Presley Place Opened

Lisa Marie Presley cut the ribbon at 10 a.m. today on the 12-unit apartment complex, which she says has became a mission for her. In a rare interview, Presley told The Commercial Appeal that her decision to fund Presley Place was more than paying homage to her father. Just as Elvis Presley and his family once found refuge in public housing, 11 Memphis families facing homelessness will find sanctuary this week with the opening of Presley Place.

She, her son and daughter broke ground for Presley Place at 701 St. Paul in June 2000, when the address was a scrubby vacant lot across the street from W. Alonzo Locke Elementary School. Presley Place is next door to the new Les Passees Center for Children and Families, which is scheduled to be completed in about a month. It will include an Elvis Presley Music Room where children will be able to take music lessons on instruments at the center. Presley Place also has a touch of Graceland: The facade of the laundry building is intended to resemble the King's former home.