Jackson Free Press

[verbatim statement] Today Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. announced that three new tenants would be locating to the Farish Street Entertainment District. The nationally renowned entertainment establishments are: Funny Bones Comedy Club, Wet Willies (a national daiquiri chain) and King Biscuit Café. "We are pleased that these venues decided to locate in Jackson, Mississippi," said Mayor Johnson. They will provide exciting night-life for current residents, tourists, convention attendees and the growing number of people looking to live in our downtown. These three businesses see the value of Jackson and see the potential that Farish Street has in becoming the place to be!"

Performa Entertainment, Inc. was hired to market the Farish Street Entertainment District. Performa is best known for its development of Beale Street in Memphis. The leases for these businesses have been signed. The next step is the renovation of the buildings.

Previous Comments

ID

168357

Comment

Nice... But, I seriously hope it doesn't become too commercialized and maintains a local flavor!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-10-28T13:25:55-06:00

ID

168358

Comment

I agree. Beale St. is a great tourist attraction, but from living in Memphis for 6 years, I know that it really isn't a good place for local residents. On a good note: 2 local entrepreneurs have bought a building on Farish and plan to open a new club. And of course, the Alamo is a great local landmark, and Fields and Peaches are still kicking.

Author

Justin

Date

2004-10-28T13:40:58-06:00

ID

168359

Comment

Yeah, Beale Street was cool for a while. But that monstrosity mall thing (Peabody Place?) they put up is disgusting. Also, very few businesses on Beale are owned by African Americans today. How's that for ironic? If that happens on Farish, I will never forgive Jackson. We need to learn from the mistakes on Beale, etc., in addition to salivate after their success. And we have the time and luxury of doing this right.

Author

ladd

Date

2004-10-28T13:50:51-06:00

ID

168360

Comment

That mall was ugly, but it was also convenient to downtown residents. It meant you didn't have to drive 30 minutes to get a pair of blue jeans or see a movie. At the press conference for Farish St., the developer from Memphis who put together the deal said that part of the financing aggreement requires that each business on the street have a certain percentage minority ownership (I think 25% or higher). So hopefully, the history of Farish St. will be respected in its rebirth.

Author

Justin

Date

2004-10-28T14:15:48-06:00