Pro Pyramid
The first thing I want to say is "the city and county should have held the University of Memphis to their original contract." Had that been the case. We wouldn't be looking for a tenant for the Pyramid right now. Enough of the shoulda,woulda, coulda as it were. Our elected officials let them out. Which put the city in it's present position. The only thing that matters at this point is. What are we going to do now?At first glance, the thought of a mega sporting goods store doesn't sound so good. On second thought and under closer scrutiny it doesn't sound so bad. I spent some time in Osage Beach Missouri, and it became conceivable to me. I don't blame Pro Bass for dragging the process out. The longer the structure stays empty and is costing the taxpayers money. The better deal they'll be able to negotiate. Now that someone else has made a proposal. It makes it interesting for citizens at least, it lights a fire underneath Pro Bass to get moving. I think they'll meet the deadline.
Mayor Herenton said something I found very interesting. He said the thought of grazing the Pyramid wasn't out of the question. I think he's just putting the people in a bargain basement mood. We might not get what we think we should, but something is better than nothing.
posted by Common at
6:36 PM
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Third suitor for The Pyramid?
Client's legal contact prompts recusal by County Commission chairman
By David Williams
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Memphis law firm Burch, Porter & Johnson has a client that is considering a proposal for the vacant arena, said David Lillard, an attorney at the firm and chairman of the County Commission.
For that reason, Lillard, in his commissioner's role, has recused himself from any Pyramid vote or discussion. He said he couldn't disclose the firm's client but that it is not one of the known suitors -- Springfield, Mo.-based outdoors retailer Bass Pro Shops or local marketing and entertainment executive Greg Ericson's group.
"Someone has consulted other people at this firm -- not me -- about possibly making a proposal," Lillard said Monday. "Whenever a client of ours has any business concerning whatever the issue is in county government, I recuse myself -- and for me, that means not only not voting on the matter; it's always meant that I don't talk to anybody about it, in county government or any other governmental entity."
It isn't known if the firm's client has approached the city or county about the vacant arena. Attempts to reach Robert Lipscomb, project manager for the city-led reuse process, were unsuccessful.
But late last week Lipscomb said, "Nobody's come to me in the last six months except Ericson."
Also unknown is the entity's level of seriousness -- and wherewithal to convert a former basketball arena for other uses.
"It may never amount to anything," Lillard said. "They just may never get off the ground."
Bass Pro faces a Jan. 31 target date to complete its due diligence and reach a binding agreement for its megastore project. Despite failing to commit to the project through a series of nonbinding agreements, company president Jim Hagale has said the target date "absolutely" would be met.
"It has to be," Lipscomb said last week when asked about the target date and the possibility of an extension for Bass Pro.
Lipscomb also is studying Ericson's proposal to create an indoor theme park as part of a larger riverfront redevelopment that would include hotels, shopping and a new amphitheater on Mud Island.
Ericson said details of his plan -- now called Pyramid Harbor, and divided into two major themed areas -- can be seen starting today at pyramidharbor.com.
He said the two areas will be dubbed Pyramid Resorts and Harbor Island.
"It will be two separate parks, with two completely separate feels and designs and attractions," he said.
Commissioners push Bass Pro alternatives
Resolution is approved to study Ericson plan
By Alex Doniach (Contact)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Some County Commissioners are eager to see talks end with Bass Pro Corporation for future use of the empty Pyramid.
They're so eager that they approved a resolution Wednesday urging Mayor A C Wharton's administration to study viable alternatives for The Pyramid's use before committing to Bass Pro, including the Ericson Group's proposal to turn The Pyramid into an indoor theme park.
In a 4-2 vote, the Commission's economic development and tourism committee approved a resolution that said the commission will not agree on any deal until the Ericson proposal is given full consideration.
"We're still of the mind that we don't go forward without at least first seriously considering the alternative," said Commissioner Steve Mulroy, the resolution's sponsor.
Voting for the resolution were Commissioners Mulroy, Mike Carpenter, Joyce Avery and Wyatt Bunker. Voting against it were Sidney Chism and Henri Brooks.
The issue will come before the full panel Monday.
Bass Pro had been The Pyramid's primary suitor until Greg Ericson recently burst on the scene with a $250 million, privately funded plan to transform the vacant arena and the river park with hotels, shopping and tourist attractions.
A third nonbinding letter of intent with Bass Pro expires Jan. 31.
County chief administrative officer Jim Huntzicker confirmed county officials determined the Ericson plan to be financially viable.
Yet the conversation Wednesday didn't focus on sporting goods stores or indoor theme parks, but whether a resolution urging the mayor to take certain action crosses the legislative branch of government into Wharton's turf -- the executive branch.
Huntzicker said it might be more appropriate for commissioners to call the mayor and share opinions rather than approve a formal resolution.
Added Chism: "The fact of the matter is that you are trying to force it down the mayor's throat."
Mulroy disagreed. "To say that's crossing the line of separation of powers is saying that we, as a body, can never speak on our position about anything that would require executive action, as almost everything does," he said, noting that future action on The Pyramid will require commission approval anyway.
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