Architect's rendering of proposed Fondren Place Phase 2
New residences planned for
Fondren Business District
.....Fondren developers Andrew Mattiace and Mike Peters have announced their latest projects for Fondren: updates to Fondren Place and a new structure, Fondren Place Phase 2.
.....Fondren Place, which currently houses Bank Plus, Mazingo Clothiers and Dumbo’s on Duling, will undergo the conversion of previous office space on the second and third floors to 30 luxury apartments. The conversion is significant in that it removes approximately 100 employee parking places making way for more customer-based parking. The apartments should be ready for occupancy in late 2022.
.....Fondren Place Phase 2 will be an infill project positioned behind the popular Duling School complex which currently houses Saltine, Babalu and Duling Hall.Mattiace/Peters are credited with rescuing the empty Duling School and transforming it into a vibrant mixed use destination.
.....Fondren Place Phase 2 will house 130 residential units in four floors over two floors of parking. First floor parking will primarily support the existing commercial uses along Duling. The two floors of parking will represent a net increase in parking accommodations over what currently exists.
.....During a brief period while the parking floors are being constructed, alternative parking will be provided through a partnership with Fondren Church. The two floors of parking will then be open to the public while the residential floors are being constructed.
.....The architecture of the Phase 2 building was selected by the Department of Archives and History after reviewing various designs over the last six months. It was selected because of its architectural relevance to Duling School.
......Phase 2 will consist of 1 and 2 bedroom units.
.....Phase 2 is expected to be completed in about two years, once city approvals take place.
.....The project is expected to generate approximately $400,000 in additional property taxes with half of that being directed to Jackson Public Schools.
.....The Fondren Business Improvement District which provides security, landscaping and cleaning services for the entire business district, will also benefit from additional taxes.
Installation video
Art opening at The Cedars on Sunday
.....Art returns to The Cedars on Sunday with a show by Artist-in-Residence Anne O'Hara. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with refreshments served in the Magnolia Lounge to allow for social distancing in the gallery.
.....Masks are encourage while inside The Cedars.
.....Valet parking will be available for Renaissance Society members - or $5 for others wishing to valet. Free parking will be available across the street at St. Andrews.
Sponsor tables now available for
Symphony at Sunset, Sept. 16
.....A limited number of sponsor tables (16) are now available for Symphony at Sunset, scheduled for September 16.
.....Sponsor tables seat 8 and include a box dinner, special parking passes and access to the Magnolia Lounge.
.....Sponsor table cost is $1,500 and a portion of the proceeds make possible FRF's support of the Fondren community. Use the link below to reserve your table. You can pay by credit card or reserve a table and send a check.
Epic Funk Brass Band is featured at Fondren Live Afterglow - 8 p.m. , in front of Fondren Guitars.
Lady Gun will play from 6 - 8 p.m. in front of Fondren Guitars.
Masks, social distancing and great music!
Fondren Live set for Thursday
.....Covid awareness and some really great bands will headline Thursday's Fondren Live.
.....First, if you haven't been vaccinated, make your way to the Vaccination Station on Fondren Place. It's free and no appointment is needed. (You can watch the amazing Gypsy.Soul.Circus while you wait!)
.....Returning to August's Fondren Live are line dancers, entertainers from 601 Studios, Inky the Clown, face painting by Tawny, The Vault's classic cars, Zoey Girls, Gypsy.Soul.Circus and our beloved SoFo Ladies.
.....New to the line up:
.....Anissa Hampton - Armed with the amazing ability of style, class and sophistication, Anissa takes you on a journey through all genres of music. (Brown's Fine Art and Framing parking lot)
.....Kukuwa lessons by Niketa Pechan - Kukuwa African Dance Fitness is an experiential journey which explores Modern African Dance culture across the diaspora. The music is diverse in language and birthed from various African cultures. (parking lot of Salon 3106)
.....Lady Gun - Mississippi Rock and Roll (Fondren Guitars, 6 - 8 p.m.)
.....Epic Fund Brass Band - A New Orleans style brass band that infuses funk, pop, jazz and Go-Go into a custom-made enhancement of second line brass band tradition. (Fondren Guitars, 8 - 10 p.m.)
.....The Well Wagon by Mary Price Montagnet - smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and Kombucha (3000 Old Canton Road)
.....Dog Park -follow the paw prints down Lakeland to The Meridian's dog park. Treats for you and your dog! 6 - 8 p.m.
.....Public Works Director Charles Williams told WLBT last week that work on the sewer project on Meadowbrook Road should wrap up "pretty soon."
.....Meanwhile, the city expects to receive authorization from the Mississippi Department of Transportation to solicit bids for the reconstruction of the road this fall.
..... According to WLBT, the news comes about two years after the city received a $3.5 million grant to repave the roadway between I-55 North and North State Street, and about two years after a major sewer main there collapsed, forcing the city to close off a portion of the road to traffic. Meadowbrook near Manhattan Road is currently reduced to two lanes.
.....The road reconstruction will include milling and overlay, as well as a "road diet," which will reduce Meadowbrook from five lanes to three. A multi-use trail will be added, similar to Old Canton Road.
Barrelhouse to host Trivia Night
.....Barrelhouse and Capital City Pride will host a trivia night tonight at 6 p.m. with half-price appetizers and all night happy hour.
Keeping Fondren Fabulous!
.....FRF accepts contributions of all sizes! Help us Keep Fondren Fabulous with a tax deductible contribution today!
.....Thank you to these individuals for your support of FRF:
Beau Wilson
Cool Jobs Available Now! Join the Fondren Restaurant Community
.....Most Fondren restaurants are now hiring for all positions.
.....If you are looking to be part of "the coolest neighborhood in the biggest city in the state" you can apply through most restaurant web sites where you can also find a list of positions available.
.....Or, you can use the link below to complete an application which will be forwarded to all Fondren Restaurants.
.. .....Become a partner with JPD in solving neighborhood crimes!
Virtual Neighborhood Watch signs are now available to deter people from entering your property to commit a crime. For a donation of $10, FRF will deliver a yard sign to your property. You can relocate the sign, once it is received.
.....Whether you have a sign or not, you can upload video and photos from your home security camera directly to JPD's Precinct 4 with this link:Send video to JPD.
.....The sign is just a deterrent to those who may be trespassing, informing them that their images may be sent to Precinct 4 and used as evidence.
