City's plan for former drive-in theater takes shape with multipurpose development
Memphis Business Journal
A local architecture firm involved in the redevelopment of the former Southwest Twin has filed a site plan for the project.
Memphis-based Aaron Patrick Architects filed the site plan with the Memphis and Shelby County Department of Planning and Development on behalf of the City of Memphis to move the project forward. The site plan is a key step in the predevelopment process, locking in the site's design and uses in preparation toward filing for a construction permit.
The City held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project earlier this year to transform the abandoned former drive-in theater on Third Street near Raines Road. The Memphis Public Libraries’ Levi Library branch and a new Memphis Police Department (MPD) precinct are two main features of the redevelopment.
The Levi branch is set to be 12,700 square feet and the police station is planned for 24,500 square feet. A remaining portion of the former Southwest Twin building is set to be rebuilt, with a new glass finish on the upper structure, creating a central pavilion-like amenity. A fleet maintenance facility with seven doors is also to be built at the back of the development.
Elevation drawings show an orange-and-black color scheme for the library, a glass finish for the pavilion, and a standard MPD station. The pavilion and library will also have an outdoor common space with a detention pond adjacent to both.
The redevelopment of the Southwest Twin drive-in has been in the works for years. Plans date back to 2023, but zoning work began in earnest in 2024.
The City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development hopes the Westwood site will have a similar impact to the Raleigh Springs Civic Center. That redevelopment served as a catalyst, bringing new real estate and development activity to the neighborhood.
Several local firms are involved with the Southwest Twin redevelopment project. Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. has been selected as the construction manager at risk. Allworld Project Management is the owner’s representative and program manager. Aaron Patrick Architects is architect of record alongside 4FDesign and O.T. Marshall Architects.