Hotel King Edward - Jackson, Mississippi

April 23, 2006

City needs to stop spinning its wheels on revitalization

In the movie Groundhog Day, actor Bill Murray plays a weatherman that keeps living the same day over and over.

When it comes to discussing development in downtown Jackson, often times it seems as if we are stuck at the same place.

The hope is that increasing the amount of residential space and adding more retail and entertainment businesses, will lure people downtown after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on the weekends.

Unfortunately, in many ways downtown isn't much different than it was four years ago.

There has been some progress. A couple of buildings have been renovated to add luxury apartments. The 15 apartments at 308 Electric and the 14 apartments at the Plaza Building have been rented.

There also seems to be fewer issues involving crime, which was a major topic of discussion early on.

But on Friday night, as the sun was setting over the city, there was very little traffic, and downtown sidewalks were empty.

JACKSON NEEDS NICHE

Throughout the country more and more cities are seeing a revival of their downtowns.

There is a push, especially with younger professionals, to create places where people can live and work in the same area.

Some cities have used sports venues as a major draw. Others are taking advantage of their waterfront.

Jackson continues to struggle to find its niche.

Many people thought the facelift given the Farish Street entertainment district would be a catalyst. There have been promises of new businesses, but so far, promises are all we have gotten.

For years, renovation of the King Edward Hotel has been talked about and talked about and talked about even more.

David Watkins, who is part of the project's development team, spoke Wednesday at Millsaps College's Else School of Management Business Forum. Watkins said the project was going to happen. It will start this summer and be completed in two years.

Development of the Pearl River south of the Ross Barnett Reservoir remains a hot topic. A report on the project - commonly referred to as "two lakes" - is expected from the Army Corps of Engineers later this year.

Other projects also have been added to the drawing board.

Old Capitol Green, which will develop an area along Commerce Street between Pearl and South streets, has been proposed. It would be a mixed-use development with residential, retail, entertainment and office space.

Proposals are pending to develop private office buildings on two vacant parcels owned by the city.

TIME FOR ACTION

The plans are promising, but until action is taken, little is going to change in downtown.

As someone pointed out this week, people are always talking about these different things that are going to happen in downtown, but when you go to Madison or Rankin County, you actually see buildings being built.

In Groundhog Day, Murray decided to use each day to figure out a way to reach his goal of getting the girl. Once he did, he was no longer stuck reliving the same day.

Hopefully, discussions and planning of downtown revitalization will pay off soon and we won't be stuck just talking about it.