OT Marshall Architects was hired by City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development to assemble a master plan for the 175 acres that were previously the Mid-South Fairgrounds.  It was part of city government’s plan to put underused public sites to more productive uses.  By 2013, to transform the rarely used site into a 365-days-a-year destination, the master plan recommended construction of a nationally significant youth sports complex at the southwestern part of the site, development of a multi-purpose building, a new Fairview Middle School gymnasium, and a hotel and mixed-use retail/commercial/housing fronting Central Avenue.

The design and construction of Tiger Lane was a crucial element of the master plan along with the fountain and grand entrance on the west side of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.  The financial plan for implementation of the master plan was based on State of Tennessee Tourism Development Zone revenues so that no funds from the City of Memphis’ operating budget were needed.  This master plan ultimately informed current plans for Liberty Park but are not identical.