Storyland Studios, the experience design and production studio with offices in the US and Europe, has been selected to design Storyville Gardens, an interactive, story-driven theme park based in Middle Tennessee.
Storyville Gardens’ mission is to inspire a renewed love for reading that transcends basic classroom requirements. Its rides, attractions and shows will be based on stories from the four corners of the globe: Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.
“We want to create an unforgettable experience that ignites an insatiable love of reading and story in the next generation of children,” said Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Clients at Storyland Studios. “We’re incredibly excited to begin the next phase of creation with the Storyville Gardens team.”
The park will feature a combination of traditional show-based entertainment and cutting-edge technological innovations to create an “edutainment” experience for all ages.
“The potential for Storyville Gardens is limitless, both in terms of its ability to become a global attraction as well as its expected impact on children and families that will embrace reading and stories through world-class, experiential attractions,” said Mel McGowan, Storyland Studios Founder and Chief Creative Officer. “The theme park industry will have never seen a park quite like this one. Tennessee families and tourists to the region are in for an experience they won’t be able to get anywhere else.”
The concept for Storyville Gardens was created by Elde and DeLisa Guerrier, owners of Guerrier Development in Nashville, a real estate development and investment firm. It’s centered on a social mission to impact children and families through the power of storytelling.
“Nashville and the surrounding counties are missing family-friendly entertainment options for our children,” said DeLisa Guerrier, Managing Partner at Guerrier Development and project lead for Storyville Gardens. “Storyville Gardens will provide that option while also helping parents and caregivers instill a love of reading in their children.”
The Guerriers’ vision for Storyville Gardens is that of a 130-acre destination that includes the theme park; more than 220,000 square feet of entertainment, retail and dining facilities; and three hotels.
“There is a great deal of excitement and energy around Storyville Gardens, and we are looking forward to delivering it to the region,” said Elde Guerrier. “Children today are the most technologically savvy generation in history. Storyville Gardens will utilize technology to engage children in a way they understand and expect.”
According to DeLisa Guerrier, her company is in the process of selecting a site for Storyville Gardens. Active discussions are in progress with both private landowners and local governments in Middle Tennessee. A site is expected to be announced before the end of 2021.
Storyville Gardens is slated to begin construction in mid-2022.
