Memphis has achieved a milestone with the completion of a major restoration project at the historic Cobblestone Landing. A prominent part of the city’s waterfront since the mid-1800s steamboat era. According to a statement from the City of Memphis, the restoration project took more than two decades and cost approximately $17 million, funded by the city and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The effort aimed not only to preserve the historic site but also to make it a functional and accessible part of the modern riverfront. The addition of the Union Avenue Overlook now provides an elevated panoramic view of the Mississippi River, enhancing the historic charm of Cobblestone Landing.
Improvements at Cobblestone Landing have included careful stabilization of the cobblestones, the installation of erosion protection measures for long-term preservation, and the creation of new pathways to improve public access. The project also focused on integrating the landing with surrounding park systems, strengthening the connection between downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River, which has been central to the city for generations.
City Engineer Manny Belen praised the project’s completion, saying, "This restoration pays tribute to Memphis’ river heritage and fosters a revitalized sense of place along the Mississippi," during a ceremony attended by city leaders and community members, as per the City of Memphis. The historic landing, which has witnessed the ebb and flow of Memphis history, is now prepared to welcome new generations to its shores.
The City of Memphis encourages residents and visitors to explore the fully restored Cobblestone Landing. Collaborative efforts from Precise Contracting, Tetra Tech, Ritchie Smith Associates, Chronicle Heritage, Malasri Engineering, CEI Team, alongside the Memphis Engineering Department, Memphis River Parks Partnership, and Memphis Riverboats, have helped preserve this landmark as a lasting symbol on the Memphis riverfront.
