JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI | City With Soul

[vetteking]

JSU introduces Lynch Street Corridor project to make historic area a tourist destination

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - What’s been done in Belhaven and Fondren is envisioned for John R. Lynch Street near Jackson State University.

Funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation is laying the ground work for the revitalization project.

Plans are underway to revamp John R. Lynch Street into a bustling historic corridor filled with retail, student and residential housing, and more.

“I have been living in this area for 64 years,” said Murlene Terry Taylor.

The west Jackson resident wants to see Lynch Street return to its glory days. She was one of Medgar Evers’ secretaries and was among dozens of residents learning about its proposed future.

“I went to the movies, ‘The Ebony Theater,’ back in the day, and I worked at Jackson State University,” said Terry Taylor. “Belhaven has already been revitalized, and we want to bring that same interest over in west Jackson.”

JSU received a $155,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to develop the project. It is one of 19 schools to receive the funding to make improvements centered on retaining historical sites.

“How can our HBCUs transition into a modern use while also preserving their legacy?” said Tiffany Tolbert with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We heard today from the community members history both known and unknown.”

The vision is to restore and renovate existing buildings on the 100 year street from COFO, the Council of Federated Organizations, to the Stringer Building home of the NAACP and beyond.

“What we talked about on the Lynch Street Corridor happened no where else in the world,” said JSU Director of Community Engagement. “This plan harnesses those resources in a real meaningful way for economic viability, and we believe people will come here from across the world to see what we have in our treasure trove.”

According to officials, $2-$10 million dollars have been secured for the $30 million dollar project, which they hope to see in about five years.

JSU is working with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to add Lynch Street to the National Register of Historic Places.
https://www.wlbt.com/2024/08/01/jsu-...t-destination/

Jackson State University introducing students to downtown loft living with new residence spaces

Jackson State University has expanded its residence life to downtown Jackson for returning students. On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning approved the University’s request to provide student housing at the Courthouse and Walthall Lofts.

The newly acquired spaces will accommodate 276 students, in addition to three spaces designated for essential residence life staff.


The Courthouse at Walthall Lofts features several floor plans, including the supreme loft. (Photo by William H. Kelly, III/JSU)

“Under the leadership of President Dr. Marcus Thompson, Jackson State University is actively expanding its housing options to meet the growing demand. The University is dedicated to developing and securing additional residential spaces while upgrading current spaces to accommodate the increasing number of students eager to join the JSU family. Our priority is to make sure all students have access to quality residential life,” said Dr. Jonas Vanderbilt, vice president of Student Affairs.

Students will notice an increase in cost due to the enhanced downtown loft living experience, which includes numerous amenities such as in-room laundry facilities [in most units], study and recreational rooms, a swimming pool, and a parking garage, adding value and convenience.


The Business Center at The Walthall Lofts. (Photo by William H. Kelly, III/JSU)

Additionally, students residing at the Courthouse and Walthall lofts will have fully equipped kitchens in each unit, removing the need for a meal plan. A JSU meal plan for on-campus students generally costs $4500-5,000 per academic year.

“The University is already receiving considerable interest from students who are ready to seize this attractive opportunity. Our ongoing commitment is to always provide a quality education in a nurturing environment at an affordable cost,” Vanderbilt said.


The Walthall Lofts displays a cozy homestyle lobby area. (Photo by William H. Kelly, III/JSU)

Since assuming the presidency in November 2023, Thompson has made significant strides in securing funding for critical JSU initiatives, including housing upgrades, reliable water resources, infrastructure improvements, expanding the University’s footprint, and beautification projects. In May, the University received $23 million in appropriations, one of the largest allocations in its history.

Thompson plans to share further details of his vision for Jackson State at his investiture ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13, at JSU’s Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.


The Walthall Lofts also has an arcade room where no coins are needed. (Photo by William H. Kelly, III/JSU)

https://www.jsumsnews.com/jackson-st...idence-spaces/

[vetteking]

Pictures of Downtown Jackson July 2024 (All images from Instagram)

[vetteking]

NBA superstar Tracy McGrady starting a new baseball league in Jackson

If there's one thing the Legacy League is bringing to the City of Jackson, it's opportunity.

That's what commissioner, Tim Bennett, as well as a few team owners such as Tracy McGrady, Brian Jordan and Andruw Jones, will tell you.

McGrady is a seven-time NBA all-star, two-time NBA scoring champion and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Jordan played in both the NFL and the MLB in his 17-year sports career. Jones, originally from the Caribbean island of Curaçao, played 17 seasons in the MLB.

All three are set to be owners of teams in the capital city's new Legacy League, a summer baseball league with 10 teams representing the Jackson-metro area. They will be joined as owners by other baseball legends such as Dusty Baker, Ralph Garr and Jair Jurrjens. More team owners are to be announced in the future.

Kicking off in June 2025 with a 30-game season, the new developmental league hopes to attract college players, as well as a few recent high-school graduates, who want to improve their game in-front of college, minor league and MLB scouts. Fans and metro residents will watch the games at Smith-Wills Stadium.

"What we're doing with this league is giving a lot of opportunities to a lot of kids, and bringing baseball to a community that I think will be revitalized and bring some life to it," McGrady said in a recent interview with the Clarion Ledger.

Opportunities will come in many forms. More opportunities for baseball players in the South. More opportunities for Black and international players. And more opportunities for Jackson: economically, socially and culturally.

Though most people know him for basketball, McGrady said his "first love" was baseball; he started playing at the age of 5. After retiring from basketball, McGrady played for the Sugar Land Skeeters, a former Texas independent minor league baseball team. He retired mid-way through the season, saying he didn't realize the time and effort baseball players put into the game which was taking away from spending time with his wife and kids.


But when Bennett approached him to become a Legacy League team owner, McGrady said he jumped at the, you guessed it, opportunity.

The basketball legend said the league will be another outlet for kids, something you could argue is needed in a city that has struggled with increased murder rates, gang violence and youth crime — though there has been a slight decrease over the last couple of years.

"We're trying to change that narrative. I think bringing this league, bringing great people that's involved in this league, will change that narrative and help the community grow in a positive way," McGrady said. "Despite what people are going through in their lives, this a great opportunity for them to get away from those moments and situations."

He also touched on the financial opportunities the league will bring to Jackson that will "uplift the community," such as supporting local businesses and bringing money to the municipalities involved. The plan is to have each of the 10 teams represent cities surrounding the metro, including Madison, Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, Vicksburg, Flowood, Richland, Vicksburg, Warren County and Jackson.

Indeed, the financial impact of the Jackson-metro area is a big selling point for the league. Each city participating will take home 10% of ticket sales during home games; local law enforcement and fire departments will keep all revenue earned from parking; and booster clubs can also work concessions for home games, keeping 10% of sales.

"There's so many people and different facets that can be impacted by bringing league sports to a community," McGrady said.

There are already more well-known summer baseball leagues, such as the Cape Cod Summer League and the Northwoods League, that bring in plenty of green for their local economies. The Cape Cod league's economic impact exceeds $3 million annually, according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

Besides the money, the Cape Cod league attracts some of baseball's best up-and-comers each summer and have produced over 1,500 major leaguers, including Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso.


Brian Jordan, who played in the NFL and MLB, is a team owner of Jackson's new Legacy League, a summer baseball league starting in 2025.

More opportunities for Black athletes is also a big goal. Bennett shared that in 1986 the percentage of Black players in the major leagues was 18%, but has fallen to only about 5% in today's game. According to the latest U.S. census numbers, Jackson's Black population is nearly 83%, making it one of the Blackest cities in the nation., a perfect place to try to increase participation and get more African-American's involved in the game.

McGrady was one of the only Black players on his team where he grew up in Florida, but said he never felt out of place because "I loved the sport." Now he wants to share that love with other young, Black athletes in the South.

"When I was coming up, I was the only Black player on my team and I grew up in one of the most drug-infested neighborhoods in Polk County, Florida. And me coming from the background that I grew up in, and being around a bunch of guys that didn't look like me, I didn't feel out of place at all because I loved the sport," he said. "I think these kids just don't understand that because it's (baseball) not presented in a way that's fun and we just want to change that and get more of us, Blacks, involved in the game of baseball."

And a recent announcement will also give international players more of a chance to step up to the plate. In July, Bennett, along with Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, announced a sister-city agreement with Rionegro, a country in Colombia. The agreement will bring baseball players from South America to Jackson to train and play in the Legacy League.

While Black participation has decreased, today's Latin participation in the major leagues sits around 35% to 40%.

Jones, the former MLB player from Curaçao, said the agreement gives opportunities for Latin players to show their stuff, something they normally don't have — just like a lot of Black and minority athletes in the U.S.


Andruw Jones, originally from the Caribbean island of Curaçao and played 17 seasons in the MLB, is a team owner of Jackson's new Legacy League, a new summer baseball league. Jones said the league will give more opportunities to international and Latin players.

"Coming from a different country, I know trying to make it out here is hard and how difficult it is for minority kids to get an opportunity," Jones said. "When we all got involved and started talking, we said 'let's try to give these kids who don't have an opportunity a chance.' … The whole thing is to try to give opportunities for these guys."

https://www.aol.com/white-sox-losing...020348664.html

[vetteking]

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership welcomes Generator Supercenter

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership
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Congratulations to Generator Supercenter on the opening of their first retail store in the Greater Jackson area. Generator Supercenter is located just north of Maywood Mart, 4680 I-56 North Frontage Road, Jackson. Their mission is to joyfully provide comfort and peace of mind for their customers. GJCP appreciates your support and investment in our chamber and the Greater Jackson community!
https://www.facebook.com/GreaterJack...Nmc3CfLNxbSbrl

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership shines spotlight on Gibbs Travis PLLC

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership
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Today’s Member Spotlight shines on Gibbs Travis PLLC!
Formed in 2011 with a commitment to diversity and top-tier legal representation of its clients, Gibbs Travis PLLC has a team of aggressive lawyers who protect the interests of their clients. Known primarily for their efforts as defense attorneys, Gibbs Travis PLLC stands beside their clients to represent them in the face of negative publicity or potentially poor trial results. With a strong network and political capital, they have successfully maneuvered board rooms as well as courtrooms. As approved attorneys for insurance carriers, Fortune 100 clients, Mississippi corporations and government entities, the Gibbs Travis team is ready to handle your legal case. Learn more at http://www.gibbstravis.com!


https://www.facebook.com/GreaterJack...bNtxA4nJhPWsXl

[vetteking]

Two buildings demolished in Jackson

Friday, August 2, 2024
Demolished!

Readers may have noticed the building that once housed Canon Motors, Steam Room Grill, and Tony Roma's Ribs on I-55N Frontage Road is no more.

The owners of the property said the building was old, poorly-built, and maintenance cost more than the building was worth. Solution: demolition.
http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/202...emolished.html

[vetteking]

Construction of Center for Medically Fragile Children underway

Photos By: Jay Ferchaud/ UMMC Communications

Children with complex medical conditions will soon have a place where they can live and their families can get the training needed to care for them at home.

Construction of the Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children is now underway in a wooded lot off Eastwood Drive in Jackson. The first and only such facility in Mississippi, the home will serve patients younger than 19 who need skilled care because of the complexity of their medical conditions.

The need for a facility for medically fragile children in the state was recognized in the late 2010s, when Children’s of Mississippi had several patients with long-term complex care needs.


Jones

“For long-term residents, this will feel like a home,” said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Center. “They won’t feel like they are in a hospital, even though they will be provided with the same level of care.”

Children’s of Mississippi is the pediatric arm of UMMC that includes the state’s only children’s hospital. Clarke, a former state representative and the first African American woman to serve in the Mississippi Legislature, was a key advocate for the project.

The 20-bed facility will have two wings with a common area that will serve as a living room space.

Patients at the center will range from newborns who may not have been able to wean off ventilators and need an additional 60 to 90 days to adolescents 19 or younger recovering from accidents or living with conditions that require skilled nursing care.

Conditions of patients at the center will vary. Some who will live at the center have been injured in accidents, while others have congenital or genetic conditions. Other patients may be dependent on technology such as ventilators or feeding tubes to survive and may rely on wheelchairs.

The center will also be a place where parents can learn how to care for their medically fragile children before taking them home, Jones said.

“Babies leaving neonatal intensive care may require a feeding tube or a ventilator, and their parents will require training,” he said. “Those patients can go to the center while their parents learn how to take care of them.”

The center can also be a bridge from pediatric inpatient care to home for patients and their parents.

“Parents need to be comfortable with their children’s medical equipment, and troubleshooting will need to be done so they know how to handle any issues at home,” Jones said. “That can take time. Alarms on equipment may not go off every day or even every week. We want parents to be comfortable in any scenario that might arise.”

In 2019, the Mississippi Legislature created the Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children and issued $12.5 million in bonds to the center the same year. An additional $2 million in bonds were issued in 2020.

Ground was broken on the project in December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the project.

“The pandemic did affect our progress,” Jones said. “There were supply chain issues and limited numbers of some resources, and then costs rose. We had to redo our original plans to make sure we had the necessary funds. After the pandemic, we got back on track.”

The center’s construction, which started this spring, is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

Dr. Christian Paine, chief of the Division of Pediatric Palliative Medicine, said the center has been a vision for patients and their care teams over the years.


Dr. Christian Paine speaks during the groundbreaking for the Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children in 2019.

“The completion of a new home for children with medical complexity in Mississippi will show that, together, children’s dreams and caregivers’ hearts have the power to change their world,” Paine said. “For years, Children’s of Mississippi and its staff have provided for the loving care of children with lifelong ventilator dependence when no other local facility was available. This meant allowing children to remain long-term near their families and communities here in our state despite Children’s of Mississippi’s acute care model and inadequate resource support from payors.”

Now, with the new Center, children who are incapable, for one reason or another, of living at home on advanced respiratory support, will finally have a home of their own, he said.

“This new facility is designed to look and feel like each room is an individual home. In addition, children whose families are training to learn the skills necessary to eventually move home with medical technology will have a more home-like environment in which to learn.”

https://www.umc.edu/news/News_Articl...-Children.html

[vetteking]

Clinton Chamber of Commerce celebrates Hillman Commons Lofts Ribbon Cutting

Clinton Chamber of Commerce
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We had a wonderful time celebrating Hillman Commons Lofts Ribbon Cutting on August 6, 2024! This gorgeous development was the perfect addition to Olde Towne Clinton, and we so thrilled they are open!
Hillman Commons Lofts offer various floor plans - studio, 1 bed / 1 bath, and 2 beds / 2 baths options! Don’t forget about the wonderful amenities they offer, like a full fitness center, conference room, clubhouse (complete with ping pong and pool tables), study lounge, a lovely courtyard, and more!
Some of the apartment features include a washer/dryer set, dishwasher, walk-in closets, Wi-Fi, beautiful stainless steel appliances, and vinyl & tile flooring. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available and pets are allowed with one time fee & deposit.
We can’t wait to see the remodeled retail space that is to come.
To request a tour, call 769-246-8487 or message them on the apartments.com site at https://www.apartments.com/hillman-c...ts.../jejfz44/!
https://www.facebook.com/ClintonCham...ytMRU5xU35opdl

Team Ten restaurant construction underway in Pearl

Team Ten
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It’s a beaut Clark, it’s a beaut..we have concrete! We finally have more progress than the previous 15 months combined and are now on track to open before 2030 😆
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...00092006985403

Rankin County Chamber of Commerce celebrates Hartfield Academy Ribbon Cutting for their new expansions

Rankin County Chamber
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We enjoyed celebrating with Hartfield Academy at their Ribbon Cutting for their new expansions. Hartfield has a brand new Junior High building, Athletic Complex, and a renovated Hartfield 56 Department. 💚✂️
Hartfield Academy is a christ-centered, college preparatory school that focuses on students in K-3 to 12th grade. Their staff focuses on guiding their students both academically and spiritually. With these new expansions and renovations, students will be able to grow, learn, and achieve in a bigger, brighter space. We are so happy for the Hatfield Academy family and hope they have a wonderful school year! 🍎✏️
📍 1240 Luckney Rd., Flowood, MS 39232
🌐 www.hartfield.org
https://www.facebook.com/RankinCount...1ngbnzws8Gz6Fl

The Pearl Pool will be open this weekend and next weekend

Pearl Chamber of Commerce
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The Pearl Pool will be open this weekend and next weekend on Saturday and Sunday for the last time before they close for the year. $8 admission
#eatshopplaypearl
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...00064817136120

[photoLith]

Dude, this is a forum for urban development, not suburban sprawl stuff... just sayin. If you want people to care about Jackson development (which I would be interested in seeing) than stop posting endless photos of random people, restaurants, suburban sprawl and random things that have nothing to do with development. Focus only on urban projects / transportation / restoring historic buildings and cut out all of the other random stuff that has nothing to do with dense urban development.

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by photoLith

Dude, this is a forum for urban development, not suburban sprawl stuff... just sayin. If you want people to care about Jackson development (which I would be interested in seeing) than stop posting endless photos of random people, restaurants, suburban sprawl and random things that have nothing to do with development. Focus only on urban projects / transportation / restoring historic buildings and cut out all of the other random stuff that has nothing to do with dense urban development.

I'm confused I post urban development news though. The name of the tread is 'City with Soul' and the things I post (I feel like) embody that title. I don't feel like I'm doing any harm by posting photos because it showcases the many beautiful faces of my community. Restaurant news is urban development I feel like because most of the restaurants I post are within Jackson city limits. Now suburban sprawl I still don't understand what you mean. I stopped posting about subdivision homes news and now you're saying I'm still posting suburban sprawl, what's the issue? I will try to focus on projects/transportation/restoring historic buildings news. Thank you for looking out for thread and hope you visit our community one day. Be great bro

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by vetteking

I'm confused I post urban development news though. The name of the tread is 'City with Soul' and the things I post (I feel like) embody that title. I don't feel like I'm doing any harm by posting photos because it showcases the many beautiful faces of my community. Restaurant news is urban development I feel like because most of the restaurants I post are within Jackson city limits. Now suburban sprawl I still don't understand what you mean. I stopped posting about subdivision homes news and now you're saying I'm still posting suburban sprawl, what's the issue? I will try to focus on projects/transportation/restoring historic buildings news. Thank you for looking out for thread and hope you visit our community one day. Be great bro

Just a suggestion...To keep people's attention, greatly reduce the number of photos of random people, food, and of such things as pavement cleaning, etc. to a minimum. Very few people are going to scroll through dozens of photos not related to development on this forum.

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by The ATX

Just a suggestion...To keep people's attention, greatly reduce the number of photos of random people, food, and of such things as pavement cleaning, etc. to a minimum. Very few people are going to scroll through dozens of photos not related to development on this forum.

Okay, I guess I was trying to promote my city for future visitors and potential residents. I will now limit my number of posts on photos of the community, restaurants, etc. Try to only focus on development news in and around Jackson Metro. Thank you for your suggestion as I meant no harm and only wanted to show off my great community.

[veep]

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't take posting advice from the most negative poster on the forum.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by vetteking

Okay, I guess I was trying to promote my city for future visitors and potential residents. I will now limit my number of posts on photos of the community, restaurants, etc. Try to only focus on development news in and around Jackson Metro. Thank you for your suggestion as I meant no harm and only wanted to show off my great community.

It's always great to see someone updating cities that don't get a lot of attention.

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by veep

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't take posting advice from the most negative poster on the forum.

Okay I'm happy you enjoy my posts with pictures of community and local restaurants. I want to showcase why we're called the City with Soul. We have come a long way and have a long way to go. I'm proud of my community and I will post more thanks for responding to Jackson thread. Have visit our community before and if so how was your time here?

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by liam77

City With Soul perfectly captures the vibrant spirit and unique character of a place that pulses with life and culture. It’s a testament to the community’s warmth, creativity, and authenticity. Such a city leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits, making them feel truly alive and connected.

I'm just now seeing your post liam77 thank you for your positive comment about our community. Please come visit us and come back here and share what all you did.

[The ATX]

On a long road trip, I visited all the state capitol buildings from New Mexico to Mississippi. I was impressed by the Mississippi capitol building.

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by The ATX

On a long road trip, I visited all the state capitol buildings from New Mexico to Mississippi. I was impressed by the Mississippi capitol building.

Yeah its a beauty its where everyone in town go for various event photo-shoot. Its top 3 for me. Did you get a chance to tour the inside?

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by vetteking

Yeah its a beauty its where everyone in town go for various event photo-shoot. Its top 3 for me. Did you get a chance to tour the inside?

Yes, I took an inside tour.

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by The ATX

Yes, I took an inside tour.

thats awesome. I hope you visit again, did you enjoy our amazing food?

[vetteking]

Coming Soon: Top Golf in Ridgeland

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Coming Soon: Top Golf

The construction of the Top Golf in Ridgeland is coming along rather nicely as it nears its December opening. Check out the progress.

Developer Gabriel Prado said Top Golf would open in December at a February press conference. Check out some of the comments from the post:

Open by the "end of the year"? Rather ambitious I think. Mid year 2025.

Open by the end of the year? Starting in March? That’s a feat I would love to see. What subcontractor is foolish enough to sign a contract with those time constraints?
http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/202...-top-golf.html