The future of the planned "Water Magic" attraction off the Pigeon Forge Parkway will be changing, according to the project's developer.
John Joslyn told 10News the economy has forced him to change plans on the $40 million project, saying he believes it cannot support "stand alone" projects.
"I figure a year and half of 'It's going to happen' is long enough," said Dee Gallon, the owner of Memories Theater. "My people weren't exactly happy, and this place sat empty," she added. The Elvis-based attraction was one of three buildings on the proposed project site forced to vacate, shortly after the 2010 announcement.
However, Memories plans to reopen in its original building on October 4.
"We like challenges... we don't mind them," Gallon said, as she began moving back to her original property Tuesday. She said until Joslyn has plans set, the show will go on at Memories.
"Should it happen 2-3 years down the road, I'll be happy to talk to (Joslyn) again," Gallon said. "But I will not move one nail, one chair, one anything without a cashiers check in my hand."
However, despite the stall in construction, Pigeon Forge mayor David Wear said other attractions off the Parkway are moving forward.
"I do not think that's an indication of our economy here," Mayor Wear said. "For whatever reason, (Water Magic) might of not worked, (but) we have investors and things coming in."
Two examples are the Cap Ripken Experience and the Villages at Belle Island. However, he said Tuesday's news is not rare for the town.
"The Island is one that came to mind, the Belle Island project. In my mind that was strictly because of the economy and the downturn. That has also redeveloped and we're excited to see that pick up," Mayor Wear added.
That project is in the middle of construction at this time.
Meanwhile Joslyn told 10News the future of that plot of land where Memories theater, along with the former Kickin' Country and Magic, stands includes restaurants, retail space, a hotel and other attractions... including something similar to "Water Magic."
He said the earliest construction can begin is 6-to-8 months.