Jackson Free Press

Developer David Watkins has just informed the Jackson Free Press that the Jackson Redevelopment Authority has chosen a proposal presented by him, Deuce McAllister and Historic Restoration Inc. to restore the Standard Life Building. JRA chose their proposal from three, including one from TCI of Dallas, with close connections to controversial businessman Gene Phillips, a friend of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton. (See post below.) Earlier today, TCI won their bid to develop the $180 million Convention Center hotel.

Last year, Melton tried to derail HRI's plan to redevelop the King Edward Hotel in order to divert the project to Gene Phillips.

"I was sort of surprised," said Jackson attorney David Watkins, who is working with HRI on both the Standard Life and neighboring King Edward redevelopment. "We knew we had the best plan, but that doesn't mean you always win."

More details soon.

Previous Comments

ID

93044

Comment

Great news for Jackson! I can't wait to see their plans.

Author

tombarnes

Date

2007-06-27T15:39:40-06:00

ID

93045

Comment

YAY! I sure could use some good news. I hope Melton doesn't try to do anything to HRI. Also, I wouldn't mind if Watkins or McAllister ran for office in Jackson one day. :-D

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-27T15:50:13-06:00

ID

93046

Comment

Thanks JRA board for looking out for the city that fm wants to give away.

Author

jada

Date

2007-06-27T23:17:40-06:00

ID

93047

Comment

Despite all the naysayers, the news keeps getting better for Jackson. Let us all hope and pray that Frank keeps his hand out of this cookie jar.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-06-28T07:13:02-06:00

ID

93048

Comment

Go Saints! ;-) In case anyone missed it, the Saints added Kendrick Clancy from Ole Miss as a free agent. You can't pass up the great publicity that having a Deuce McAllister involved in rebuilding downtown provides. And, it certainly doesn't hurt that the Saints are now a good NFL team! Way to go Deuce, David, HRI, and the rest of your team! Hey... Didn't Mayor Melton say one of his problems with the JPS Bond project was that it was going to an out of state company? That he was only trying to stay LOCAL by trying to (wink, wink) "promote" IMS to the Board over the other local company they chose? So, what makes the TX company and Gene Phillips local? I doubt the FBI overlooks the contradicting statements Melton makes each day.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-28T11:06:20-06:00