Elvis Birthplace looks toward second phase of expansion

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - The second phase of a $6 million expansion and renovation project is set to begin at the Elvis Presley Birthplace, and officials will be visiting the Legislature on Thursday to talk about their favorite subject.

It also happens to be the 80th birthday of The King.

Some of us will be in Jackson, while some of us will be in Tupelo helping celebrate, said Dick Guyton, the executive director of the birthplace and museum.

Guyton said the trip to Jackson is to serve lunch to legislators and ask for funding for the birthplace. Three years ago, they successfully lobbied to get more than $2 million for the first phase of the project, which was met with a 20 percent match by the city.

Guyton hopes theyll be generous this year, too.

Were looking for $1 million to finish phase two, he said.

Phase two will add two Elvis statues to an overlook with a memorial wall and pavilion, a separate picnic pavilion, a winding walkway from the amphitheater to the overlook and steps from the parking lot that connect to the walkway.

Phase three, which will cost about another $1 million, will rework the landscaping and walkways around the lake on the property.

Well be upgrading the lake, cleaning it up, adding a water feature or two and make it a more enjoyable place to sit, walk and relax, he said. But thats down the road.

Thursdays luncheon at the Capitol will have peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and lawmakers will be serenaded by an Elvis tribute artist, of course.

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Elvis Birthplace looks toward second phase of expansion