Category: Development - boom jackson

Renovations and Other Efforts to Build a Better Jackson

11/25/2020

by Dustin Cardon

When the Russell C. Davis Planetarium reopens (projected date: April 2022), visitors will be able to use their phones and tablets to see enhanced versions of static exhibits, as well as display elements only visible via mobile platforms. Photo courtesy City of Jackson

Despite the setbacks that this year's pandemic has wrought, the Jackson metro continues to persevere and move forward, making progress all the while. Check out these updates on some of what has been going on in these last few months.

Public Works Director Williams: City’s Infrastructure Problems Won’t End Soon

11/25/2020

by Kayode Crown

City of Jackson Public Works Director Charles Williams shares his ideas on improving its infrastructure profile. He urges patience from Jacksonians. Photo courtesy Charles Williams

Charles Williams became City of Jackson's public works director last month after three years as the city engineer and 19 years working in the department. He inherited a huge infrastructure deficit, low staff numbers with non-competitive remuneration, an equipment deficit and high response times to the citizens' numerous demands for attention.

Jackson Building and Rebuilding in Equal Force

9/4/2020

by Dustin Cardon

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced renovations to the Russell C. Planetarium in July. The planetarium is presently set to reopen by April 2022. Photo courtesy CDFL Architects

Even though the pandemic has slowed many things down or brought them to a halt, Jackson continues to work toward growth and change with both new construction and renovation.

Continuing on, Despite Pandemic

5/13/2020

by Dustin Cardon

Walthall Lofts is hosting virtual tours of its grounds. The new apartments are in the renovated and historic Edison Wathall Hotel in downtown Jackson. Photo courtesy Walthall Lofts

Despite setbacks from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Jackson is still moving forward. Here are just some of the latest developments taking place in and around the capital city.

One Lake, Few Alternatives: A Primer

3/5/2020

by Nick Judin

Last month’s flood joins the catastrophes of 1979 and 1983 as one of the largest floods in Jackson’s history, although smaller than both of the earlier ones. Residents, officials and developers alike are clamoring for a permanent solution to the problem of flooding. Photo by Nick Judin

No torrential rains accompanied the Jackson flood of 2020, no howling winds or crackling thunder. In between the soccer field and the Mississippi Basketball and Athletics building on Westbrook Road, the day was nearly serene, crisp and sunny. The road's descent into floodwaters from the overflowing Pearl River was calm, but absolute. A webwork of waterways lay beyond, inundating homes, parks and community buildings.

A New Workforce Café, and Lots of Renovations

9/20/2019

by Dustin Cardon

The Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration will raze the Sun-n-Sand Motor Hotel. Photo by Imani Khayyam

MDFA Purchases Sun-n-Sand

The Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration in July purchased the Sun-n-Sand Motor Hotel on Lamar Street and the Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home on West Street, both historic landmarks located in downtown Jackson. The Mississippi Business Journal reported that MDFA paid a total of $2.3 million for the two buildings.

Get Fit, Eat Grilled Cheese, More

5/17/2019

by Dustin Cardon

Once completed, the 15,000-square-foot Midtown Depot will feature a grilled-cheese restaurant, craft-beer bar, a stage, art galleries and more. Photo courtesy ELSEWorks

Something is always happening in Jackson, so each issue of BOOM updates you on some of the new developments in the Jackson metro area. Here are some of the recent ones.

Exploring Religion, Plurality, Coexistence at IMMC

5/17/2019

by Amber Helsel

Okolo Rashid says the International Museum of Muslim Culture’s newest exhibit explores Muhammad, not just as a prophet but also as a head-of-state. Photo courtesy IMMC

It's quiet inside the International Museum of Muslim Cultures on a day in May, but a couple of blocks away, its noisier as IMMC renovates a space that will house a new exhibit.

Jackson Rising

12/13/2018

by Dustin Cardon

Operation Shoestring began construction for its renovations on Oct. 29. Photo courtesy Operation Shoestring

Operation Shoestring to Renovate

In November, education nonprofit Operation Shoestring announced that as part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, it would launch the "Rise to the Future" capital campaign to go toward renovations.

Moving Forward in Jackson

9/5/2018

by Dustin Cardon

The City of Jackson’s planning and development department will debut its parklet on Congress Street, which will have outdoor furniture, bike racks and more, on Sept. 21. Photo by Jackson Department of Planning and Development

Development often happens in fits and starts in Jackson, but fall 2018 should see a lot of bulldozers and hard hats around town.