The City of Memphis invites all Memphians to help shape the future of the historic Cossitt Library’s West Wing. Located at the rear of the landmark building, the long-shuttered wing is set to undergo major renovations following the successful reopening of the library’s main building in 2022.
A public kickoff event will launch the community engagement phase on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cossitt Library.
“This project reflects the kind of Memphis we want to see thrive,” said Mayor Paul Young. “By restoring the West Wing, we’re honoring our history while creating space for arts, culture, and community to grow. It’s part of moving Memphis forward; stronger neighborhoods, more opportunity, and a downtown we can all be proud of.”
The City’s Division of Housing and Community Development will lead the next phase of renovation, beginning with structural stabilization funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This initiative will ultimately transform the West Wing into a vibrant hub for cultural programming, artistic expression, and economic development.
Founded in 1893 through a gift from the daughters of Frederick Cossitt, the library was the first in what would become the Memphis Public Libraries system. It has also served as a prominent site in the city’s Civil Rights history.
The original Romanesque-style building, once the most photographed in Memphis, was demolished in 1955 and replaced by the current East Wing—an iconic setting for Civil Rights sit-ins in 1959. The West Wing, added in 1925, spans approximately 25,000 square feet across three floors and a rooftop. Closed to the public for decades, it received only preliminary updates, including lead and asbestos abatement during the 2022 renovation of the East Wing.
By restoring this historic space, the City aims to strengthen community ties and spur economic growth—turning the West Wing into a dynamic destination for all Memphians.
Future plans include collaboration with community partners such as the National Civil Rights Museum, Brooks Museum of Art, University of Memphis School of Law, and the Ernest C. Withers Foundation, among others.