Jackson Now!

Celebrity chef has big Appetite for Jackson....

2012-01-29T17:28:00.003-06:00

Jackson's food and giving spirit will be featured on Appetite for Life: Southern Hospitality with chef Andrew Zimmern.

The Travel Channel's host of Bizarre Foods is on a Southern road trip, eating local cuisine along the way. On Saturday, Zimmern visited Appetite for Jackson at the Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art, where hundreds turned out in a celebration of food and music.

"This is the purpose of the Art Garden, to have events like this," said museum spokesman Julian Rankin. "We have some of the best food and music in the region and Andrew knows Jackson is the place."

The Appetite for Life road trip is a new show by MSN. Already, more than $10,000 has been raised for Feeding America, said Russ Axelrod, director of brand strategies with Microsoft.
"Andrew just loves this stuff," Axelrod said. "He really wanted to focus on this region because it's been through so much."

All proceeds benefit Craig Noone's Miracle League "Rock it out" scholarship. Noone, a chef and owner of the restaurant Parlor Market, died in a car crash last year. The $5,000 scholarship is for Mississippi students interested in enrolling in an accredited culinary arts program.

The brisk yet sunny weather made for a welcome atmosphere for Zimmern and his crew. Scores of fans followed close by with cameras and cell phones taping the action.
On stage, Zimmern sang and danced with blues singer Jewel Bass and her band These Days on camera.

Rest of story here

Wish Upon a Wedding

2012-01-20T13:15:00.002-06:00

Wish Upon a Wedding, a new non-profit organization, dedicated to granting weddings and civil unions ceremonies to couples facing life-threatening illnesses, has officially launched in Jackson, Mississippi in January, 2012. Wish Upon a Wedding Mississippi will produce weddings & civil union ceremonies for individuals facing terminal illness residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of the Jackson Metropolitan area. Couples must be over the age of 18, unmarried, legal citizens of the United States, where at least one individual has been diagnosed with having less than three years to live.

Wish Upon a Wedding Mississippi is looking for Wish Granters – regional volunteers – to provide all the good and services required to produce a wedding from concept to finale. If interested in becoming a Wish Granter, please visit the website http://wishuponawedding.org/chapter-locations/mississippi and fill out the wish granter form. If interested in learning more about how to help and to make a contribution to Wish Upon a Wedding, visit http://wishuponawedding.org/how-to-help/make-a-contribution.

Appetite for Jackson

2012-01-18T13:34:00.002-06:00

Next Generation Leader Lunch

2012-01-17T13:37:00.000-06:00

UPDATE: 2012 Governor's Inauguration

2012-01-10T06:42:00.000-06:00

Mississippians invited to attend events Sunday, Tuesday.

JACKSON – Mississippians can expect a bustling capital city next week, as events are planned for the inauguration of Governor-elect Phil Bryant, Mississippi’s 64th governor.

“We have some exciting activities planned for the Inauguration, and we want to invite all Mississippians to attend and be a part of this celebration,” Bryant said. “I am ready to take the Oath of Office and continue working to improve our great state. The theme of this inauguration is ‘Rising Together,’ and I am hopeful state leaders will work together for a fruitful and productive year in Mississippi.”

Events begin 6 p.m. Sunday with the Inaugural Worship Service at Galloway United Methodist Church on N. Congress Street. On Tuesday, the Swearing-In Ceremony is set for 11 a.m. in the Capitol and the Inaugural Ball begins at 7:30 p.m. Due to the weather, The Mississippi Rising Inaugural Parade has been moved to Janurary 21st.

These events are open to the public. The worship service, swearing-in ceremony and parade are free. Tickets can be purchased for the ball at www.risingtogether.ms.

For the Inauguration Schedule, click here.

Parkway eyes bigger cities

2012-01-07T10:03:00.003-06:00

Parkway Properties' board chairman says the real estate investment trust's decision to sell most of its prime Jackson office buildings reflects the restructured company's focus on larger cities for business opportunities.

The company, which recently moved its headquarters to Orlando, Fla., after being based in Jackson for years, announced Thursday it is selling four office buildings and a parking garage in downtown Jackson for $147.5 million to Hertz Investment Group, based in Santa Monica, Calif.

The Jackson properties include One Jackson Place, 111 Capitol, Pinnacle at Jackson Place, UBS Building/River Oaks Place and Parking at Jackson Place.
"It's just not part of Parkway's larger strategy," says company board chairman Charles Cannada. "Jackson is a very small market, and we're focusing on (growing in) larger markets."

The sale of structures in Jackson, Memphis and Richmond, Va., is part of a shift out of what Parkway now describes as "non-core" markets. Parkway said it also will sell four buildings in Memphis and five buildings in Richmond. The company estimates it will incur a noncash loss of $58 million to $60 million in 2011's fourth quarter on the sale.

The buildings have 1.9 million square feet of space and are 76 percent occupied. Parkway will have one building left in Jackson, City Center, and one left in Memphis. Parkway is trying to sell each. It will own no more buildings in Richmond.

Rest of story here

New Year's Celebration at the King Edward

2011-12-28T11:23:00.001-06:00

JDNA Christmas Party

2011-12-07T12:47:00.001-06:00

The Jackson Downtown Neighborhood Association’s annual Christmas party is this Friday evening at Gallery 119 from 7 PM until. Bring your friends and family and stop by and share in some holiday cheer!

2011 Capital City Holiday Parade

2011-11-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

Tree Lighting Ceremony

2011-11-30T10:10:00.000-06:00

Christmas Tree Festival

2011-11-09T14:15:00.000-06:00

Calling all artists, non-profits, churches, community organizations, individuals of all ages.

The GJAC needs your help in decorating the Arts Center of MS for the holiday season! We have over 50 prelit Christmas trees in need of decorating. Each participant can decorate up to two trees. You may create a theme, promote your organization, use any (safe) materials you like. The trees will be on display through the end of December. Your decorations will be available for pick up after the first of the year.

To be part of the fun, contact the GJAC at 601-960-1557 or click here to register online.

Downtown Jackson sees DOR move as key remedy to empty office space

2011-11-07T10:40:00.000-06:00

From "Mississippi Business Journal"

CBD promoters keeping fingers crossed Department of Revenue will lease 200,000 square feet at Landmark Center

Downtown Jackson’s office vacancy rate languished at 27 percent at the end of the third quarter, a worrisome figure that has changed little in the nearly three years since the departure of such major tenants as the Butler Snow law firm, HORNE CPAs and a large piece of Regions Bank’s operation.

All along, Central Business District boosters and leasing agents have pinned their hopes for a comeback on state government.

Some of that hope paid off late last spring with the state’s signing of a lease for 50,000 square feet in what was then a half-empty Regions Plaza. State officials moved the Mississippi State Personnel Board and the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration’s Management and Reporting System into empty space on the second, third, fifth, eighth, 13th and 14th floors.

Now all eyes are on an even bigger prize in the leasing sweepstakes: the Landmark Center at 175 E. Capitol St.

The circa early 1980s Landmark Center last month won top ranking in a Cushman & Wakefield study of possible new homes for the state’s Department of Revenue, a more than 500-employee agency exiled 15 years ago from the Woolfolk Building to a massive warehouse in Raymond.

Landmark Center also has the backing of Gov. Haley Barbour and Kevin Upchurch, executive director of the Department of Finance & Administration, the agency charged with making an official site recommendation.

The 353,898-square-foot Landmark’s main tenant, AT&T, is vacating its 20,000 square feet next fall. Snagging the Department of Revenue would give Landmark a tenant for 20 to 40 years and could draw new businesses downtown that work with the Revenue Department.

And it could give the city tax revenue to help offset losses from the multitude of state-owned buildings downtown that are untaxed. Gov. Barbour cited this in recommending legislators go with the Landmark option.

“Leasing the Landmark Center will be an economic boost to Jackson by keeping the building on the city’s tax rolls, as well as supporting growth in downtown business activities,” Barbour wrote in a letter to legislators.

Barbour said the Landmark lease option represents a savings of up to $16 million from the costs of building a new building. Further, moving hundreds of workers into the CBD and filling up vacant office space provides a “positive impact on downtown Jackson.”

Ben Allen, head of Downtown Jackson Partners, said the arrival of up to 600 new workers downtown would be a giant economic boost for the CBD, and said in relative terms the move would have the kind of impact on downtown that Lockheed Martin’s opening of a 350-employee support center is going to have on Clinton.

Upchurch called Landmark “a very clear choice,” though he noted a purchase also would provide significant cost savings compared to the new construction option.

Further, Landmark would get the Revenue Department out of Raymond earlier than would new construction, according to Upchurch. “It would take some four years to complete construction of a new building whereas it would take less than two years to renovate the Landmark Center to meet the specific functional needs of the MDOR,” he wrote in a Sept. 30 report to Barbour.

John Barton, senior VP and senior asset manager for Parkway Properties in Jackson, said downtown’s office market has a big stake in the Department of Revenue’s relocation. Without the department taking the 200,000 square feet in the Landmark, occupancy rates in the Central Business District could climb to 38 percent, said Barton, whose firm is handling the leasing for the Landmark.

Further, downtown office landlords would have a significant amount of new space in which to compete against, Barton noted.

However, leasing with the runner-up candidate, Regions Plaza, would take significant vacant space off the downtown market as well.

Regions Plaza had the space but at “the lower end of what the state was calling for,” said John Michael Holtmann, VP of brokerage at Duckworth Realty, the leasing agent for Regions Plaza.

Regions Plaza would be a tight fit and would limit options for expansion, Holtmann conceded. “The bigger floor-plate was over at the Landmark building.”

At Landmark Center, the state would get “preferential” leasing rights to other space in the building and would retain the right to purchase the building at fair market value at any time, Parkway’s Barton said.

Its ample space, easy ingress and egress for employees and visitors and proximity to Interstate 55 are among Landmark’s most redeeming features, according to Barton.

The building has a loading dock and room for the DOR’s print shop. “It’s as close to perfect as it gets,” he said.

Landmark has 60 surface parking spaces and access to 540 spaces across Capitol Street at Shops & Parking at Jackson Place, Barton said.

Barton said the Landmark also meets the DOR’s huge need for data transmission and storage capabilities. “From a technological perspective, the building is very enhanced considering AT&T was one of the users.”

Capitol and Lamar streets are “lit up like a Christmas tree with more fiber than you can imagine,” Barton said, and noted the on fiber optics by nearby occupants Entergy, Regions and Trustmark banks and Parkway.

Neither Barton nor Duckworth Realty’s Holtmann are sure the favorable consideration given to leasing Landmark Center signals the state will more inclined to lease additional downtown space in the future. Cushman & Wakefield is looking at helping the state frame its facilities policy as part of a $3 millions study that included the site selection submitted on Oct. 1.

But Holtmann said he thinks Cushman & Wakefield will find that if the state can lock into long-term leases at attractive rates “it just makes a lot more sense economically.”

Taxing District Mulled....Old Capitol Green Update

2011-11-04T11:58:00.005-05:00

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority says a special parking facility taxing district within the roughly $1 billion Old Capital Green project area could help complete financing for the mixed-use development's parking garage and chilled water plant.

Business owners in at least part of the development would be assessed a tax of up to six mills each year. The money generated would go toward financing an 888-space parking garage, which includes public parking, that would have to be built before the development's retail, office and residential portions could commence, since those would be built atop the garage.

The chilled water plant would control the development's heating and cooling. It hasn't yet been determined whether just a portion or the entire development would be subject to the tax, if it moves forward. The first phase of the development spans nine downtown blocks, bordered by Pearl Street to the north, Jefferson Street to the east, Silas Brown Street to the south and State Street to the west.

It includes a 200,000-square-foot office building, 182 apartments and retail space.

"There's going to have to be some type of an agreement (among affected business owners) before the district could go forward," said JRA attorney Tony Gaylor. If it does, the Jackson City Council, per state law, would have to hold a public hearing outlining the district's boundaries and the tax's amount, followed by a vote on whether to create the district.

Rest of story here

High Note Jam

2011-11-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Don't miss out on Classic Rock with Mike & Marty and the Deleted Family. This event will take place Friday, November 4th at the MS Museum of Art in the Art Garden.

Financing holds up city hotel....

2011-10-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

"You have a hotel with 206 rooms ready to go. We've never asked for anything (before). And this is how we're treated?"

Mike Roberts, co-owner

The historic Roberts Walthall Hotel in downtown Jackson has been darkened for nearly a year, and the property's owner is unsure when it may reopen. Mike Roberts, one half of the St. Louis brothers who own the hotel, said last week the company, Roberts Hotel Group, is working to secure a $15 million loan to complete the project and the city's decision not to guarantee the loan has slowed their efforts to reopen.
The loan would be repaid by the developers to a private entity specializing in infrastructure work for hotels.

However, the mayor's office on Friday said no decision has been made about the Roberts Brothers' request. Chris Mims, the mayor's spokesman, said the city's financial advisers were reviewing the proposal.

Roberts said until they secure the financing he is unsure when the 83-year-old property will reopen, although he says he remains committed to finishing the repairs.
Up to 60 rooms are available for advanced bookings, and banquets and events still are being held there.

Noting the city is looking to enter a public-private partnership with another developer to build a hotel across from the Jackson Convention Complex, Roberts wonders why his project isn't getting the same type of support.

Rest of story here

Office complex construction to begin in Nov....

2011-10-27T08:36:00.000-05:00

After a few months' delay, crews are expected to break ground in November on a $45 million office complex adjoining the Baptist Medical Center on State Street in Jackson.

City planners and neighborhood advocates say the 177,000-square-foot facility will be a huge boost for the Greater Belhaven area, which has a number of vacancies.
Project officials hoped construction would begin this summer, but Robby Channell, spokesman for Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, said progress slowed while developer Landmark Healthcare Facilities worked to relocate three restaurants in the proposed construction zone.

The developer also has been delayed in obtaining needed approvals from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, he said. Though Baptist owns the land, Landmark will own and operate the facility, which is expected to open in spring 2013.

Landmark this week received the required certificate that will allow Keifer's restaurant to move from its longtime home on Poplar Boulevard to one across the street. Two others have vacated their old premises. The Pizza Shack has re-opened on Fortification Street. The owners of the local KFC franchises could not be reached Wednesday regarding plans for a new restaurant.

Rest of story here

Mississippi Creative Economy

2011-10-26T10:40:00.000-05:00

Congratulations are in order for The Mississippi Creative Economy. They made the front page of Art Works, the national endowment for the arts official blog.

Christmas in the City - A Letter from the Mayor

2011-10-26T09:09:00.000-05:00

Bloctober Halloween Party

2011-10-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

Habana Halloween at Underground 119

2011-10-24T12:50:00.001-05:00

Barbour: Put tax office in Jackson.....

2011-10-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

Leasing building would save money, aid downtown, Gov. says...

Gov. Haley Barbour is pushing for the Department of Revenue to relocate from Clinton to the Landmark Center in downtown Jackson.

In a letter sent to lawmakers recently, Barbour said the location would save money and help support the capital city.

"Recent statistics show that Jackson's vacancy rate is approximately 27 percent - a figure too large to ignore," he wrote. "Leasing the Landmark Center will be an economic boost to Jackson by keeping the building on the city's tax rolls, as well as supporting growth in downtown business activities."

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. supports the relocation, which could bring hundreds of state employees to downtown. As a former member of the agency once called the state Tax Commission, he said, "I know how important it is to have DOR services in the downtown area."

"Leasing the Landmark building for this move is important for the city because it would keep the property on the tax roll and offset some of the cost of the city services that we currently provide for state agencies."

The Legislature passed a bill during this year's session that directed the Department of Finance and Administration to select a site on state-owned property. Barbour says he directed DFA to include other options, as well.

Barbour said the Landmark Center site would save taxpayers $16.7 million over a 20-year lease or $14.1 million over a 40-year lease. Rest of story here

Voices from Mississippi History

2011-10-22T11:30:00.001-05:00

Developers outline plans for Farish Street project - Updated

2011-10-20T08:30:00.003-05:00

From the Clarion-Ledger:

Developers of the Farish Street Entertainment District acknowledged Wednesday that the $100 million project has taken years longer to bring to life than they imagined.

And they didn't leave themselves out of what's caused the delays.

"I'm imperfect. My partners are imperfect. We've made mistakes," Farish Street Group lead developer David Watkins told Jackson city officials before launching into an hour-plus-long presentation on where development stands.

But he said next year and beyond will see the long-promised transformation of Farish Street into a blocks-long series of music clubs, restaurants, recording facilities and other performance venues.

He also unveiled some new parts of the development.

Those include a movie theater with eight screens and an IMAX screen in which patrons can have food and drink served as their movies start, a 1,600-seat concert hall, an industrial arts complex and residential lofts to be built above some of the development's businesses.

Read rest of story

WATKINS DEVELOPMENT WINS!!!!

2011-10-19T18:33:00.004-05:00

Watkins Development has WON the bidding process for the Eastland Courthouse in downtown Jackson.

What he is proposing is HUGE.

HUGE.

Read the story in the Clarion-Ledger.

Bidding continues on federal courthouse in Jackson

2011-10-19T14:04:00.005-05:00

2:00 P.M. Wednesday...Clarion Ledger Reports

Bidding is still going strong on the James Eastland Federal Courthouse in downtown Jackson as two (DJP note actually 3) anonymous parties vie for the property.

The leading bid was $1.45 million as of 1:40 p.m. today, according to the General Service Administration Auctions website. Late bids on Monday and Tuesday resulted in the extension.

Closing time has been extended to 4:56 p.m. today. Beginning at 11 a.m., the auction will be extended by four hours if a new bid is submitted before closing time.

Note: Watkins Development is one of the 3 bidders.

Parlor Market Reopens Tonight...

2011-10-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

The staff of Parlor Market has decided to reopen this evening at 5:30. Please show your support and drop by for cocktails and dinner.

Help them as they cope with the loss of our leader, Chef Craig Noone!

Farish St. Entertainment District

2011-10-18T10:40:00.002-05:00

Watkins Development invites you to attend a presentation about the Farish Street Entertainment District development project on Wednesday, October 19, at 10:00 AM. The presentation should last around an hour, and there will be a tour of the street afterwards for those interested. The presentation will include information on the history of the development and the progress thus far, as well as an update on the current status and some exciting announcements.

The presentation will be held in the venue located at 243 Farish Street, on the corner of Farish and Griffith Streets. Parking is available on the street if you head south on Farish from Hamilton (heading the wrong way; the street is blocked at Amite).

On Horizon: Old Capitol Green Grows....

2011-10-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

From today's Clarion Ledger:

The first leases for the 10-year, $1 billion Old Capitol Green project of Jackson's downtown development has resulted in an astounding 65 percent of the retail spaces committed, reports Full Spectrum South, the developer.

That's good news for Jackson.

"These leases represent more new downtown retail than the total of new retail in downtown in the previous 10 years combined," says Carlton A. Brown, founding partner and chief operating officer of Full Spectrum South.

Let it be noted that Brown's comment isn't a slam against Jackson, which has seen tremendous growth downtown in recent years, with construction of the Capital Convention Complex, restoration of the King Edward Hotel and various smaller developments.

Rather, it speaks to the magnitude of the Old Capitol Green project. The first phase of the 14-block development covers nine city blocks, bordered by Pearl Street to the north, Jefferson Street to the east, Silas Brown Street to the south and State Street to the west.

The development is mixed use with commercial and residential offerings.

The project is so massive, it will take 10 years or more for completion. That's what makes Full Spectrum's announcement so newsworthy.

Even in a sluggish economy, the prospect of Old Capitol Green is attracting substantial investment.

The first phase at 1822 Square in Old Capitol Green, encompassing an entire square block, features: a 180-resident, mixed-income residential building, a 200,000-square-foot office building, a 1.5-acre landscaped public plaza, an 888-vehicle automated garage with electric vehicle charging stations, various bars, clubs and restaurants already committed, comprising 35,000 square feet of retail space.

The hidden significance of this is that such a wealth of development should leverage even more development, too. That's the secret successful downtowns have found to luring new businesses.

Lest anyone forget, the $100 million Farish Street Entertainment District project is moving forward, as well.

Jackson's growth has continued somewhat slowed by the Great Recession, mostly due to financing difficulties, but it's shaping up to be awesome in coming months and years.

See story here

Lighting Expo

2011-10-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

We Lost Our "Company Commander" Craig Noone, But His Spirit At Parlor Market Will Press On....

2011-10-17T14:54:00.008-05:00

image by Brice Media

A couple of years ago, on our DJP sponsored city tour of Chattanooga, a question was asked by our group to the former Mayor, and huge, current downtown redeveloper Jon Kinsey, “What does it take to really get a downtown going again”. His answer was quite simple. He said “Zealots. Give me 10 zealots in any city anywhere, with passion, commitment, thick skin and a vision, that will remain undeterred, no matter the naysayers and political impediments, and although sometimes quite slow and deliberate, I will show you a city that reinvents and rediscovers itself. Look what our zealots have done here in Chattanooga!”.

Craig Noone was the “Company Commander” of the committed group of zealots that downtown enjoys today. Additionally, while some people light up a room by simply leaving it, he “sparkled”, and all in his presence, if for any length of time, would sparkle too.

One of my blessings in life was seeing “Noonie” progress from an energetic, focused, gently mischievous student and athlete as a child, to such a “damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead” visionary, successful businessman and zealot for downtown, and for his beloved Jackson. What he accomplished and was planning, and so much that he did and was doing, was for the “results” and not the “profit”. The greater good if you will. He clearly has raised the bar for accomplishment and expectations, and will forever be remembered as the “Star that sparkled and made it happen….not just talk….happen”.

In football it is called “Leaving it ALL on the field”. Craig did that and more, and we that knew and loved him, can only thank God for the privilege of knowing him.

He worshipped and so admired his family and parents, Sharon and Charles, and in their eternal grief, we only hope that they can accept our community’s heartfelt THANK YOU for giving us and sharing with us Craig. Please know that we forever are praying and grieving along with you.

He left the world in a better place for being here, even in the short time we were blessed to have him. He is gone physically, but his spirit and tenacious commitment will be remembered for ages. Expect his memory and hard work to press on at the Parlor Market. His spirit will never leave the Parlor Market family. He would have wanted it no other way.

Clarion Ledger article on Craig here
Obituary here
Southern Living tribute on Craig here

MTA's 12th Annual Conference on Technology Innovation

2011-10-17T14:21:00.000-05:00

For more information on the event, click here.

Old Capitol Green Announces .....

2011-10-11T13:49:00.002-05:00

Old Capitol Green Announces
First Wave of Retail Business Commitments
65% of Retail Space Now Pre Committed

Jackson, Mississippi - Carlton A. Brown, founding partner and chief operating officer of Full Spectrum South, announced today the first wave of retail business leases for the Old Capitol Green project in Jackson, with 65% of the retail spaces committed, as well as leases to fill 52% of the project’s first commercial office building. Full Spectrum of NY is the Master Developer of the 50-acre Old Capitol Green (OCG)—the new mixed-use, mixed-finance and mixed-income urban development that will eventually encompass 14 city blocks on the eastern edge of downtown Jackson’s Central Business District.

“The response that Full Spectrum is receiving is phenomenal and a true testimony of how excited the community is about Old Capitol Green,” says Cynthia Buchanan, Executive Vice President, Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

“Full Spectrum is 100% dedicated to Old Capitol Green, as evident by our consistent and persistent effort over the past five years to bring the project to fruition, and certainly our $2 million pledge to Jackson State University,” said Walter Edwards, Full Spectrum of NY’s CEO and other founding partner. “All we need is for the City of Jackson to finalize the approval of the public funding for the 800-car automated garage and chilled water plant, and the development work will move forward so all of Jackson can accrue the benefits of the development of Old Capitol Green. The funding of the garage is crucial, because it is the foundation and base for the new public plaza—both critical elements of the first phase.”

Full Spectrum of NY was designated Master Developer in October 2006. Since that time, Full Spectrum has completed a Master Plan; developed a new Zoning Ordinance which includes high performance building performance guidelines; rezoned the entire district; obtained a $20 million State Bond Bill; gained site control from the State of Mississippi (2010); and developed the 1822 Square Plan.

“Just as we proposed in our master plan, it has always been our desire to bring in locally-owned retailers that reflect the spirit and culture of Jackson,” says Brown. “As soon as we announced we were pre-booking retail spots in 1822 Square in Old Capitol Green, local entrepreneurs stepped up to the plate and committed to more than 35,000 SF of retail space. These leases represent more new downtown retail than the total of new retail in downtown in the previous 10 years combined.”

Committed retailers for 1822 Square in Old Capitol Green include:

• Ojah Media Group: Owned by international recording artist Cassandra Wilson, this music production company will be a fabulous sound stage for performance artists with musical performances and an upscale dinner club. The facility will bring home many Mississippi musicians who are known globally to perform and record. In addition to established musicians from the state, Wilson anticipates producing and recording artists with whom she has worked with from around the world. The Ojah Media Group facility will be downtown Jackson’s first opportunity to monetize the creative energy long associated with the state. As Cassandra Wilson says it: instead of thinking Nashville or New Orleans, when you think music, why not think Jackson? Cassandra recorded her Grammy Award-winning CD “Loverly” in Jackson.
• E & L Barbeque: Presently owned by Gladys Wilson, E & L Barbeque is a family-owned restaurant started by her parents. It offers great food that is consistently rated four stars or higher on Yelp, Trip Advisor, Urbanspoon, Google and Yahoo, and an A+ from Better Business Bureau. E & L is both a tourist attraction for tourists looking for “real Mississippi” flavor and also a favorite of local Jacksonians. E & L will continue to operate their restaurant in Georgetown, but will expand to downtown with the same “down home” barbeque complete with a downtown presentation..
• Petropolis: Jackson’s first downtown daycare, boarding, bathing, grooming, training and accessory destination for pets. Special services will include pet parties, veterinarian referral, pick-up and delivery, pet portraits/photography and dog walking in a natural environment. Jackson will be Petropolis’ first independent facility and is a family-owned and operated business with local roots in Jackson.

“Full Spectrum is offering work letters and abated rent to help any of our businesses bridge the financial gap that might occur with their expansion into downtown,” Brown adds. “Full Spectrum will also help the businesses get the ‘technical’ services and IT support they may need to make their move to downtown successful.”

Internationally acclaimed Chef François Kwaku-Dongo, formerly the executive chef at Spago and the trouble shooter for all Wolfgang Puck restaurants, will work with all of Old Capitol Green’s food service tenants on presentation, training and operations. Chef François is currently the Executive Chef for the “My Image Studios” restaurant under construction in New York City.

1822 Square in Old Capitol Green is the first phase of the development and will encompass an entire square block with:
• Terre Verte Residences—a 180-resident, mixed-income residential building with an indoor-outdoor pool; exercise facilities; 24-hour doorman services and many other amenities not commonly found in the Jackson metropolitan rental market
• The Legacy—a 200,000 SF LEED Platinum office building
• 60,000 of retail space (of which 65% is pre-committed)
• 888-vehicle automated robotic garage with electric vehicle charging stations, reducing emissions from vehicular traffic and decreasing the carbon footprint of the project
• High-performance chilled water plant—for chilled water distribution to buildings on the site. The first stage chiller will be an absorption chiller which will use rejected heat from onsite power generating equipment. Subsequent cooling stages will be high- performance electric chillers
• 1.5-acre landscaped public plaza with outdoor performance space and fountains using harvested rain water
• Forward-looking environmental design including grey water/rain water harvesting and reuse; integrated solar energy; smart building automation systems; high-performance building envelopes; and wireless broadband throughout the public spaces

“Old Capitol Green and 1822 Square are demonstrative of Full Spectrum’s core values regarding the development of sustainable communities,” adds Brown. “This development will be Jackson’s first triple bottom line development where people, planet and profits are equally important…and represents a set of unique opportunities to address the commercial, retail and
residential demand in the downtown-urban center. It will transform a significant portion of downtown Jackson into a vibrant urban meeting place having no class and race boundaries.”

When completed, Old Capitol Green will be among the most significant green developments in the Southeastern U.S., earning it a listing as a LEED for Neighborhood Development Community with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)—the governing body for LEED certifications.

No other public/private partnership developments in Mississippi have made the level of commitments to sustainability which Full Spectrum is making with Old Capitol Green:
• pay union wages with a project labor agreement that requires the union to train and hire from census tracks with the highest poverty indicators;
• reduce energy consumption by 50% below ASHRAE 90.1;
• restore the site hydrology to its predevelopment profile;
• commit 50% of the retail space to local businesses;
• reserve 20% of the housing for artist and low-income households

The first buildings of the 1822 Square will serve as living laboratories for JSU’s engineering students to learn the best practices of applied robotics and high-performance building design and operations.

“This level of hands-on experience is a dream for our students,” said JSU’s President Carolyn W. Meyers. “Not only will they be challenged to think critically and participate in intense evaluations, but they will get to see the direct benefit of their decisions. With the green implications of sustainable projects, our students will see how their decisions directly impact the lives of those who live in this community. It is a win-win for all involved.”

The Old Capitol Green development is bounded by Pearl Street Overpass on the north, Jefferson Street on the east, Silas Brown Street on the south, and State Street on the west. The 1822 Square was named in homage to the original 1822 plan for Jackson that was characterized by an orthogonal grid developed around a series of public squares, intended to be the informal meeting place for commerce and culture—similar to the city plan of Savanna. For the most part, those squares were never realized.

For more information on leasing space in Old Capitol Green, contact Monica Shepherd at 601.973.5555 or mtshepherd@fullspectrumny.com.

Parkway Properties Welcomes Balch & Bingham, Unveils GodwinGroup Space

2011-10-11T09:54:00.001-05:00

Parkway Properties Welcomes Balch & Bingham, Unveils GodwinGroup Remodeled Space

Parkway Properties, Inc., a Jackson-based real estate investment trust, held a ceremony on Sept. 15 to unveil the 17,000 square foot newly-remodeled space of GodwinGroup, a Jackson-based integrated marketing and advertising firm, and to welcome Balch & Bingham LLP, a regional law firm, to their new 27,000 square foot office at One Jackson Place in downtown Jackson.

Steve Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkway Properties, said “Parkway is pleased to announce the long-term commitment to downtown Jackson made by these first-class customers at One Jackson Place. Parkway is contributing to the rejuvenation of downtown Jackson by providing exceptional service to the customers in our properties, in order to attract and keep firms such as Balch & Bingham and GodwinGroup in the downtown area.”

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson echoed Rogers’ sentiment, saying “We are very pleased that these two nationally recognized firms chose downtown Jackson for their locations. The City of Jackson maintains a strong commitment to support our local businesses, and I applaud Balch & Bingham LLP and GodwinGroup for continuing to recognize the great value in remaining in downtown Jackson, the epicenter of commerce, government, education and culture for the entire region.”

The law firm of Balch & Bingham LLP selected One Jackson Place after considering other options. "Our new offices are a short walk from the Mississippi State Capitol, the Mississippi Supreme Court, and the federal and Hinds County Courthouses. Downtown Jackson has been our longtime home, and we believe our clients are best-served by us maintaining close proximity to the state's corridors of power. Additionally, these new accommodations at One Jackson Place afford us room to grow, improved technological resources and services, expanded meeting capabilities and a more comfortable environment for our clients," said Scott Andress, Managing Partner, Balch & Bingham Jackson office.

Philip Shirley, Chairman and CEO of GodwinGroup said, “Since opening our doors in 1937, GodwinGroup has been headquartered in downtown Jackson. This central location to serve Greater Jackson and the state has proven beneficial to both our clients and employees. We remain committed to downtown Jackson and are pleased to remain a customer in One Jackson Place.”

Rest of story here

Mississippi Film Institute 2011 International Film Festival

2011-10-04T16:04:00.001-05:00

The Mississippi International Film Festival (MIFF) announces award-winning actor/civil rights activist Danny Glover and Rockabilly Hall-of-Famer Al Ferrier in attendance. Mr. Glover stars in Freedom Song, Friday night’s 7 P.M. film. Mr. Ferrier is a Rockabilly pioneer who once shared the stage with Elvis. This year’s Festival will be a cultural union of two diverse elements: the Freedom Riders and the Rockabillies. Both were born in Mississippi and are celebrating 50th anniversaries. The MIFF will present dozens of selected films from many genres, all competing for awards. The Festival is produced by the Mississippi Film Institute, a non-profit arts organization in service since 1998 to inspire Mississippi’s growing ―creative class—young people enhancing Mississippi’s image. Jackson Teleport’s satellite uplink will be available to media for studio live shots. View the list of films, events and workshops at MSFilm.org.

Friday, October 21st kicks off at 9 A.M. with a competition film block of student- and Mississippi-made films and shorts, plus others from around the world. Join us for the Opening Gala from 5:30 to 7 P.M. After the gala, films and speakers honoring the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Riders will be presented. First up will be Freedom Song, starring Danny Glover. Best known for his role in Lethal Weapon, Mr. Glover is also an accomplished humanitarian and will speak live from the Planetarium before his film begins. After Freedom Song, the Festival will showcase Mississippi Re-mixed, a race-relations film adored by critics and directed by Mississippi native Myra Ottewell, who will be in attendance. Friday evening will also feature Hezekiah Watkins and Fred Clark, Freedom Riders who lived through the struggle for equality 50 years ago. The men will recount their experiences first-hand on the Planetarium stage. At 10:20 P.M., the Festival will shift into Halloween Spookfest mode (part 1), presented by Something Weird. We will present a documentary on the career of Herschell Gordon Lewis…17+only. Halloween costumes are encouraged for this Spookfest!

Saturday, October 22nd gets started at 10 A.M. Competition and feature films will air inside all day, as Rockabilly legend Al Ferrier jams with other Rockabilly performers on the main stage under the Lamar Street Planetarium. The street will be closed to traffic all day for a Hot Rod Car Show of 50’s-era cars. Enjoy food vendors, live music, plus 5 acting and film-industry-related workshops in the Planetarium lobby. At 4 P.M., watch Blood Feast from Herschell Gordon Lewis (17+ only), then join us for the gala from 5:30-7 P.M. The evening will feature a performance by Mr. Ferrier, then a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Rockabilly star and Mississippi-native Elvis Presley’s film Blue Hawaii. After Blue Hawaii, the Festival will premiere The One Warrior; director Tom Stout will speak before this medieval fantasy adventure. Recently shot in Alabama, the film obtained distribution and is sold internationally. It stars Jason David Frank, Dominick Keating, James Russo, and is the feature-film acting debut of this Festival’s director, Edward Saint Pé. Late Saturday night will deliver Halloween Spookfest Part 2, with more from the ―Godfather of Gore‖: 2000 Maniacs and Color Me Blood Red. Note: These films are for ages 17+ and were released before the movie ratings system. Viewers with heart conditions will be asked to sign waivers before the gore-fest begins.

Sunday, October 23rd features the Coup De Gras Awards ceremony and brunch, at 11 AM at the King Edward / Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown. The ceremony caps off the Festival as we award the best film in each category.

Landmark Center Downtown Recommended for Department of Revenue Building

2011-10-03T09:35:00.010-05:00

Cushman and Wakefield was hired by the Department of Finance and Administration to analyze the best site for the Department of Revenue headquarters from any property or location in Hinds County. Cushman and Wakefield determined that the Landmark Center in Downtown Jackson was the best site for DOR.

We at DJP certainly applaud this decision, which is clearly in the best interests of the state, and our capital city. We do hope that the state leases this building, and keeps it on our county tax rolls. The leasing numbers far outfavor an outright purchase.

Click on the following links to view the report, the recommendation from DFA to the Governor and the Governor's letter to the Legislature.

Cushman and Wakefied's Report
DFA's Recommendation
Governor's Letter to the Legislature

High Note Jam

2011-10-03T09:11:00.001-05:00

Come join the MS Museum of Art in the new Art Garden for happy hour on Friday evenings, beginning October 7. Enjoy the best in live local music on the hottest new stage in downtown Jackson!

Every concert is FREE and open to the public! Food and beverage will be available for purchase from The Palette Cafe. Stop by after work, before you head out to Friday night football or whatever your evening entails, and unwind.

Convention center project not risk free

2011-10-02T09:37:00.002-05:00

The city's desire to have a hotel near the Jackson Convention Complex has resulted in a likely union with a real estate company in financial turmoil.

Should the project collapse, Jackson potentially could be responsible for the hotel project's $96 million bill. "Theoretically, you could say that. In actuality, I don't think that will be the case," said Porter Bingham, an Atlanta financial adviser working with the city on the deal with Dallas-based Transcontinental Realty Investors Inc.

Jackson officials are finalizing a deal with TCI to create a public-private partnership to build the 309-room, 16-story hotel after watching years pass without any construction. They say the hotel is needed to spur business at the convention complex.

The city signed Dallas developer Mark Small to construct the project in 2007 with promises the hotel, part of a larger $200 million mixed-use project including an extended-stay hotel and retail space, would open with the convention center in January 2009. Nearly three years later, the land isn't cleared to begin construction.
Tourism officials say the center has missed out on at least $13 million in business because there isn't an anchor hotel there.

Rest of story here

Art Garden blossoms

2011-09-30T09:14:00.001-05:00

A clearing in the urban forest. The city’s gathering spot — a focal point like the great plazas of Europe. An oasis. A retreat. The epicenter of Jackson’s arts and cultural district. A lunch spot. A party spot. A place to play. An inspiration for creativity.

The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art — opened with a ribbon snip from a line of dignitaries, including U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, with garden shears — was declared all that Thursday morning.

The 1.2-acre public green space, planted and perked up with public art, was celebrated with a gala Thursday night and will be celebrated again at Saturday’s free, day-long Town Creek Arts Festival.

Mayo Flynt, fundraising chairman for The Art Garden, said about 90 percent of the $5.6 million to complete and maintain the garden has been raised. He announced a public grass-roots campaign to raise the remaining $660,000 to close the gap.

“We’re calling it a grass-roots campaign because we want as many people to participate as possibly can,” Flynt said, adding his committee still is pursuing major gifts. The campaign targets businesses and individuals to pledge a $1,000 gift to be paid over three years. Donors’ names will be inscribed on art glass pieces by Pearl River Glass in the garden.

There’s also a new mobile giving campaign; cell phone users can send a $10 donation to support the garden by texting MSART to 20222.

Cochran’s early commitment provided the foundation to raise funds for the garden, Flynt said. Cochran deflected the major credit to the professionals and volunteers in the effort. He recalled his own early start, as a boy, tagging along with his mom, who acted in community theater.

“Those were the folks who really made it worthwhile, going to plays, attending arts events,” he said. “It’s always been amazing to me, the quality of productions and performances we’ve had the opportunity to see ... here in Jackson, Miss.” and the community involvement behind them.

The Art Garden, a project led by the art museum on city property that used to be a parking lot, represented a “true partnership” between the city and the museum, said Roy Campbell, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees.
Read story here

First Lady Inc. Boutique

2011-09-29T09:33:00.004-05:00

Mosley’s First Lady Inc. Boutique Signifies Feminine Community Charm By Janice K. Neal-Vincent, Ph.D. Contributing Writer/Board Member

Since 2009, First Lady Inc. Boutique (211 South Lamar Street) has been in Downtown Jackson, Miss. When patrons visit, they are greeted warmly by a cheery face in the presence of Gennel Mosley, CEO. She strives diligently to satisfy the community, for she recognizes that clothing speaks, regardless of circumstances. Mosley established her business with a 3-part objective: quality clothing, service, and personality. She believes it’s her duty to locate clothing of durability, to provide maximum service, and to match clothing to women’s personalities.

Not only does Mosley utilize the boutique to attend to her customers’ needs, but she often accommodates them (just as doctors accommodated their patients years ago) by driving to their houses. She has appointment only days that allow time for these visits as well as alterations. Such amenities make First Lady Inc. Boutique exclusive.

According to Mosley, every woman is a first lady, for she is unique. The entrepreneur asserted during a recent interview that women often dress the way they see themselves. “Some women are queens. Others are executives. They want what fits their thinking. There is a mindset that often has nothing to do with economics, rural or metropolitan locales.”

While Mosley is the CEO of First Lady Inc. Boutique, she acknowledges God as the Executive CEO. The calling led her to take a “religious sabbatical.” Failure to recognize God caused everything to go upside down. “When I allowed God, everything changed…I work for Him. He gave me the name. He gave me the location.”

What items are available at First Lady Inc. Boutique? A wide range of fashionable women’s clothes sizes small to plus, and accessories. They include dresses, dressy suits, knit suits, denims, leathers, sports, hats, African attire, jewelry, scarves and wraps. Many can be ordered from a plethora of venues. Whether in the shop or through media outlets, retail allow women to be seen in their finest charms that cause others to “Ah” and “Oou.”

When patrons were interviewed, what did they opine about Mosley’s power to please and attract? Jenny Sturgis has been shopping at First Lady Inc. Boutique since 2009. “When I need something special, I call Gennel. If I need it within 24 to 36 hours, she makes sure that I get it. I highly recommend her.” Sturgis commented that Mosley locates outfits for her 18-year-old daughter who is also satisfied with the service. Ann Peyton, patronizing for nearly 2 years, noted that the establishment is ideally located and that Mosley is “warm” and congenial because she “gets to know her customers.” Emma Moore who has shopped at the boutique twice considered Mosley “very much outgoing, very much involved with her customers. I was quite impressed and I invited a lady from Canton to go to First Lady Inc. Boutique, and I’ll be going back.” Grace Wallace whose been shopping there for 4 or 5 months said, “I’ve never gone to a store and got that kind of service. She’s the type of salesperson that a woman would look for. She’s wonderful. She follows up. She will see what is convenient for you. I love her. I recommended others, and some have purchased from her.”

Store hours for First Lady Inc. Boutique are: Tuesday – Friday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.); by appointment Monday & Saturday; closed Sunday. For further information call Gennel Mosley at 601-272-5753 or email her at genneladams@hotmail.com.

Smith Robertston Museum and Cultural Center Undergoing Renovations

2011-09-29T08:43:00.006-05:00

Renovations under way at Jackson's Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center will include a new Medgar Evers exhibit and enhance existing features.

"We are converting the lobby to hardwood floors," said Pamela Junior, museum manager. "We are working with more graphics so we can make the museum reader friendly for patrons who come in."

The museum temporarily closed Sept. 19 and is expected to reopen in November.

Junior said the $250,000 project received funding from several sources, including the city, Mississippi Arts Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

One of the updated exhibits will be a retrospective gallery of civil rights leader Medgar Evers chronicling his life as a Decatur native to his appointment as the first field secretary for the NAACP in Jackson.

"We feel students need to know more than he was assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith," she said. "They need to know where he grew up and who his family was."

Junior said museum officials are working with Evers' family to present an accurate interpretation of his life.

Read full article.

St. Andrew's Blessing of the Animals

2011-09-28T09:51:00.001-05:00

Town Creek Festival

2011-09-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

Help us better your Downtown!

2011-09-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

Downtown at Dusk on September 22nd

2011-09-15T15:22:00.004-05:00

The City with Soul glides into fall with the latest edition of Downtown at Dusk, a series of social events in various downtown Jackson hot spots. Event planners and downtown Jackson businesses will host the next Downtown at Dusk party on Thursday, September 22nd , from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Old Capitol Inn located at 226 North State Street in downtown Jackson.

Admission is free for those wanting to unwind after work with coworkers and friends while enjoying the musical talents of Chris Gill and the Soul Shakers. Fried Ribs and Crispy Asian Pineapple Chicken munchies are available for $5. Drinks are $2 for canned beer and $1 for water and soda.

Event sponsors include: Entergy Mississippi, Downtown Jackson Partners, Underground 119, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cathead Vodka, the Jackson’s Downtown Neighborhood Association, Young Professionals of Greater Jackson, MISS 103, 105.1 WJDX, Z106.7, Hallelujah 95.5, The Score 620 and NewsPlus 1590.

“Downtown Jackson Partners are very happy to be a part of this exciting downtown event. Catch the fever of the downtown lifestyle,” said Ben Allen, Executive Director of Downtown Jackson Partners. “We especially encourage not only our residents, but our neighbors from across the metro area to be a part of these fun, festive events.”

Become a fan of Downtown at Dusk on Facebook.

Letter to the Editor

2011-09-14T08:59:00.000-05:00

The Coffee Roastery now Caters

2011-09-13T09:35:00.000-05:00

James Eastland building put on the block

2011-09-09T11:42:00.002-05:00

The James Eastland Federal Courthouse, a fixture in downtown Jackson since 1934, is on the auction block.

The 115,000-square-foot space at 245 W. Capitol St. has sat vacant since Aug. 1, following the June opening of the new federal courthouse on Court Street. Gregory Andrews, spokesman for the General Services Administration, which manages federal property, said an online auction began Aug. 15. The starting bid price is $500,000, and a $50,000 bid deposit is required.

As of Wednesday afternoon, no bids had been submitted, according to the GSA Auctions website. A closing bid time is not listed. Before the building went up for auction, local government agencies and nonprofits such as homeless shelters had first dibs at the property - part of an obscure federal law. None expressed interest.

"A homeless shelter would not have been the best use for that building. ... It's absolutely beautiful," said Ben Allen, president of Downtown Jackson Partners.
Allen added: "There are people who are serious about converting this building for good use. I'm not at liberty to say who they are and I'm not at liberty to say what the project is, but it's very exciting."

The building will be open for inspection Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment, according to GSA Auctions. Jennifer Baughn, chief architectural historian at the state Department of Archives and History, said the building boasts a rich history.

Built by the Jackson-based architectural firm Hull and Malvaney, the courthouse replaced an earlier one built on the same property. The building also housed a post office until the post office relocated in 1988. "We would call it an art deco building," Baughn said.

Baughn said the building is also home to controversial three-panel mural unveiled in 1940, depicting a white family in front of a plantation-style home along with faceless black people picking cotton. The judges of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the mural covered years later.

The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 as part of the Smith Park architectural district.

Read story here

Calling all artists!

2011-09-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

Downtown Cafe: Ribs & Blues

2011-09-07T15:05:00.000-05:00

St. Andrew's 9/11 Service

2011-09-07T08:27:00.000-05:00

Losing a Friend....Parkway CEO to step down

2011-09-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

Parkway's CEO Steve Rogers has resigned. We at DJP and our entire city will sincerely miss Steve. He has been a real warrior for our downtown and our city. We wish Steve, Ann and his 4 teenage children nothing but the best, and wish them well and Steve's continued success. Below is the story from the Clarion Ledger.

Steve Rogers has guided firm's phenomenal growth....

Parkway Properties soon will have a new leader following Friday's announcement that Steve Rogers will step down at the end of the year.

Rogers, who serves as president and CEO, joined the company in 1983 and succeeded company founder Leland Speed as CEO in 1997. In his tenure, he has guided Parkway from a firm that owned a few office buildings to a diverse real estate company listed on the New York Stock Exchange with operations in 12 states.

Today, the company owns and manages nearly 28 million square feet of office space.
James R. Heistand will become acting CEO on Jan. 1. He joined Parkway earlier this year when his company, Eola Capital, merged with Parkway. "Steve has done an amazing job, and I don't think people appreciate how difficult of a role it is to be CEO of a public company," Heistand said. He expects the transition to be smooth. "The whole organization, they know both Steve and I," he said. "The caliber of the people there is exceptional," he said of Parkway's employees.

Rogers said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Ann, and four teenage children. "This gives me a lot more free time to work on special things in the community," Rogers said.

He has been an active CEO but remained a public servant holding positions on several boards including Goodwill Industries, the Jackson Convention Complex Commission, B.B. King Museum, Boy Scouts and Mississippi Museum of Art.

"Steven Rogers knows how to build buildings and build alliances," said Jackson businessman and restaurateur Jeff Good, who served alongside Rogers on the convention center board. "The complex was built on time and under budget, and Steven Rogers, as the finance chair, was a tremendous reason why that happened."

Ben Allen, head of Downtown Jackson Partners, noted Rogers' commitment to the city by developing the Pinnacle, the first major office building to be built downtown in more than 20 years. "(Rogers) was a quiet, polite, firm executive of the highest order. I'm sure Parkway Properties will carry on, but he'll be missed," Allen said.

Rogers is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and has a master's degree in business from Harvard. He also served in the Army. Rogers was noncommittal on exactly what he would do after Dec. 31.

"I will not join another company," Rogers says,"I will never be able to find a company as great as Parkway."

Read story here

Project to spruce up downtown viaduct area

2011-08-31T09:17:00.001-05:00

The Jackson downtown area around the Pascagoula and Mill streets viaduct should be more pedestrian friendly and aesthetically pleasing by next year.

On Tuesday, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and other city officials and administrators broke ground on a $340,000 project to put in sidewalks and to spruce up the viaduct area to connect it to the Capitol and Mill streets viaduct near Union Station.

In addition to new sidewalks along the viaduct, new sidewalks will be placed along Gallatin Street between Pascagoula and Pearl streets and at the Pearl and Gallatin Street intersection. All of the new sidewalks will be ADA accessible and handicap ramps will be installed, Johnson said.

Phase II of the Mill Street Viaduct Improvement Project will be funded through a grant from the Federal Transit Authority with a 20 percent match from the Jackson Redevelopment Authority.

Johnson said the project will enhance the area between Union Station, the King Edward Hotel and the Jackson Convention Center Complex.

"It will go a long way toward making Jackson more pedestrian friendly," he said.

Much of the east side of the viaduct between Pascagoula and Capitol streets was reworked several years ago to add retail space under the viaduct, sidewalks and landscaping, and ornamental brick work, plus traffic signal upgrades, street lighting and other features for about $5 million, city spokesman Chris Mims said.

The Phase II project should be completed by early next year.

Major Associates was awarded the contract. Company owner Cornelius Turner said he hopes the work can begin today. "If we can just get everybody to work, we can get in and out as soon as possible," he said.

Johnson said a greening project along Congress Street also will be coming to downtown. The Environmental Protection Agency selected Jackson as one of five state capital neighborhoods for its greening projects.

Rest of story here

Are you ready for some football?

2011-08-29T16:34:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for some football?

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football"
John Heisman

"Show me a good and gracious loser, and I'll show you a failure."
Knute Rockne / Notre Dame

"I make my practices real hard because if a player is a quitter, I want him to quit in practice, not in a game."
Bear Bryant / Alabama

"It isn't necessary to see a good tackle. You can hear it."
Knute Rockne / Notre Dame

"At Georgia Southern, we don't cheat. That costs money and we don't have any."
Erk Russell / Georgia Southern.

"Football is only a game. Spiritual things are eternal. Nevertheless, Beat Texas ."
Seen on a church sign in Arkansas prior to the 1969 game.

"After you retire, there's only one big event left....and I ain't ready for that."
Bobby Bowden / Florida State

"The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely to be the one who dropped it."
Lou Holtz / Arkansas

"When you win, nothing hurts."
Joe Namath / Alabama

"Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated."
Lou Holtz / Arkansas

"If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password, "Roll, tide, roll!"
Bear Bryant / Alabama

"A school without football is in danger of deteriorating into a medieval study hall."
Frank Leahy / Notre Dame

"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
Woody Hayes / Ohio State

"I don't expect to win enough games to be put on NCAA probation. I just want to win enough to warrant an investigation."
Bob Devaney / Nebraska

"In Alabama , an atheist is someone who doesn't believe in Bear Bryant."
Wally Butts / Georgia

"You can learn more character on the two-yard line than anywhere else in life."
Paul Dietzel / LSU

"It's kind of hard to rally around a math class."
Bear Bryant / Alabama

When asked if Fayetteville was the end of the world. "No, but you can see it from here."
Lou Holtz / Arkansas

"There's one sure way to stop us from scoring-give us the ball near the goal line."
Matty Bell / SMU

"Lads, you're not to miss practice unless your parents died or you died."
Frank Leahy / Notre Dame

"I never graduated from Iowa , but I was only there for two terms - Truman's and Eisenhower's."
Alex Karras / Iowa

"My advice to defensive players: Take the shortest route to the ball and arrive in a bad humor."
Bowden Wyatt / Tennessee

"I could have been a Rhodes Scholar, except for my grades."
Duffy Daugherty / Michigan State

"Always remember ..... Goliath was a 40 point favorite over David."
Shug Jordan / Auburn

"They cut us up like boarding house pie. And that's real small pieces."
Darrell Royal / Texas

"They whipped us like a tied up goat."
Spike Dykes / Texas Tech

"I asked Darrell Royal, the coach of the Texas Longhorns, why he didn't recruit me and he said: "Well, Walt, we took a look at you and you weren't any good."
Walt Garrison / Oklahoma State

"Son, you've got a good engine, but your hands aren't on the steering wheel."
Bobby Bowden / Florida State

"Football is not a contact sport - it is a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport."
Duffy Daugherty / Michigan State

After USC lost 51-0 to Notre Dame, his postgame message to his team:
"All those who need showers, take them."
John McKay / USC

"If lessons are learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education."
Murray Warmath / Minnesota

"The only qualifications for a lineman are to be big and dumb. To be a back, you only have to be dumb."
Knute Rockne / Notre Dame

"Oh, we played about like three tons of buzzard puke this afternoon."
Spike Dykes / Texas Tech

"We live one day at a time and scratch where it itches."
Darrell Royal / Texas

"We didn't tackle well today but we made up for it by not blocking."
John McKay / USC

"Three things can happen when you throw the ball, and two of them are bad ."
Woody Hayes / Ohio State

"I've found that prayers work best when you have big players."
Knute Rockne / Notre Dame

Downtown Art Opening

2011-08-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

The Jackson Center Gallery for the MSU School of Architecture will host the work of Minneapolis artist, Clarence Morgan, from September 1 - October 14. The opening reception is this Thursday, September 1 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at 509 E. Capitol St.

Bodega Burger

2011-08-29T12:29:00.001-05:00

Join Bodega in celebrating Labor Day. The Bodega Burger is on special until Labor Day for $4.99! Be sure and dress up your burger with their amazing Sweet Potato Fries. You won't be disappointed. If you can't get out of the office to grab lunch don't worry Bodega DELIVERS! They offer free delivery on all orders $20 or more.

University Club closure: A downtown in flux

2011-08-28T18:07:00.001-05:00

Last week's announcement that the University Club atop Regions Plaza is set to stop operating on Dec. 31 symbolizes the continuing flux downtown Jackson is experiencing.

Its closing will leave Jackson with one less place for people to strike business deals or throw a party and one more vacant space to fill downtown. It also comes as some of downtown's most publicized developments, such as a hotel across from the Jackson Convention Complex, the Farish Street Entertainment District and Old Capitol Green, remain in varying stages of progress.

"You don't want to sugarcoat it - it's a blow. It's not a fatal blow," says Ben Allen, who leads Downtown Jackson Partners, an organization that promotes downtown development.

The University Club will close after operating for 36 years. Its corporate parent, ClubCorp of Dallas, Texas, cited operating costs that were outpacing new membership and club usage in making the decision. Regions Plaza epitomizes downtown's shifting fortunes. One of the city's tallest buildings has added tenants and undergone renovations since the departure of several longtime tenants to the suburbs.

In 2009, Butler Snow O'Mara Stevens Cannada law firm, Horne LLP accounting firm and some of Regions Bank's metro-area operations relocated to the 200 Renaissance office building in Ridgeland. But in the past year, Regions has added Hayes Dent Public Strategies, Disability Rights Mississippi and several law offices, as well as the state Personnel Board and the Department of Finance and Administration's Mississippi Management and Reporting System.

The 22-story, 335,000-square-foot Regions Plaza is about 70 percent occupied now. That will drop to 63 percent when the University Club closes, says John Michael Holtmann of Duckworth Realty, which handles the plaza's leasing for California-based Hertz Investment Group.

"Things for us are still running parallel to the (nationwide) office market. It's still stagnant," Holtmann said. Neither he nor Hertz would say what might happen to the University Club's space after Dec. 31, but Holtmann says the building remains a highly attractive place for new or relocating businesses, with its direct access to Jackson's political, medical, legal and financial institutions.

Rest of story here

Saying goodbye to an old friend....

2011-08-24T11:38:00.003-05:00

August 19, 2011

Dear Member,

I am writing with news regarding The University Club of Jackson. As most have experienced, the past few years economic downturn has placed increased pressure on all businesses and the Private Club business has been particularly challenging. We have all worked diligently with the Clubs' Board of Governors and our landlord to keep The University Club of Jackson competitive in the market.

Despite many membership initiatives to create great value and control expenses prudently, the economic climate is such that we can no longer financially justify operating The University Club of Jackson knowing the quality experience our Members expect and deserve. To that end, it is now certain that The University Club of Jackson will cease operations as of Saturday, December 31, 2011.

This decision was not easy and came only after long deliberation. Along with the many fond memories of friends and family, a valued component of your experience was the extended network of ClubCorp Clubs and traveling benefits associated with Signature Gold Membership. In the coming days, there will be communication delivered to all Members The University Club of Jackson detailing the ability to continue those benefits and answer your anticipated questions.

For the best interest of your current enjoyment of the Club as well as the livelihood of our valued Employee Partners, we are all hoping you will keep your membership active for the coming months. Additional updates will be sent as needed to keep everyone informed.

Further, the impact this closure has on our valued employees is of equal concern to us. Please be confident all will be treated with the respect and professionalism they deserve. Information will be provided to them under separate cover, including instructions on their benefits and final payroll.

I thank you for all your past commitment and support to The University Club of Jackson and wish all involved the best.

Sincerely,

Joel Jaffe
University Club of Jackson

Read story in Clarion Ledger here

Peaches Restaurant marks 50 years

2011-08-20T07:32:00.001-05:00

Willora "Peaches" Craft Ephram moved to Jackson in 1948 with $10 to her name.

With a crisp $50 dollar bill taped to her blue blouse, the 87-year-old founder and owner of Peaches Restaurant on Friday celebrated 50 years of soul food and service along historic Farish Street.

Ephram exchanged hugs and kisses with family, friends and loyal customers who attended the lunch hour festivities, which included the city of Jackson presenting her with a proclamation. "It's love," Ephram said of the restaurant's staying power. "My pastor's there for me, my church, my sons, the people in the community ... Love brought me a long way."

Reared in Utica, Ephram opened the restaurant in 1961, serving up soulful meals of fried chicken, smothered pork chops, potato salad, collard greens, black eyed peas and her famous peach cobbler to the likes of Medgar Evers, Muhammad Ali, B.B. King and President Barack Obama.

Peaches Restaurant is one of several black-owned businesses in the Farish Street Historical District, one of the oldest black business districts in the U.S.

Rest of story here

Reauthorization for DJP

2011-08-18T13:26:00.007-05:00

The final vote tally for the election reauthorizing our existence is below. The threshold for continuing our BID was 70%. We are very proud that only 1.05% of the property owners actually voted NO to reauthorization. The last reauthorization in 2006 reflected a 73% YES vote.

YES: 88.55% 9,284,630 sf 228 parcels
NO: 1.05% 109,653 sf 10 parcels
Did Not Vote: 10.40% 1,090,532 sf 53 parcels

The next step in the process, is for the Mayor to recognize and ratify these numbers. We are very grateful for the trust placed in DJP, and that the vast majority of our property owners feel that the extra tax they pay for our services is a good investment.

WAPT ran a story yesterday on this process. It can be viewed here

Downtown: BID helps move Jackson

2011-08-17T18:04:00.001-05:00

Clarion Ledger Editorial...

Mississippians are aware that local county primary elections took place earlier this month, but for Jacksonians, a quieter ballot count may have as much impact.

Tuesday night, returns were counted and Downtown Jackson Partners won support for reauthorization as the designated management and economic development agency for the Downtown Jackson Business Improvement district.

While most Jacksonians may equate Downtown Partners with brightly dressed security personnel (called "Ambassadors") riding Segways downtown, or the big heavy planters with lush greenery on street corners, the BID vote was a big deal for Jackson.

First, it's a solid vote for downtown by businesses that are located there and are already paying taxes for city services. By voting for the BID, they are taxing themselves for improvements - such as beautifying downtown, keeping it secure, and collaborating on public improvement projects.

For example, Downtown Partners (one of which is The Clarion-Ledger), has developed one-, three- and five-year plans that include helping raise funding for a civil rights museum, promoting residential development and looking at downtown daycare.

Partners has had a positive impact on the city, with more than $500 million in economic development since the BID's inception. And more than $1 billion in development plans are under way.

When Partners started more than 10 years ago, Jackson was virtually an office park downtown, with few outlets for entertainment and virtually nonexistent residential development. More than 200 apartments have come online since 2005, with hundreds more, along with condos and other living spaces either under construction or planned.

It's all part of this registered nonprofit organization's mission of ensuring Jackson is a clean, safe and bustling city. Its goals are that downtown Jackson should be:

•Safe, comfortable, attractive.

•The region's business center.

•A diverse neighborhood.

•The cultural heart of Mississippi.

•A tourist destination.

Wednesday's vote may not have won a great deal of attention outside of Jackson, or in Mississippi, despite being the state's capital. But for Partners that's not all bad.

As long as it achieves its goals, that's all that matters - for Partners, citizens, tourists, everyone. It's doing its job quietly and well, so everyone can benefit.

Downtown Jackson Partners: Development leg reauthorized

2011-08-17T18:00:00.001-05:00

Members of the Downtown Jackson Business Improvement District have voted to reauthorize the management agency responsible for downtown development.

Downtown Jackson Partners has secured another five years of operation, said Ben Allen, DJP president. DJP is the designated management and economic development agency for the Downtown Jackson Business Improvement District, a 66-block area bounded by Court, Jefferson, George, Lamar, Griffith and Mill streets.

According to state law, it must be reauthorized every five years by commercial property owners within district boundaries. DJP must secure a 70 percent approval vote to continue operations. "We are right at 87.3 percent to reauthorize DJP as of (Monday)," Allen said of preliminary figures.

Ballots were mailed to property owners last month and were to be submitted to the city clerk's office by end of business Tuesday. The city clerk officially counts the votes, "but we tally them along the way," Allen said.

DJP is funded by a voluntary tax paid by the district's commercial property owners, Allen said. They pay an extra 10 cents per gross square foot in taxes each year.
"They have a right to vote against paying extra tax every five years. It can be substantial money," said Allen, who cited a property owner who pays an extra $150,000 in taxes annually.

Rest of story here

Huddles & Heels LAST CHANCE!

2011-08-15T16:23:00.001-05:00

Tickets are available for pick up or delivery. Call 601-353-9800 or email eray@downtown-jackson.com. For more information, click here.

City eyeing options for convention center hotel....

2011-08-13T10:40:00.003-05:00

Jackson city officials are re-examining their partnership with developers of an oft-delayed hotel to be built across from the Jackson Convention Complex.

While the city is continuing to work toward a final agreement with Dallas-based Transcontinental Realty to build a 300-room, full-service hotel directly across from the convention center, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority this week agreed to pay $15,000 to Chicago real estate consulting firm C.H. Johnson Consulting Inc. to study whether the deal remains viable.

This comes as developers are said to be facing dwindling time to secure Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds that city officials say are crucial to the roughly $90 million hotel going forward as conceived. Dec. 31 is the deadline to have those bonds sold, and officials say that can only happen with swift action in the next few weeks.

"We need to work expeditiously," said Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. "We've known of the expiration date for some time. We know we need a convention center hotel. My goal is to get a hotel."

The study likely will have to be done fairly quickly, perhaps in the next several weeks, because of the GOZone funds' timeline, according to JRA. The study will touch on whether the deal is the best one for the city and whether a public-private partnership or another direction is needed to move the project along.

Rest of story here

Bodega: Your Downtown Grocer

2011-08-05T10:02:00.000-05:00

Everyone is always in hurry. Bodega is your one stop shop for food and groceries. And the best part is if you order is over $20 they will deliver your lunch to you for FREE. Save yourself sometime and stop by after work today. Be sure and check them out on Facebook.

6th Annual Storyteller's Ball: Flashback to the Eighties

2011-08-01T16:44:00.001-05:00

Hinds County Rebranding

2011-07-28T13:29:00.002-05:00

Click the image to download the presentation.

2011 Project Redirectory Recycling Program

2011-07-28T13:18:00.001-05:00

Central Mississippi Community Forum

2011-07-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

For more information, click here.

YMCA Best of BBQ

2011-07-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

2012 Mal's St. Paddy's Parade Theme Set

2011-07-22T11:33:00.003-05:00

Mal's St. Paddy's Parade will roll to the theme of "That's What I Like About the South" for its 30th trip through downtown Jackson next March 17, parade founder Malcolm White announced.

The 2012 parade will be held on St. Patrick's Day.

The theme comes from the oft-recorded song of the same title. Phil Harris and His Orchestra, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Asleep at the Wheel and the Red Stick Ramblers have all taken a turn with it.

The old swing song mentions many iconic things about the South, from turnip greens and hamhocks to corn bread and "y'all." It also ties into Mississippi Development Authority's statewide campaign - Find Your True South, White said.

The parade that's become Jackson's rite of spring and a homecoming for many, pulls from St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras and grassroots fun for its unique profile. Themes have been Jackson-based, Southern and universal.

Click here for full article.

Forgive Us....

2011-07-21T19:30:00.002-05:00

For the next couple of weeks, we will be immersed in our "Re-authorization Process". Mississippi has probably the most onerous laws in the country regarding Business Improvement Districts.

70% of all property owners must register a "YES" vote to approve our (DJP) existence for another 5 years. Bond issues require 60% of those that VOTE, to approve a bond tax. Imagine a political election requiring 70% of registered voters for election. If someone does not vote AT ALL, that equates as a NO vote.

This post is not to complain, but to advise that we will not be posting much for a week or so, until we are either rehired as an organization, or dissolved.

Numerous daily meetings with our stakeholders are on the front burner at the present time.

Bear with us.

Ben

RelocateAmerica's Top 100 Places to Live in 2011

2011-07-13T12:48:00.002-05:00

See where Jackson ranks. Click on link below...

Welcome to the 14th annual list of America's "Top 100 Places to Live". Each year RelocateAmerica researches, identifies and shares the best places to live in America. Over several months at the beginning of each year, the research & editorial team begin the process based on site nominations and issues most important to relocating consumers and homeowners for the year ahead. For 2011, the team found the best communities that are well positioned for economic recovery, already experiencing strong economic recovery or have proven overall economic stability. Factors such as employment, education, community leadership and overall quality of life are strongly considered and all the data is examined to determine the Top 100.

New for this year is the opportunity for local residents, businesses and others familiar with these Top 100 cities to have their say as to what area is worthy of Top 10 overall consideration and other breakout lists.

Click link here

BIG News for the MS Museum of Art

2011-07-13T10:39:00.000-05:00

Mississippi Museum of Art Receives NEA Grant
Cultural District Project is among 51 Grants Nationwide Selected to
Receive Support of Our Town Project

(Jackson, Miss.) - Today, the Mississippi Museum of Art (the Museum) announced that it will receive an Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), one of only 51 grants awarded nationwide. The Museum will receive a $150,000 grant to support its Cultural District Project, the focus of which is the new Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Construction of this 1.2 acre green space is currently underway, with plans to open on October 1, 2011.

Our Town is the NEA's latest investment in creative placemaking through which partners from both public and private sectors come together to strategically shape the social, physical, and economic character of a neighborhood, town, city, or region around arts and cultural activities.

The Cultural District Project is an initiative, led by the Mississippi Museum of Art, in partnership with the city of Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, and several arts organizations, which seeks to animate Jackson's newest public green space - The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art - through rich encounters in the arts for Jackson's diverse population and through the formal demarcation of its cultural district. Funds from the NEA will be used to support dynamic educational programming, performances, film screenings, and a signature event, the Town Creek Arts Festival (scheduled for October 1, 2011). In addition, funds will be used to formally define the de facto downtown cultural district through entryways and signage, helping to underscore downtown Jackson as a cultural destination.

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman said, "Communities across our country are using smart design and leveraging the arts to enhance quality of life and promote their distinctive identities. In this time of great economic upheaval, Our Town provides communities an opportunity to reignite their economies."

Click here to read the entire press release.

DJP featured in the Northside Sun

2011-07-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

My Cup Runneth Over coming to 111 Capitol Building

2011-07-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

Development: Jackson on the move

2011-07-11T07:58:00.001-05:00

Editorial from today's Clarion Ledger....

As news reports in The Clarion-Ledger have noted lately, Jackson is on the move with all it taking to surpass the tipping point is just a little boost in the economy.

As noted earlier this month, Jackson's ambitious Old Capitol Green development could be poised to take its biggest steps forward yet.

"I still feel strongly about this project," says Carlton Brown, chief operating officer of Full Spectrum South, the roughly $1 billion mixed-use project's developer. "Our approach is to keep on plugging. We've made substantial progress. We're still at full tilt."

Brown said three restaurants and what he describes as a "live performance/recording" operation have signed letters of intent with Full Spectrum, clearing the way for definitive lease agreements to be signed.

The first phase of the 13-block development covers nine city blocks, bordered by Pearl Street to the north, Jefferson Street to the east, Silas Brown Street to the south and State Street to the west.

The development is mixed use with commercial and residential offerings.

It is to include a 200,000-square-foot office building, retail space and 182 apartments, with pricing at market rate and discounted rates for people who earn less than 80 percent of the area's median income.

But, at the other end of downtown, development is moving forward, albeit slowly, as well.

As reported last month, the Farish Street Entertainment District project's lead developer David Watkins says he hopes to have open by the end of the year the five tenants who have signed leases to be part of the roughly $100 million development complex.

He says tenants have been identified for 14 of the 15 planned venues in the initial phase. Signed tenants include a complex named after blues legend B.B. King, the Itta Bena Room, Zach Harmon Blues Club, a sports bar and a cigar club/restaurant, with names being finalized for the latter two.

Negotiations continue with nine other prospective tenants.

Given the depth and severity of the Great Recession and the economy's lingering sluggishness, the steady, incremental downtown development is encouraging.

The investment that has and is occurring in downtown speaks volumes as to the commitment to make the Capital City a premier place to live, shop and prosper.

Downtown Jackson Partners’ re-up vote....

2011-07-07T17:57:00.001-05:00

By Amy McCullough

Prior to the creation of Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP) in 1996, the center of Mississippi’s capitol city averaged 458 crime incidents annually, the streets were littered, Smith Park was unusable and downtown was an 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. office park.

Now the area boasts 309 occupied apartments, a revitalized King Edward Hotel, a business incubator, an additional 24-hour security presence, drastically lower crime rate, clean streets, progressing Farish Street Entertainment District and many other improvement projects.

DJP is made possible by the authorization of its business improvement district (BID), a defined area within which businesses pay an additional tax to fund improvements within the district’s boundaries. Downtown Jackson’s BID – the only one in Mississippi – comes up for a reauthorization vote every five years. On Aug. 16 Jackson’s business community will decide whether DJP will operate for another five years.

There are more than 1,000 BIDs nationwide, and cities like New Orleans, Chattanooga, Little Rock and Nashville have had them since the 1970s.

DJP President Ben Allen said public-private partnerships are crucial to urban revitalization efforts.

“What we’re doing is not new. In fact, we’re one of the last major cities to have a business improvement district. New Orleans’ formed in ’74. Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Chattanooga and Memphis formed (BIDs) in the ‘70s. We weren’t formed until 1996. The reason BIDs were formed is because cities started collapsing across the country. Business owners looked at all these decaying assets and said, ‘The city can’t fix this. What can we do to fix ourselves?’ So they started forming business improvement districts to tax themselves to fix stuff,” Allen said.

DJP strives to be the go-to organization for downtown activity. Whether a developer is interested in a multi-million renovation or a restaurant wants a permit for a bench on a city sidewalk, DJP is there to help navigate the waters of bureaucracy.

“Downtown Jackson Partners tries to be that one-stop shop for all things downtown while providing supplemental city services like cleaning and safety. We provide assistance to event organizers and market information for prospective developers. DJP also helps developers navigate through the bureaucracy of local government and identifies local, state and federal incentives that can be helpful to their projects,” said John Gomez, associate DJP director.

Rest of story from Mississippi Business Journal here

Guido & Luigi's at Underground 119

2011-07-07T11:16:00.000-05:00

119 is going Italian! Join us as we turn the bar into an Italian restaurant for ONE NIGHT ONLY. The special menu will feature handmade pastas and sauces by Chefs Brian Cartenuto and Tom Ramsey. Reservations are recommended. Call 601.352.2322 to make yours. For more information, click here.

Entergy presents check to MS Museum of Art

2011-07-05T14:36:00.000-05:00

Last week, amidst the dust and dozers of the construction site, Entergy President Haley Fisackerly presented a check to Museum Director Betsy Bradley for the amount of $10,000. Construction is full steam ahead, moving toward the Grand Opening of The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art this Fall.

The generous support from Entergy will sponsor the Town Creek Arts Festival that will mark the opening of The Art Garden on October 1, 2011. Formerly Downtown All Day, The Town Creek Arts Festival marks the end of the Downtown at Dusk series of events sponsored by Downtown Jackson Partners. The name chosen for the latent creek that flows through downtown and runs adjacent the Mississippi Museum of Art and The Art Garden serves to create affinity for the long existing Jackson waterway in hopes for a cleaner future.

For more information, click here.

This is a Bad Top Ten Statistic....

2011-07-01T15:54:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder why we are the most obese state in the union, while also being the poorest. Read article below from Mens Health magazine.

Where Sit Happens...

Summer is the season for kicking back and doing nothing, which means it's always summer in Lexington, Kentucky. In fact, folks there didn't need to lift a finger to be named America's Most Sedentary City, since movement of any kind means you're not a committed couch potato.

Now, we don't doubt the Lexington work ethic—it's the workout ethic we question. We looked at where and how often people exercise (Experian Marketing Services); the percentage of households that watch more than 15 hours of cable a week and buy more than 11 video games a year (Mediamark Research); and the rate of deaths from deep-vein thrombosis, a condition linked to a lot of sitting (CDC). And since some people define "exercise" loosely, we gave credit for any physical activity in the past month (CDC).

Least active

100 Lexington, KY F
99 Indianapolis, IN F
98 Jackson, MS F
97 Charleston, WV F
96 Oklahoma City, OK F
95 Tulsa, OK F
94 Little Rock, AR F
93 Nashville, TN F
92 Laredo, TX F
91 Birmingham, AL F

Rest of story here

$1B Old Capitol Green Project Progressing......

2011-07-01T06:43:00.005-05:00

Construction could start by year's end.....

With several retail tenants a step closer to signing leases and construction on a parking garage perhaps starting by the end of the year, Jackson's ambitious Old Capitol Green development could be poised to take its biggest steps forward yet.

"I still feel strongly about this project," says Carlton Brown, chief operating officer of Full Spectrum South, the roughly $1 billion mixed-use project's developer. "Our approach is to keep on plugging. We've made substantial progress. We're still at full tilt."

He said three restaurants and what he describes as a "live performance/recording" operation have signed letters of intent with Full Spectrum, clearing the way for definitive lease agreements to be signed. Brown wouldn't elaborate further on any of the prospective tenants but did say he hopes to land a grocer in a space.

The first phase of the 13-block development covers nine city blocks, bordered by Pearl Street to the north, Jefferson Street to the east, Silas Brown Street to the south and State Street to the west.

It is to include a 200,000-square-foot office building, retail space and 182 apartments, ranging from loft to three-bedroom designs with pricing at market rate and discounted rates for people who earn less than 80 percent of the area's median income.

"We have a building in an urban area of Jackson that can only survive if there is housing ... with a mixture of incomes," says Malcolm Shepherd, Full Spectrum's development director. Rest of story here

Business Improvement District Video

2011-06-30T12:27:00.004-05:00

Downtown Jackson Partners is required by state law to be re-authorized every 5 years. Property owners in the DJP “Business Improvement District” (BID) will have the opportunity to vote to continue with our efforts, and the Jackson City Council, as required by state law, has set the election date for August 16th. For a little information on our organization and the tremendous strides in your downtown, please watch this video.

video by Communication Arts

District at Eastover more than a sketch.....

2011-06-29T15:40:00.001-05:00

With a deal finally signed to develop the old Mississippi School for the Blind property, work on the project could begin as early as this fall.

The District Land Development Co. recently signed an agreement to buy the land from the state Department of Finance and Administration to build The District at Eastover on roughly 21 acres at the corner of the I-55 North frontage road and Eastover Drive in north Jackson.

Developers are paying $3.3 million for the land, said Kevin J. Upchurch, DFA's executive director. The price is an average of two independent appraisals of the property.

"It's not being used and, all of a sudden, we have the opportunity to do something with it," he said.

Lead developer Ted Duckworth says he hopes to close on the deal by early fall once the city takes up rezoning.

Currently zoned for special use, Duckworth is seeking to have it rezoned as an urban town center to allow the development's various components.

Once the property is rezoned, demolition of several old buildings will commence, with construction on the development to follow early next year, Duckworth said. Parts of it could open by fall 2013.

The state Legislature in 2010 approved a bill allowing DFA to sell or lease the land so a mixed-use development could be built there.

The rezoning is important, Upchurch says, because failure to achieve urban town center status could mean a new legislative measure calling for what could be built there. Rest of story here

Red White & Jackson

2011-06-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce and PEPSI will host the Fourth Annual Red, White, & Jackson on Thursday, June 30, in Downtown Jackson.

The event will begin with free food, beverages and live entertainment by Faze 4 from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Smith Park in Downtown Jackson. Downtown at Dusk will also take place from 5- 7 p.m.

Then from 7-9 p.m., the event will move in front of the Old Capitol Museum where entertainment will be provided by the First Baptist Church of Jackson, food vendors, crafts and space jumps, face painting, tours of the Old Capitol Museum, reptiles provided by the MS Museum of Science. The night will feature a C-17 flyover and a beautiful fireworks display.

Other sponsors of the event included Atmos Energy, University of Mississippi Health Care, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, First Baptist Church of Jackson, the Radio People, Mississippi Link and Clear Channel.

Some streets will be closed for the two events on June 30th. At 1pm, State Street will be closed from Pearl to Amite Streets, and Capitol Street will be closed from President to State Streets. President Street will remain open to traffic.

Downtown at Dusk on State & Capitol St.

2011-06-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Downtown Jackson’s ever popular event, Downtown at Dusk, will be a part of a special double header event in conjunction with Red White and Jackson. Downtown at Dusk: The Double Decker Downtown Event will be held Thursday, June 30th from 5 to7 pm, on State and Capitol Streets (in front of the Old Capitol Museum) in downtown Jackson.

Headlining the event will be Los Papis, a Latin inspired band. Food vendors include: County Fisherman, Parlor Market, Lumpkin’s BBQ, Hal & Mal’s, Downtown Café and Millers Grill. Food plates are available for purchase for $5. Cold beer for $2 (please be prepared to show ID); also, soft drinks and water will be available for $1 each.

Event sponsors include: Entergy Mississippi, Downtown Jackson Partners, Underground 119, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cathead Vodka, Jackson Downtown Neighborhood Association, YP Alliance, MISS 103, 105.1 WJDX, Z106.7, Hallelujah 95.5, The Score 620 and NewsPlus 1590.

After Downtown at Dusk winds down, Red White & Jackson kicks off. Pepsi and The Jackson Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the event, held on the historic Old Capitol Green next to the Old Capitol Museum. The event will feature a fireworks display, a children’s pavilion including crafts and space jumps and entertainment by the First Baptist Church of Jackson. Food vendors will be on site. There will be no beer sales at Red White & Jackson. Participants are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs.

Once a month, Downtown at Dusk is held at a Jackson hot spot. Event organizers are currently planning future party details and encourage the public to stay tuned with more fun on the horizon. Become a fan of Downtown at Dusk on Facebook.

24/7/365...You Call, We Answer

2011-06-27T10:44:00.003-05:00

Several months ago, DJP introduced a "courtesy number" that is available for assistance all day, every day. 601-624-6684.

During these past months, our Safety Ambassadors have answered hundreds of calls, from dead batteries, to kittens being "stuck" in the engine area of a car, from needing umbrellas, to giving directions. This program, at no cost to the city or citizens, had proven very successful.

We at DJP are now in the process of expanding this service, and are testing a security radio system that will allow every security firm, hotel, restaurant office, whatever, to have instant access to everyone, immediately, should any reportable issue arise. All of the private security firms, businesses and the city will be able to "talk". Heretofore, this has not been the case.

This will prove especially helpful during downtown events, conventions, weekends and will be used immediately, should any unfortunate episode occur downtown. Those calling our courtesy number will have this information, if necessary, transmitted to our radio security blanket.

These are some of the "quiet things" DJP does to make our downtown as friendly as it can possibly be, and a place where all feel secure and comfortable.

Didn't They Just "Report" This Project Was "On The Shelf"???....

2011-06-27T08:30:00.003-05:00

From the Clarion Ledger Today:

Farish St.: Project making progress

While the slow pace of development with the Farish Street Entertainment District project has been frustrating, its progress is encouraging given the sluggish economy.

As The Clarion-Ledger reported recently, lead developer David Watkins says he hopes to have open by the end of the year the five tenants who have signed leases to be part of the roughly $100 million development complex.

He says tenants have been identified for 14 of the 15 planned venues in the initial phase. Leases have been signed with five tenants for the first block of the project, on Farish between Amite and Griffith streets.

Signed tenants include a complex named after blues legend B.B. King, the Itta Bena Room, Zach Harmon Blues Club, a sports bar and a cigar club/restaurant, with names being finalized for the latter two.

Negotiations continue with nine other prospective tenants.

Watkins and his partners took over the development in 2008 from Performa Real Estate Development of Memphis after continued delays and conflicts with the city.

Harvey Johnson Jr., who was the initial mayor for the project, has since been re-elected and seems to have a better handle on its scope.

The recession has slowed construction and investment.

But having Watkins in charge is a strong plus once lending and company expansion returns to the economy.

Watkins has been a lead player in the simultaneous downtown development that is also continuing to slowly unfold in a major way, including turning the King Edward Hotel into a mixed-use facility with hotel rooms, apartments, shops and office space.

When coupled with the new Jackson Convention Center Complex, the Capitol Green project, and other projects - not the least of which is the just-approved civil rights museum - Jackson is poised to flower into an economic development boom.

Farish Street is part of the overall plan - outlined in The Clarion-Ledger's 2004 series "Mississippi's Downtown"- to transform downtown from primarily a "government-oriented office park" into more of a livable city, with parks, recreation and residents.

Some of the changes are slow to develop, made slower with the sluggish economy, but persistent effort will pay off in a big way.

Hottest Trends on Main Street...

2011-06-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

Are entrepreneurs growing on Main Street? How is Main Street doing compared to big-box stores and strip malls? Do people want to live downtown?

Every year, the National Trust Main Street Center conducts a survey to discover the latest trends on Main Streets nationwide. This year, the picture, as shown by the responses of 500 local Main Street programs, is one of high energy in a slow economy, with lots of innovation, ranging from strategic uses of social media to cool “green” projects. Here are some of the major trends.

Strong business growth. Despite the cash crunch that is preventing small businesses from getting needed financing to expand, Main Street districts reported surprisingly strong growth in new businesses after a big drop last year. More than 5,000 businesses opened on the Main Streets of responding communities, nearly equaling the 10-year peak reached in 2006.

Competing with the strip. Half of all Main Street programs reported that the economic health of their commercial districts was on par with nearby communities. Even more impressive, however, is that 35 percent are doing better than surrounding commercial centers, and nearly 30 percent reported the closure of at least one big-box store in their area.

New entrepreneurs. Nearly 50 percent reported new entrepreneurs in their districts. From boomers to women to those under 30, Main Street is attracting new business owners, many from outside the community. In Woodville, Mississippi, the Main Street program’s track record in heritage tourism and preservation inspired a couple from New Orleans to buy a building on the courthouse square. As a tax credit project ¾ the Woodville Loft and Studios ¾ will soon bring 12 storefronts and condos to this small town. And in a great homecoming story, a 21-year old native of Sidney, Nebraska, came back after college with the dream of opening her own business. So Historic Downtown Sidney connected her with a retiring business owner, and helped with her first six months rent. This way, the Main Street program found a way to re-energize an old business, while creating a future for a new entrepreneur… one of its own. And in the northwest, Oregon City Main Street launched a video marketing and recruitment campaign for creative professionals who are interested in growing their business in a funky downtown setting. Their campaign kicked off last year and brought in eight new businesses in the first few months.

Rest of story here

First Baptist Church Jackson Parents Morning Out

2011-06-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

Galloway Children's Center

2011-06-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

The Galloway Children’s Center is a Christian Child Care program. We provide individual care in a group setting. We strive to provide an atmosphere as close to home as possible. Teachers reflect faith in God through the words they use and the way they relate to each child. Our curriculum is based on the abilities and needs of each age group, each experience being the basis for learning new skills. We provide not only academic learning experiences but also many of the daily essentials which are normal in a family setting. We believe that children need a lot of “life knowledge.”

We emphasize five interrelated areas which are important for the growth of the whole child: intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Bible and character building stories are presented daily. The Children’s Center follows guidelines set by the National Association of Education of Young Children in planning a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate. Our program is designed with intervals of stimulation and relaxation and a balance between periods of active indoor and outdoor play, quiet play, and rest.

We have children aging from 6 weeks through 5 years old. We have a 3 and 4 year old pre-preschool. It is our goal to have all children ready to go to 5 year old kindergarten. Our children go to a wide array of private and public schools in the metro-Jackson area.

We offer tours upon request.

The Center is open Monday through Friday 7:00am until 6:00pm.

Director: Sharon Patterson
Telephone number: 601-360-1792
Email address: spatterson@gallowayumc.org

Little Acorns Child Development Center

2011-06-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

Little Acorns Child Development Center has been caring for Jackson’s children since 1990. Located in the Dr. A.H. McCoy Federal Building, our center recently added 5,000 square feet of space with two additional classrooms and an indoor play area. Construction is currently underway for two more classrooms and a new playground with a splash pad feature. Although we are located in a federal facility, we are not exclusively for federal employees. Up to 50% of our openings are available to private sector families.

Our center’s mission statement is a simple quote that reflects our values and commitment to our children: a quote from Margaret Mead, “We must have a place where children can have a whole group of adults that they can trust.” We regard this trust as a sacred trust, and endeavor to consistently maintain a quality program of child-centered learning and care.

At Little Acorns, we have two major priorities that we work toward on a daily basis. The first priority is the health and safety of the children in our care. Our entire staff is certified in infant and child CPR and Pediatric First Aid. We also receive training in Universal Precautions and illness prevention. We have regularly scheduled safety inspections, and all staff members are required to pass an extensive, ten-year background checks by the FBI.

Our second priority is a whole child approach to learning and care. We emphasize development of the child’s independence and self-esteem. By using a developmentally appropriate curriculum for learning, we believe that a child has many opportunities for praise and positive ideals. All of our lead teachers are degreed in the field of Early Childhood Education and use the Creative Curriculum as a guide for our academic program, which meets all of the Mississippi Benchmarks for Quality.

At Little Acorns, our teachers are all fulltime employees who spend the entire day with their class. We feel that our children feel more secure with the same teacher every day, and parents appreciate the familiar faces that greet their families every morning and afternoon. Little Acorns is proud to have been a place for Jackson’s children to learn and laugh for the past twenty years. Come and grow with us as we look forward to twenty more years.

For additional information, please call 601-965-4999 or visit www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104494.

Chef Luis Needs Your Help

2011-06-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Chef Luis Bruno has been cooking up a storm here at the Museum since he came on board as the Executive Chef of The Palette Café by Viking.

Now, with crowds packing in every day, Luis is working on his all new lunch menu, and he needs YOUR help!

Many fondly remember the explosive flavors and delicious dishes from Chef Luis' former restaurant, Bruno's Eclectic Cuisine. Chef Luis loves the dishes from Bruno's as much as you do, and he wants to bring them back...

Help Luis complete the new menu for The Palette by letting him know what dishes you miss most from the days of Bruno's Eclectic Cuisine. For the next week (until Friday, June 24), we welcome all your suggestions!

Reach back into your memory and pick out the foods that you want to see on the new menu. Chef Luis is cooking for you, and he wants to include all of your favorites for The Palette Cafe's new menu launch on July 12!

Email jrankin@msmuseumart.org, comment on our Facebook wall, or let us know through Twitter (@msmuseumart) which dish of Bruno's you want back.

The new menu will be based on your requests!

The Chef eagerly awaits your feedback!

U.S. Judiciary Under One Roof.....

2011-06-21T10:59:00.002-05:00

Effective Monday, potential jurors reporting for federal jury duty in Jackson will have to go to the roughly $100 million new federal courthouse across from the main post office.

The 425,000-square-foot building at 501 E. Court St. is open, and most court personnel will be moved in by the end of this week. Potential jurors have been notified that the two jury trials scheduled for next week will be held at the new courthouse.

Bordered by Court, President, South and West streets, the new courthouse brings together all court personnel, including the U.S. attorney's office and the U.S. Marshal Service, in the same building. "I think everyone will be happy to have the federal judiciary under one roof," said J.T. Noblin, clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Noblin said one problem is the absence of a restaurant or deli in the immediate area of the new courthouse. That means court personnel and others have to walk several blocks to the nearest restaurant, drive or have food delivered.

"We mostly have food delivered," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Givens.
Rest of story here

Farish Street Developers Joining Business Improvement District....

2011-06-21T08:08:00.002-05:00

FROM NEWSCHANNEL 12.

Growth and progress. That's the word from organizers working to enhance the capital city. There's continuing optimism about Jackson's future as the downtown area works to re-invent itself.

Monday, developers of the Farish Street District announced plans to join a group of other properties who are working to revitalize downtown Jackson.

"If you look around downtown and what's gone on in just the last five years, it's pretty breathtaking," says Ben Allen of the Downtown Jackson Partners.

Allen told supporters of his organization Monday night that the King Edward and Standard Life apartment buildings are filled to capacity, and he says that's proof of the revitalization of downtown.

The King Edward and Standard Life are included in Jackson's Business Improvement District or BID, and now, another big name is joining the BID, the Farish Street development.

"Because we are so high on what Downtown Jackson Partners is doing, we've asked to be included in the BID," says David Watkins, Developer of the Farish Street Project.

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority owns the property on Farish street, which is exempt from paying taxes. Also exepmpt are non-profits and government entities.

"That consists of about 61% of all the property in downtown Jackson, so we want to do our part, and I think that's about another $40,000 to $50,000 of taxes that we'll be paying," says Watkins.

To give you an idea of the progress being made on the Farish Street Project, Watkins tells us that five companies have signed leases and should be in operation by Christmas, and there should be 14 tenants in the 11 buildings within the next 12 months.

See WJTV video here

Enter to win FREE VIP Tickets to Top of the Hops at the Jackson Convention Complex

2011-06-20T12:52:00.002-05:00

For more information, click here.

Leading Ladies: A Night of Nostalgia

2011-06-15T12:49:00.001-05:00

Farish Street Update

2011-06-13T17:19:00.000-05:00

Marlene Macaluso Named GM Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown....

2011-06-01T09:20:00.002-05:00

Located in the historic King Edward building.
Jackson, MS - May 31, 2011 - Marlene Macaluso, who has served since last year as general manager of Hilton Garden Inn French Quarter/Central Business District in New Orleans, has been appointed to the same position at the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown in the historic King Edward building, announced Gary Gutierrez, president of HRI Lodging, an affiliate of HRI Properties (HRI), the lead developer and majority owner of the King Edward.

She has more than 25 years of experience managing resort properties in the U.S. and the Caribbean.

“Marlene has demonstrated a keen understanding of how to manage for excellence in a central downtown location,” said Gutierrez. “Her experience at both resort properties and historic hotels represents the perfect combination to maintain and enhance the successful operation of our hotel in downtown Jackson’s historic King Edward building,” he added.

Before joining HRI Properties last year, Macaluso served as operations director at the 328-room Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head, SC since 2006. During her tenure at the Hilton Oceanside Resort, the hotel achieved Hilton’s Top 25 Voice of the Customer rankings several times and won Hilton’s award for most improved hotel customer service in 2006.

She has experience working in historic hotels in New Orleans at The Whitney, a Wyndham Historic Hotel, where she served as general manager from 2001-2004, before moving to the same position at The Tutwiler, a Wyndham Historic Hotel in Birmingham, AL.

Rest of story here

PM Burger at Parlor Market

2011-06-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

For one day only, June 6th, Parlor Market will be transforming itself into the most ridiculous burger joint of ALL TIME. Be sure to get in line early! PM Burger's hours are 11 AM-10 PM. The menu features chef-designed burgers, fries, and milkshakes ranging from classic to down right dangerous.

There will be live music in the parking lot starting at 6 PM by Iron Feathers, Spacewolf, Furrows, Taylor Hildebrand, and Liver Mousse, with $3 canned beer outside.

Irby Elects to Stay in City.....

2011-05-27T09:21:00.001-05:00

The Stuart C. Irby Co.'s continued growth almost prompted it to leave Jackson, the only home the electrical distributor has known since opening 85 years ago.

But the deep roots the company has in the city, along with assistance from local and state government, means the business will build its new headquarters in Jackson. "It just didn't make sense" to move, company Chief Operating Officer Andy Waring said. "We have so many dedicated (local) employees. This is home to us."

The 85,000-square-foot building soon will be constructed behind Irby's current home on South State Street near Silas Brown Street. Ten jobs will be added in the expansion, bringing Irby's total work force to 156.

"To me, Irby is a landmark," said Gov. Haley Barbour. "It's always been here, and I figured it always would be here. Irby will grow."

The $6 million investment will see a building that until recently housed the company's utility and purchasing divisions knocked down and the new headquarters built in its place. The company hopes to start demolition in the next 10 days.

Rest of story here