as a center of sports and fashion." In January 1926, ten months and $10 million dollars later, The Biltmore hotel debuted with a magnificent inaugural that brought people down from northern cities on trains marked "Miami Biltmore Specials." The Giralda Tower was lit for the first time and the champagne corks popped as the guests fox-trotted to the sounds of jazz, all in celebration of the birth of our Miami luxury hotel resort.

In its heyday, this Miami luxury resort played host to royalty, both Europe's and Hollywood's. The hotel counted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Al Capone and assorted Roosevelts and Vanderbilts as frequent guests. Fashion shows, gala balls, aquatic shows by the grand pool and weddings were de rigueur as were world class golf tournaments. A product of the Jazz Age, big bands entertained wealthy, well-traveled visitors to this American Riviera resort.

The Biltmore made it through the nation's economic lulls in the late 1920's and early 1930's by hosting aquatic galas that kept the hotel in the spotlight and drew the crowds. As many as three thousand would come out on a Sunday afternoon to watch the synchronized swimmers, bathing beauties, alligator wrestling and the young Jackie Ott, the boy wonder who would dive from an eighty-five foot platform. Johnny Weissmuller, prior to his tree-swinging days in Hollywood, broke the world record at the Biltmore pool and was a swimming instructor. Families would attend the shows and many would dress up and go tea dancing afterwards on the hotel's grand terrace to the sounds of swinging orchestras.

In 1973, through the Historic Monuments Act and Legacy of Parks program, the City of Coral Gables was granted ownership control of The Biltmore. In 1983, the City oversaw its full restoration to be opened as a grand hotel. Almost four years and $55 million later, The Biltmore opened on December 31, 1987 as a first-class Miami Florida luxury hotel. Over 600 guests turned out to honor the historic Biltmore at a black tie affair.

In June of 1992, a multinational consortium led by Seaway Hotels Corporation, a Florida hotel management company, officially became the new operators of the Biltmore under a long term management lease with the City of Coral Gables, and again made significant refurbishments to the property.

Seaway invested in new lighting and telephone systems, computer systems throughout, repairs to the pool, furnishings, a complete guestroom renovation program and also remodeled a space into a state-of-the-art health club and spa. At the 1926 gala opening of the Miami Biltmore Country Club, Dr. Frank Crane predicted that "many people will come and go, but this structure will remain a thing of lasting beauty." He was right and in 1996, the hotel celebrated yet another milestone in its illustrious history --the 70th anniversary of this grand South Florida monument and an official designation by the Federal Government as a National Historic Landmark, an elite title offered to only 3% of all historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, The Biltmore proudly boasts a four-star, four-diamond ranking and is one of only several resorts in South Florida recognized as a National Historic Landmark. 2006 welcomed the hotel's 80th anniversary and the beginning of a new millennium, a future marked with opportunity for this local legend.

Reflecting the passion and vitality of one of America?s most exciting cities, the Biltmore has been a favorite of world leaders, celebrities, and sports stars since the 1920s. Showcasing championship golf, cosmopolitan dining, a breathtaking spa, and premier conference facilities, it is the ultimate Florida destination resort.

[Diane]

I agree, as beautiful as the above resort is something of that magnitude would completely dwarf Graceland and make it look insignificant in comparison. Something smaller and more colonial or victorian would be much more appropriate.

Diane

[Tommy]

I do believe and am sorry to see all this taking place with all this new developing. It will deminish Graceland. If anything it would be nice to see the site (view) across the street from Graceland as it was when Elvis brought it. Some historic buildings do not allow the view to be changed from cross or around it. But sad to say it's all about dollars.

[Miss Clawdy]

Man, I would hate to see a hotel-style complex of that magnitude be built around Graceland. It is hideous!!!

Whatever is to be done in future, it needs to be kept on a relatively small scale (physically), just like the mansion itself. I'm not saying Graceland and the surrounds don't need a cleanup, but the US doesn't need a second Disneyland!

And we don't need to see theme park rides there either! I can imagine few things worse than that scenario.

And I have no objection to more hotels, but I think the Graceland area has enough already. Surely, they could build them away from the mansion? I, for one, don't want to see Graceland turned into some bizarre facsimile of Vegas!

I said at the time of the Sillerman sale that it was the "beginning of the end", and nothing delivered from this group has so far convinced me otherwise.

I'll be at Graceland at the end of this month for the first time in 19 years, so I will have more of an opinion then; based on comparisons to 1988 and other things.

But I don't like it so far; I just don't like what's being done to that wonderful place ...

I totally agree with you, they are going to ruin all the spirit of Graceland. Who needed changes during the last 30 years??? There's nothing to say against maintaining the Mansion, there should be enough money there
I can only hope that I will manage to visit Graceland as it is now...just about Elvis left it

[Miss Clawdy]

I do believe and am sorry to see all this taking place with all this new developing. It will deminish Graceland. If anything it would be nice to see the site (view) across the street from Graceland as it was when Elvis brought it. Some historic buildings do not allow the view to be changed from cross or around it. But sad to say it's all about dollars.

You are so right

[EP75]

Let me explain some things for a moment.

1)I never said Bob Sillerman built the Biltmore Hotel. I know he didn't. I used it as an example of what a Boutique hotel is that Sillerman is planning to build across from Graceland. There's going to be a resort and spa and that is what this Biltmore has. In other words it'll probably have tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pool, spa, and customer friendly atmosphere from hotel staff.

2)I have been to Graceland only once and that was back in 1995. I wasn't that impressed with the surrounding area and neighborhood. And today it is considered a bad part of the city. It was as if the mansion just popped up out of nowhere. The compound wasn't that impressive either. The Plaza is old looking and definitely looks like it fits in with the run down area. That's why it must go and the entire complex redeveloped and upgraded. Graceland never has updated that area across the street and instead just let it go.

3)The changes coming will do more good than bad for EP, his image and legacy. There won't be any roller coasters at Graceland. There won't be any theme park there either. But what it will have is much better facilities and new attractions like I listed above and that are mentioned in the article. I am 34 years old and in some ways still a kid inside. So for me I want to see excitement the next time I go there with modern day technology describing the life and times of EP as I would at any other historical location or tourist attraction. The Graceland experience is dull and somewhat boring. So imagine how dull and boring it is to the kids. They can now spice it up and make it FUN to all and money isn't an issue. Elvis is the biggest star ever and he deserves the best. Just as Micky has with the Disney franchise and attractions. So the Graceland looking like Disneyland doesnt scare me to think that they are doing anything to disrespect EP with the changes. If anyone wants to complain about disrespecting him then look no further than EPE's ducks and shoes and whatever tacky items they sell. That's disrespectful to his image right there.

4)Graceland doesn't today look anything like it did when he died. But the plans are to revamp it back to what it did look like back in 1977 including remodeling the Trophy building and restoring it back to its originality as a racquetball court and lounge.

5)Graceland needs these changes. The original fans won't be around too much longer. By the time this is all completed, most will be gone or too old to travel to Memphis. So it won't effect them at all. The new changes will bring in a whole new audience and fanbase. EP and Graceland will need the younger and newer fans to survive the next generation and continue to be a money making machine. From the way it was going, EP and Graceland were like in neutral and not going anywhere but staying on the safe side of the fence. Sillerman wants to double or triple the yearly visitors. And in order to doing that these changes are definitely needed.