Video: Groundbreaking Ceremonies Held for Latest Expansion at Elvis Birthplace

[syndicaster id=’5538957′]

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) — The top tourist attraction in Mississippi announces a major expansion. Today’s groundbreaking at the Elvis Presley Birthplace kicks off a project that will feature a look at Elvis the boy and Elvis the entertainer.

They gathered behind the theater and reception area to break ground on the latest expansion to Elvis’ birthplace.

The $1 million project will develop the overlook, where Elvis used to play as a young boy. The centerpiece will be two statues, Elvis the Boy and Elvis the entertainer.

An overlook pavilion, walking trails new landscaping and lighting will also be part of the project. Organizers say it will help better tell the story of Elvis’ life in Tupelo, before fame and fortune.

“There’s a lot of questions in some minds, about ‘where did he come from, what was he like as a little boy? what developed him’ and so that’s the reason we feel like it’s important to tell our story here and to add to that story so people can stay longer and learn more about Elvis as a young boy,” said Dick Guyton, Executive Director of the Birthplace and Museum.

In the crowd, several international visitors, in town for Elvis’ 80th birthday celebration later this week. Two Australian fans say seeing where it all began for the original American Idol is special.

What is it about Elvis that keeps you coming back to his hometown?

“Just him, he’s so special. Never met him, never saw him, but I’ve loved him for a long long time, just part of my life now, Elvis,” said Lyn Sinkey.

“Very important to see his grassroots,” said Gai Cavanough.

There is about nine acres here at the Birthplace that hasn’t been developed. Work on the pavilion, overlook and the statues will be ready for Fan Day, August 8th. Then plans are already in the works for more attractions.

“We envision having public restrooms, since it’s a city park. We envision having picnic pavilions, because it’s a city park. And we have renderings on creating what we call a ‘mediation lake” which will be a lake with water features, seating, place where fans can just go and sit and relax by the waterfall,” said Henry Dodge, Chairman of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation.

The master plan of expansions and additions has a price tag of about $6.5 million.

Thursday marks what would have been Elvis’ 80th birthday. Some members of the Memorial Foundation will be in Jackson, giving peanut butter and banana sandwiches to lawmakers, as they will ask for some state aid to fund the expansion projects.