The news out of Memphis, Tennessee, is not good for America's largest pyramid. The 32-story stainless-steel-sided behemoth formerly known as The Great American Pyramid, is in danger of being torn down.

Or maybe it will outsmart the demolitionists and do the job itself.

Neither would surprise us. The Pyramid, which formerly served as an arena, has sat empty since 2004. Regular Roadside readers know what a lousy track record these imitations of royal Egyptian tombs have had in the U.S.

Bass Pro Shops is reportedly about to sign an agreement to do... something with the Pyramid, although no one seems to know exactly what. The agreement also reportedly allows Bass to walk away from the Pyramid at any time that it wants to, for any reason, with no penalty. This has not inspired a lot of confidence in Memphis. According to an article in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, a city councilman has said that, "I think they [Bass] have some concerns about the structure." The same newspaper reported that Bass "had major concerns about seismic issues."

[02/11/2008]

November 10, 2009