Organizers plan series of events to reactivate 17-acre property
Organizers working to reactivate a former drive-in movie theater in Memphis' Westwood neighborhood have lined up a series of events to propel their efforts forward.
The City of Memphis is hosting a series of community events at the Southwest Twin at 4233 S. Third St. The Southwest Twin Drive-In opened in 1956 and operated until 2001.
The City of Memphis took possession of the 17-acre property in 2021. The parcel had been forfeited to the U.S. Government in 2012 as part of a court settlement with the former owner who had operated a flea market there.
In 2022, the City of Memphis and Shelby County each committed $1 million to reactivate and revitalize the site. The City sought a designer for the project in August 2023. Memphis Housing & Community Development director Ashley Cash told MBJ last year that a library, police precinct, community center, and family-friendly commercial were all uses the City could see for the site.
Southwest Twin's next act is scheduled to begin on Saturday, Aug. 10, with an introduction to the overall series program. Events lined up across six Saturdays include entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts, yoga classes, story time with the Memphis Public Libraries, and gardening, food prep, and canning workshops.
“This is an opportunity to engage our residents while having a great time,“ Cash said in a news release. "The City is committed to creating a space here in Westwood that will serve as a community hub, connect neighbors, and bring visitors from all over the city.”
The first five events are scheduled for 9–11 a.m., with beverages and light snacks available. The season culminates with the Community Harvest Celebration & Festival on Oct. 19, from noon to 4:30 p.m.
The community day schedule is:
Aug.10: Introduction to the program
Aug. 24: Grow Basics for Gardening at Home
Sept. 7: Planting Your Fall Garden
Sept. 21: Managing Your Garden & Your Health
Oct. 5: Harvesting & Eating From Your Garden
Oct. 19: Community Harvest Celebration & Festival