Renderings for Fondren's Central Park

Top: Intersection of State St./Duling Ave.
Bottom: View of Old Canton/Duling Ave. intersection

Here are some renderings for Central Park, Mike Peters' newest development in Fondren. Here is an article on the development from the Clarion-Ledger.

August 25, 2005

Former school to be Fondren housing units

Developer, JPS strike deal to make historic Duling School part of project

By Cori Bolger
cbolger@clarionledger.com

J.D. Schwalm/The Clarion-Ledger The grassy lots and the historic Duling School are under consideration for development by Mike Peters, who turned the Fondren Corner complex into a shopping area. The school would become condominiums, while an addition would offer retail and commercial space.

The building where hundreds of children once learned their ABCs could soon become home to hundreds of full-time residents.

Under an agreement between the Jackson Public Schools, developer Mike Peters has created plans to turn the historic Duling School in Fondren into a 120-unit residential space as part of a larger structure featuring commercial, office and retail components.

In combination with adjacent buildings, such as the Pix Capri Theater and Fondren Corner, the area is set to become a full-fledged shopping and dining district in a neighborhood that's gradually undergone a creative transformation.

"It's going to be the biggest thing that's happened to Fondren, and it's going to change the face of Fondren," said Camp Best, executive director of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation.

Said Nathan Glenn, owner of Rooster's and Basil's restaurants in Fondren: "I think it will make Fondren the hub of Jackson."

An architectural rendering set up in nearby Fondren Corner depicts the proposed development in three phases spread across 5 acres and collectively named "Central Park." Peters, however, would not release any detailed information, saying negotiations with JPS aren't finalized.

Two Art Deco-style condominium buildings and adjacent parking lots will be located around the school along Duling Avenue between North State Street and Old Canton Road in Fondren.

Initial construction on the project, which could top $20 million, will begin sometime after Jan. 1. The 26,261-square-foot school, which was built in 1927, is currently being utilized by adult education classes and JPS administration.

"We're still finalizing the design and selecting the contractors," Peters said. "(The design) is still shifting and changing."

A new state law allows school districts to turn over property, such as Duling School, for private development. The districts will retain 20 percent equity in the project.

Before the law, districts could dispose of the property by donating it to a nonprofit organization, or sell it at auction.

David Watkins, a Jackson lawyer who serves as outside counsel to JPS, said any renovation of Duling School would be valued between $10 million and $20 million, and the school district could see $2 million to $4 million in return once the property is sold.

Last week, the JPS board chose Peters' proposal for redeveloping the school and approved a contract negotiation. Four other developers submitted proposals for consideration.

Peters is one of three developers who created Fondren Corner, which is touted as a key part of Fondren's revitalization.

He also began work on the 12-story Plaza Building in Jackson last year. The renovations will include apartments in the downtown building.

"We thought his proposal would add the most value to the area and the most economic benefit to the school district," Watkins said.

"Until we have the contract (finalized)," he added, "there's always a possibility it can fail."

Peters' design impressed Best because of its attention to preservation fused with modern additions.

Best said he thinks the project should be completed within two years. "I think it will have a huge effect pushing the renovation of the Pix Capri Theater and other properties."

Several restaurant owners are interested in moving their businesses into the building, said Glenn, who plans to relocate Basil's to Peters' building once the space is ready.

Glenn said he expects an influx of young professionals and artists will move into the region because of its proximity to downtown Jackson.

"You're living and working in the same area where you eat, shop and play without the automobile and gas cost," Glenn said. "I expect this will have a much larger impact than Fondren Corner because of its dimensions."

Fondren resident and artist Ellen Douglas rides her bike to and from her home and studio and appreciates the easy access. Douglas said she hopes the new developments bolster surrounding property value, though the issue of affordability for artists and young people concerns her.

"I can't see it being anything but good for the city and the neighborhood," Douglas said. "If there was an office store, breakfast place and tennis courts there, I'd never leave."