The City of Jackson, TN, has partnered with JLL Project and Development Services (PDS) to reimagine the Jackson Plaza shopping center into a dynamic Entertainment District. Located at 50 Old Hickory Boulevard, this ambitious redevelopment will feature a sports arena, hotel, convention center, and retail hub, aiming to establish Jackson as a leading mid-sized city in West Tennessee. The district sits along Interstate 40, just 90 minutes from Nashville, with the project poised to leverage the economic momentum of Blue Oval City, located 20 minutes away.
Jackson Plaza. JLL Project and Development Services
Central to the redevelopment is a proposed 140,000-square-foot arena and event hall designed to host sporting events, trade shows, and concerts. The arena will accommodate up to 6,500 fixed seats for sports and 7,600 seats for concerts, including floor seating. An additional 40,000 square feet of trade show space will complement a 20,000-square-foot grand ballroom and a 12,000-square-foot junior ballroom, part of a larger 75,000-square-foot meeting facility. Two hotels are planned: a 200-key select-service property with 8,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80-key boutique hotel.
Jackson Plaza. JLL Project and Development Services
Enhancements to the pedestrian experience include converting the existing parking lot into a vibrant entry plaza with tree-lined sidewalks, festival lawns, and retail and dining spaces. A 700-car parking structure, event loading zones, and a bio-retention pond will be added along Rosenblum Drive to support the infrastructure.
The Jackson Plaza redevelopment is a cornerstone of the One Jackson Civic Master Plan, which prioritizes revitalizing core commercial districts. Historical retail hubs like Jackson Plaza and Old Hickory Mall have long anchored the region, and the plan incorporates surrounding office, medical, and retail centers along Highland Avenue and Old Hickory Boulevard. JLL's feasibility study extends to a mixed-use reimagining of the Old Hickory Mall, envisioning a blend of residential, retail, and office spaces.
Jackson Plaza. JLL Project and Development Services
Collaborating with land planner LRK, JLL is conducting market analyses, cost management strategies, and economic impact assessments to ensure the project’s viability. The site’s small area plan highlights the integration of infrastructure and private sector partnerships to drive long-term growth.
Over the next year, JLL will refine its feasibility report, evaluating market trends and opportunities to optimize property use. Mayor Scott Conger has emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach, leaving much of the development process to private partners while supporting the initiative with strategic infrastructure improvements.
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