Explore The Southwest Twin's Future with Pop-Up Events All Year Long

A once over-grown place is being brought back to life

The Southwest Twin Drive-In has been an iconic landmark to Westwood residents and the Memphis community since the 1950s. I was reading stories and testimonials from now grown-ups about their fondest teenage memories hanging out at the Drive-In with their friends. To me, this really proves how special the Southwest Twin Drive- In was, because I can barely remember what I did last weekend. They expressed that the vacant land seemed somber.

So hearing the news that the City of Memphis purchased the property after it sat unused for over two decades was very promising. I want to emphasize that the actual Southwest Twin Drive-In will not necessarily reopen as the Drive-In of its past, but the multi-acre space will be revitalized and utilized in favor of the community.

Through the hard work of neighborhood stakeholders and community leaders, a year-long series of activations is taking place at Southwest Twin– and doing so in a very fun way. As of now, the full plan is still in the works — there are only plans for a library branch and police precinct at this point— which is why these activations are so engaging to reimagine the use of space. 

One of the first community events was a clean up day. People of all ages and backgrounds banded together for one goal: to restore the look of the Southwest Twin. A once over-grown place suddenly had garden beds and no weeds to be seen. 

David Yancy, co-director of Paint Memphis, created a gorgeous “Paint by Numbers”  mural during this event so kids and volunteers could help bring it to life. This lively piece is such a breath of fresh air. You can see it was painted with love. Whether the volunteers left covered in paint or dirt, they left knowing they’re part of a positive change in the community.

Another event included an end-of-summer block party with the newly debuted Shell On Wheels. Hundreds of residents enjoyed live music, local food trucks, rock climbing, inflatables, and a row of sick sports cars! 

The future's so bright for the Southwest Twin. Show up to the events and be a catalyst for change in the community. I encourage you to stay in the know by following the Southwest Twin’s Instagram and Facebook and signing up for email updates.