Downtown Hattiesburg Revitilization Project

[Guru]

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071225/NEWS/712250334/1002/NEWS01

[Fotno]

I noticed a lot of new stuff popping up in the Down town area.
I feel a little out of place when I go to some of the jurnts though.
Guess I should keep my butt at home or Donanelle's huh.

[MSQueen]

Is work still being done on the building on the corner of Main St. and Front Street where the drug store used to be? What were the plans for the building? Anybody know?

[Guru]

Don't know personally but I bet SMTV knows. He is up on all the revitalization things and the different buildings.

I went tonight and got a bite to eat with SMTV, CSG and Michelle at 206 and afterwards we all took a walk around old downtown and looked at all the places and what all else is being worked on.
All I can say is it's very very nice. And now they are blocking off certain blocks for driving so people can walk from place to place with no traffic. Reminds me of something like a little French Quarter. We got to counting and there is well over a half dozen and probably closer to a dozen bars and grills to walk to in that particular section.

[TheCapitalist]

With the streets closed, people can walk and mingle. Don't go often, and may not 'fit in' everywhere, but things are very different than they used to be. For the better. Not an easy or cheap thing to do.

[CupcakeChic]

i love the downtown area. there are more bars coming. i am really impressed with how much things have improved just in the past few years. if i didn't have two giant dogs, i think i would want to live downtown.

[Hawkeye]

The Beale St plan is the only thing to get downtown back on the profitable map, IMHO. That and a good police presents, seen walking or riding bikes; friendly types but ones that take no shat when they spot it.

[Fish-Bait]

The Beale St plan is the only thing to get downtown back on the profitable map, IMHO. That and a good police presents, seen walking or riding bikes; friendly types but ones that take no shat when they spot it.

Oh yeah, the POlice and downtown.....They caught the panhandler.....and well, they went to the Bagel shop too....ekeke:D

[Guru]

Actually what you are seeing today was the scene back in the mid-80s.

[maggie-doodle]

I would like to see the old hotel just above the bagel shop be made into condo's. I think that would go a long way into getting the place jumping. I see where there are a couple of condo's going in over the old printing place just below the post office, opposite side of the street. It looks nice in passing. :thumbsup:

[MSQueen]

I would like to see the old hotel just above the bagel shop be made into condo's. I think that would go a long way into getting the place jumping. I see where there are a couple of condo's going in over the old printing place just below the post office, opposite side of the street. It looks nice in passing. :thumbsup:

Thanks, md. I didn't know what they were doing. Of course, that seems like a strange place to have a condo in downtown. :shrug:

[SoMissTV]

Is work still being done on the building on the corner of Main St. and Front Street where the drug store used to be? What were the plans for the building? Anybody know?

That's the Faulkner Building. My understanding is that the building owner hs ceased work on the building until the city can address his concerns for adequate parking in the area.

I would like to see the old hotel just above the bagel shop be made into condo's.

Ron Jorgensen, the former owner of Cellular One, spent a good deal of money to strip the interior of the building and completely renovate the exterior. It's for sale now, and can be yours for about a million dollars.

[maggie-doodle]

That's the Faulkner Building. My understanding is that the building owner hs ceased work on the building until the city can address his concerns for adequate parking in the area.

I believe Julian Katz was the owner and yes he did pass away..I am not for sure who bought it after that



Ron Jorgensen, the former owner of Cellular One, spent a good deal of money to strip the interior of the building and completely renovate the exterior. It's for sale now, and can be yours for about a million dollars.

There was a big article in the HA a few Sundays ago...they showed some of the renovations and it looked beautiful. One of the condos has already been sold.

[Fotno]

Is that the one everybody called The American Building?

[SoMissTV]

Yes. The America Building.

[CupcakeChic]

There was a big article in the HA a few Sundays ago...they showed some of the renovations and it looked beautiful. One of the condos has already been sold.

i thought that would be the perfect place to open a brewery/bar/eatery... it's a really pretty building.

[maggie-doodle]

Cupecake, what I gathered from the article it is going to be office space and condo's. Too bad I don't have the $$$ to buy one..especially since I have got to where I spend most of my free time at meetings at city hall and JDCC!

My new years resolution of sorts is to attend all the city council meetings as well as those of the Planning Commission, the Historic Conservation Comm. and the Board of Adjustments. I am tired of the city letting things slide that are detremental to our neighborhoods. If the public isn't there to complain they do what ever the hell they want. I for one am tired of it!

Sorry for the rant...I will get off the soapbox now! :)

[Goobersmooch]

condos are fine for an economic revitalization as it brings people to the area in the off-times.

plain out office space though, im not so sure itll be a big help.

[CupcakeChic]

i think as long as they keep bringing in new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment downtown, the condos will be a great addition. downtown hattiesburg is beautiful. the art walks, pub crawls, and such are always a lot of fun.

[SoMissTV]

plain out office space though, im not so sure itll be a big help.

Depends on what type of office. Robinson Photography's new studio is in the former Geiger Building downtown where those condos are also being built. That's the right kind of development.

[CupcakeChic]

Depends on what type of office. Robinson Photography's new studio is in the former Geiger Building downtown where those condos are also being built. That's the right kind of development.


they are really nice people, and always participate in the downtown festivites, even though they don't have a "just stop in and buy stuff" type of business. plus, really talented...

[rollinthunder]

It's different from when we used to go to McCaffery's to buy groceries...I'm glad to see the change...It reminds me of places on the coast...walk around resturants...try a new draft or have a nice glass of wine...really nice arts festivals...we need one to rival Ocean Springs art festival, which should be multistate renound...I'm really happy with it....Problem is: I can't drive my car...park it...and be positive that the two glasses of merlot's will pass the alcohol test that the H-burg police give at road block's surrounding the area will allow me to drive away....If I shouldn't be driving...I should have a suitable place in the area to sleep for the night...since we're walking....right?....where's the very local motel's or bed and breakfasts for us?....Even New Orleans know's how to accomidate tourists...

[CupcakeChic]

It's different from when we used to go to McCaffery's to buy groceries...I'm glad to see the change...It reminds me of places on the coast...walk around resturants...try a new draft or have a nice glass of wine...really nice arts festivals...we need one to rival Ocean Springs art festival, which should be multistate renound...I'm really happy with it....Problem is: I can't drive my car...park it...and be positive that the two glasses of merlot's will pass the alcohol test that the H-burg police give at road block's surrounding the area will allow me to drive away....If I shouldn't be driving...I should have a suitable place in the area to sleep for the night...since we're walking....right?....where's the very local motel's or bed and breakfasts for us?....Even New Orleans know's how to accomidate tourists...

i thought a bed and breakfast did open up near downtown... in an old pretty house, i couldn't find it on the internet... i just seem to recall a newspaper article about it... anyway, i think if things keep moving in a positive direction, there will be places to stay downtown. plus, you can always recruit a DD :-)

[SoMissTV]

i thought a bed and breakfast did open up near downtown... in an old pretty house

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