Entergy supporting Capitol Green

JACKSON — Entergy Mississippi is involved in a unique public-private partnership aimed at raising the Jackson's profile called the Old Capitol Green project.

"We think that creating a new face for our largest city can have benefits for the entire state," said John Turner, director of economic development for Entergy Mississippi. "Because Jackson generally serves as the first impression visitors have of Mississippi, efforts to improve the capital city impact all Mississippians."

The goal of the Old Capitol Green project is to develop 16 blocks of the downtown area into a vibrant district offering cultural and recreational attractions that complement the city's historic and natural landmarks. The area has been re-designated as a Warehouse/Commerce Street Overlay District.

Phase one of the project will initially target an eight-block area south of the Old Capitol and the Pearl Street bridge, including the perimeter streets of State, South, Jefferson and Pearl.

The Downtown Jackson Partnership is spearheading the effort, with Entergy Mississippi acting as the private-sector facilitator to market and promote the area to potential developers. The intent is to find a master developer to transform the property into a mixed-use district offering space for businesses, residential apartments, parks, retail stores and entertainment.

The area's position on a bluff overlooking the Pearl River allows enough elevation to locate two to three floors of parking space under buildings, Turner said, and provide opportunities for good sight lines to proposed projects such as Festival Park and the Twin Lakes development.

Additional amenities include a walking trail connecting Belhaven and downtown, a cinema and pedestrian-friendly areas with generous green space. The development also ties into the new convention center, scheduled for completion in 2008.