Jackson Free Press

UMMC Expansion Plans

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is considering the purchase of the vacant Landmark Center at East Capitol Street to accommodate additional support staff.

The Landmark Center once housed AT&T. The building is listed at $7.6 million, nearly half of its $14 million-plus price tag a few years ago.

The state College Board would have to approve UMMC's purchase.

The state Department of Revenue was also looking to lease the Landmark Center at one point, but instead leased office space in the South Pointe Business Park in Clinton.

UMMC has signed an agreement to lease the 156-bed Grenada Lake Medical Center from the Grenada County Board of Supervisors following approval from the State Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees.

The medical center will begin managing GLMC Sept. 1 and lease the facility beginning Jan. 1. UMMC will use patient-care revenue to pay Grenada County about $1.8 million annually toward the facility's $37.4 million debt. The 20-year lease includes three optional 10-year renewals for a total of 50 years.

Dr. James E. Keeton, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, said in a statement that the lease will ensure that Grenada County and surrounding residents can receive high-quality local hospital care. Keeton said the arrangement will also allow UMMC to rotate some of its students and residents through GLMC.

"Education is a big part of what we do," Keeton said. "We need more teaching venues so we can continue training more health professionals for Mississippi. Grenada brings that important element to the table."

The new relationship will give UMMC and GLMC opportunities to expand telemedicine services, which bring sub-specialty-level care from Jackson to community hospitals via secure video connections.

UMMC and GLMC administrators will work toward obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications for various operations.

Outlets of Mississippi Gets 19 New Tenants

Outlets of Mississippi (200 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl; 601-353-0617), a 325,000 square-foot outlet shopping center set to open Nov. 14, announced that 19 additional merchants have joined its tenant roster.

Outlets of Mississippi's newly named tenants include Adidas, Lane Bryant, Aeropostale, Maurice's, China Wok Express, Nine West, Claire's, Osh Kosh, Clark's Bostonian, Perfumes-4-U, Cole Haan, Reebok, Easy Spirit, Sbarro, Hanesbrands, Uniform Outlet, Hot Topic, Wilson's Leather and Jones NY.

The new shops will join previously announced merchants at Outlets of Mississippi that include American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Factory Store, Kay Jewelers, Toys R Us and more.

Businesses looking to lease space at Outlets of Mississippi can contact Scott Fisher of FFO Realty Advisors at 410-779-1284, or visit FFO Realty's website for more information.

Twin Peaks Jackson to Give Back to Community

Mountain-lodge themed sports restaurant Twin Peaks is coming to Jackson next month at 6010 Interstate 55 Frontage Road. In the week leading up to the opening, Twin Peaks will give back to the city by donating a majority of food from its training week to local food shelters, providing meals to the homeless.

"We're so thrilled to be opening in Jackson! There's no better way for us to start our journey here than by giving back to our community," Paul Howard, operating partner of Twin Peaks Jackson, said in a statement. "We are always trying to seek out new ways to get involved locally, and giving to these local food shelters is a wonderful opportunity for us."

"Here at Twin Peaks, all of our dishes are made from scratch and we use the freshest ingredients we can find," Howard said. "We're excited to lend a hand and donate to this cause."

Twin Peaks' training period is from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1, the official opening day.

For information, contact Katie Allen of Front Burner Restaurants at 214-686-5095 or visit Twin Peaks' website or Facebook page.