Arlington plumps up Town Hall plans, OKs tennis court updates
By Michael Waddell – Daily Memphian
January 7, 2025
The Town of Arlington is moving forward with plans to fast-track the design and construction of a Town Hall addition.
On Jan. 6, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the design phase for the addition, along with a contract for improvements to the Arlington Tennis Center.
The proposed addition to Town Hall at 5854 Airline Road would double the building’s office space to more than 5,000 square feet. Officials say the current space is insufficient to accommodate needed staff.
For Phase 1 planning, Grinder Taber Grinder will collaborate with Renaissance Group on design and cost estimates, a process expected to take about three months. The board will then review and approve the final design and budget.
Alderman Jeremy Biggs emphasized the importance of the project’s appearance, noting that Town Hall should reflect high standards for future development in Arlington.
Long term, the town plans to build a new Town Hall on land off Milton Wilson Road. Arlington acquired 353 acres from the state in late 2023 and is seeking an additional 88 acres for infrastructure. That project remains on hold for now.
The board also approved a contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements around the Arlington Tennis Center at Memphis-Arlington Road and Milton Wilson Boulevard. The project will improve road frontage and address drainage issues.
Additionally, the board approved a resolution expressing interest in accepting two land parcels totaling 37.1 acres from the Shelby County Land Bank. Located near the Loosahatchie River, the land is largely restricted due to its floodway status. The town intends to preserve the area as green space and potentially add shared trails to provide public access to the river.
The land aligns with Arlington’s Loosahatchie River Greenway Trail Master Plan, approved in 2014, aimed at expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.