JACKSON, Miss. – The corner of Lynch and Dalton streets was the site of a new beginning for the Jackson State University neighborhood at 9 a.m., Oct. 15, as a crowd gathered for the grand opening of One University Place.
The mixed-use complex is the largest private real estate development west Jackson has seen in 30 years.
“This is a great day!” said Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. “This is a culmination of a process that took many years to realize. It started really with the momentum of the development that took place on campus.” The mayor expressed gratitude to former JSU President Dr. Ronald Mason Jr. for his vision of moving that trend of development “beyond campus gates” to “protecting and revitalizing the neighborhoods.” “So, I’m very thrilled about today,” said Johnson.
The mayor, Mason, Interim JSU President Leslie B. McLemore and other dignitaries cut the ribbon to signify the grand opening. Following the close of the opening program, attendees were allowed to tour the appartments.
Dr. Glenda Glover, Dean of the College of Business was impressed with the apartments and with the development as a whole. “It is just one of the most amazing days in my history at Jackson State,” she said. “We teach students about the whole education experience. This culminates everything we have been working for for so many years. It shows that Jackson State is a part of a larger community.”
Students are also pleased to have the new look near their campus. SGA President Andross Milteer told the audience that he could sum his remarks up in two words, “Thank you.”
The $18-million building includes 78 luxury apartments above 22,000 square feet of prime retail space on the corner of Dalton and John R. Lynch streets.
Residents began moving into the one- and two-bedroom apartments in mid-September, and the first commercial space has been leased to a dry cleaning business. Other retailers expected to come include a day spa, a print shop, a Greek apparel store, an art gallery, a bakery/coffee shop and other restaurant offerings.
“One University Place is the next major step in the west Jackson renaissance,” said Kimberly Hilliard, director of JSU’s Center for University-Based Development, which has been instrumental in launching the development.
According to released information, the space, which compliments JSU’s architecture, was designed using new urbanist and green design principals. Residents enjoy easy access to the intellectual and cultural life of Jackson State University, including live theater and sporting events, and discounts at the campus book store, dining facility and fitness center.
“This is the best offering for close to downtown living,” said project manager Tim McCarty of UniDev LLC. “It has the most amenities immediately available.”
To help boost the building’s profile, new residents are being offered $200 off their first month rent. The rental fees for the apartments range from $675 to $1,550, depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
The opening of the building marks the completion of phase one of the University Place of Jackson development, which is expected to transform and connect the 50-acre community between JSU’s campus and downtown Jackson. Upon completion, the $150 million development area will include 300 for-sale homes and 50,000 square feet of retail space.
For more information about One University Place, call 877-261-5198 or visit www.universityplaceofjackson.com.
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