WNWS.COM visited with Paul Taylor of the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation for a question and answer session. He discussed The Local – micro-retail spaces for local entrepreneurs and artisans, and gave an overview of the downtown area.
Question: Can you tell us about “The Local.” What is its purpose, number of square feet in each unit, how long can someone lease a unit. Can we expect similar projects in the area?
Answer: The Local is a project we’ve been developing at JDDC that addresses a number of issues we’ve recognized in downtown and Jackson in general. The project involves the construction and management of three “micro” retail spaces that offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell their products or services at a low overhead in a physical retail environment.
We keep the rent low by leasing efficient low square footage spaces of approximately 300 square feet. The target renter is a small business owner who wants to expand their business into a physical building or start a business in a low risk environment.
The leases are set up to encourage success in the business and the hope is to grow the businesses at the Local to where they eventually need additional space and can move into an existing downtown storefront.
JDDC, others, and myself are working on similar projects and initiatives to facilitate, grow, and maintain momentum in the downtown area. The potential for Jackson, especially its downtown and midtown neighborhoods, is ripe for new ideas and approaches to issues that we face. We at JDDC are excited to be a part of facilitating projects like The Local.
Question: Originally from Jackson, what encouraged you to pursue a career in developing property?
Answer: I was brought up in a construction and development family. I started working on job sites around the age of 10, sweeping and cleaning up, and continued to work construction through high school and into college.
In college I pursued degrees in Engineering and Architecture and after graduate school returned to Jackson to work with my dad, (Gary A. Taylor) in his existing development business.
During college I had the opportunity to live in different cities and communities. I saw how they approached design and redevelopment of their urban neighborhoods and wanted to bring some of those ideas/methods to Jackson and West Tennessee.
Question: Working for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, what is your role, and how important is the JDDC?
Answer: Currently, I am serving in the role of Vice President at JDDC as a board member. I help conceptualize, develop, and facilitate projects for the downtown area.
JDDC is vital to the continued redevelopment of downtown Jackson. We take a multifaceted approach to maintaining growth and encouraging community and economic development in the area.
We do this through events such as our Halloween “Trunk or Treat” and the Children’s Mardi Gras Parade, through targeted marketing initiatives and campaigns for downtown businesses, we also provide consultation to businesses who are interested in locating downtown, and assist in sponsoring/hosting dozens of downtown events that are organized outside of the JDDC office.
Question: Besides The Local, are there additional projects the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is working on.
Answer: One such project, called the “Coalescence” project, is an endeavor that involves turning vacant storefronts into sidewalk art galleries that feature local photographers and other artists that work in graphic media.
I also am working with the Terrinopolis Foundation on the installation of a “PlaySpace” behind the AMP downtown. This “PlaySpace” will be a unique addition to our downtown and city as there is nothing really like it anywhere else in the country.
Additionally, our company, Gary A. Taylor Investment, works daily towards continued commercial growth and development throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.
Question: Are you helping recruit businesses – retail, professional – to the downtown area?
Answer: We are always seeking and recruiting businesses for the downtown area.
Many professionals have already located their offices downtown and others are joining the community every year.
Outside of The Local, we are (concentrating) on dining, nightlife/entertainment, and cultural recruitment. We have seen extraordinary growth in our restaurant/food sales in the past three years and we want to continue that trend. I believe that retail will follow the food, if we continue to demonstrate ourselves as a strong restaurant market shopping will improve as well.
Question: What are your thoughts on the renovation of the downtown area, which is extending to West Deaderick Street and the University of Memphis Lambuth campus?
Answer: Convenience, walkability, and well-rounded neighborhoods are what young adults and families are seeking, and is what I believe is the underlying drive behind the development that has occurred downtown and extended into the Lambuth Area.
There are many groups working hard, not only to develop buildings and renovate homes, but also to progress a sense of community and neighborliness. I get really excited about the community development aspect of Jackson’s redevelopment.
(PHOTO: Paul Taylor)
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