Jackson Free Press

A $17 million development being planned along the Robert Smith Parkway in west Jackson would bring a mix of new apartments and retail spaces, but would come at the cost of a neighborhood landmark.

The project, from New York City-based Morrow & Associates and Voice of Calvary Ministries in Jackson, calls for a 200,000-square-foot building, including 20,000 designated for retail as well as studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Zevilla Jackson Preston, an architect on the project, said the goal is to create a vibrant neighborhood that would be a destination for people in the Jackson community. The project would occupy the north side of the Parkways, which would require the demolition of the bright yellow home that now houses Koinonia Coffee House.

Saving Koinonia was a concern for many members of this morning's forum, which the coffee shop hosts each week. Lee Harper, who founded and runs the coffeehouse and restaurant, attempted to allay some of those concerns.

"We are not the building," she said. "Koinonia isn't going anywhere, but the building that houses Koinonia may have to go away."

There was some discussion of relocating the building, but the cost of such an endeavor is unknown, developers said.

Preston said that the developers will ask for a zoning variance from the City of Jackson, probably in August.

Some of the possible design features include vegetated walls and spaces for urban farming and LED lighting in common areas, which Preston said developers are considering powering with solar panels. Rents would average between $1,000 and $1,300 per month.

Financing would come from private investors and banks, including a loan from Bank Plus. Preston said that there are no plans to use government tax-credit programs. Developers have acquired all the parcels needed and hopes to break ground in March 2015.