Demolition makes room for new Beale Street police substation | News

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The mission to build a new police substation on Beale Street is underway and Action News 5 got a firsthand look at the destruction ahead of the construction.

The old Double Deuce and former Red Rooster were torn apart from the inside out Thursday to make room for a new police substation.

Once the beer kegs and barstools are disposed of, construction crews will turn the space into the Memphis Police Department's new Entertainment District Unit substation on Beale Street.

"It's not going to be merely an empty storefront. There will be officers in that building," said Mayor AC Wharton.

This project is much to the behest of Mayor Wharton and the blessing of the Beale Street Merchants Association.

City officials say the measure is not reactive, but rather, proactive in order to deter criminal activity on the city's biggest tourist attraction.

A date of completion is not yet set in stone. Crews expect it will take several more weeks to finish.

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