The Southwest Twin Drive-In, originally known as the 61 Drive-In, was established in 1956 as Memphis’ second-ever drive-in movie theater. In 2001, the Southwest Twin closed its doors, and over time, the blighted property became a source of concern for neighboring communities. In 2022, the City of Memphis and Shelby County invested in a new plan for the Southwest Twin led by the City’s Division of Housing & Community Development.

Through a series of three onsite activations in 2023 and five community events with a finale celebration in 2024, the site successfully fostered and demonstrated the importance of authentic community involvement, the benefits of repurposing an underutilized area, and the potential opportunities for economic development. From cleaning up the site and building furniture, to movie nights, arts & crafts, gardening workshops, vendor marketplaces, a community mural, partners not only engaged with local stakeholders and ensured community ownership but also introduced partnerships from around the city to prove that the site could serve as a catalyst for positive change in the Westwood area.