Presley Estate May Sue to Block Use of Name

The estate of Elvis Presley may sue to block a $517-million Elvis-themed resort, saying the developer has no right to attach Elvis’ name to the project eight miles from the Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tenn.

The developer, EPR Enterprises, said last week that it won the approval of local planners to build on the 157-acre ranch once owned by the singer in nearby Walls, Miss. Plans include 150 cottages that duplicate where Elvis and Priscilla Presley stayed after their wedding.

Officials at Presley’s estate, though, are worried that there’s not enough Elvis to go around. A drop in tourism brought on by the slowing economy has led to fewer visitors to Graceland, Elvis’ former home, forcing the estate to fire 15% of its staff.

Norcross, Ga.-based EPR Enterprises has options on the ranch and 645 acres of surrounding land and believes ownership would entitle it to use the Elvis name, said Vice President J.D. Stacy.

EPR wants to build 650 condominiums, two hotels, two 18-hole golf courses, a convention center, a museum, three wedding chapels and an indoor amusement park.