JSU’s Lynch Street Plan Could Positively Impact West Jackson Neighborhoods
J.R. Lynch Street Corridor Project Meeting
Jackson State University (JSU) released its long-range plan for the John R. Lynch Street Corridor Project on Wednesday, July 31. Community representatives, elected officials, JSU staff, and others gathered at the JSU Student Center to review the plan, ask questions, and provide feedback. In 2020, JSU received a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to develop a long-range plan for its historic assets and resources. The grant award was $155,000 and focused on the historic resources on John R. Lynch Street. The University will use this plan for historic preservation and revitalization efforts for JSU, West Jackson, and the City of Jackson. The Mississippi Heritage Trust in partnership with Arnett Muldrow & Associates, Place+Main Advisors, and Community Design Solution developed the plan.
JSU Director of Community Engagement Heather Denne’
JSU Director of Community Engagement Heather Denne’ presented the plan during the meeting, highlighting revitalization plans in the historic Olin Park neighborhood included in the study area. Olin Park’s boundaries are Dr. Robert Smith Sr. Parkway (north), University Boulevard (east), John R. Lynch Street (south), and Rose Street (west).
The plan is to transform the space into employer-assisted and athletic housing. If implemented, the area east of Olin Street to University Boulevard will include a park, plaza, and streetscape improvements. The area to its north will be left available for future development opportunities for retail and more. Also, Olin Street will be extended to connect to Lynch Street. “What we have tried to do here is listen to the community,” Denne’ said. “We have put forth a plan that not only focuses on Jackson State, but it being a community pillar to help with the revitalization of West Jackson and to tell that authentic history of what occurred here, what’s happening here, and mostly the most prominent people coming from our community and Thee I Love.”
This plan also serves as a springboard for ongoing collaborative engagement with the local community and the delineation of additional historic locales, such as:
Dr. Jacob L. Reddix Home, 1136 Valley Street (1962)
Z.T. Hubert Health Center, 1400 J.R. Lynch Street (1943)
Ayer Hall, 1400 J.R. Lynch Street (1903)
Representative Alyce G. Clarke Home, 1053 Arbor Vista Blvd
Dr. Robert Smith Sr., Home, Arbor Vista Blvd
Central MS Health Services, 1134 Winter St
Jackson Zeta Phi Beta Founding Home, 723 Rose Street (1938)
Dr. A. H. McCoy & Dr. Rose E. McCoy Home, 727 Rose Street (1950)
These historic sites are near Lynch Street and the University’s campus. Representative Alyce G. Clarke’s home and Dr. Robert Smith, Sr.’s home are in the Pecan Tree Park neighborhood, located further west down Lynch Street and right outside the plan’s Study Area and National Register Nomination Area. The neighborhood association president, Dr. Fran Bridges, hopes this plan will help the neighborhood achieve beautification goals and improve relationships with potential funders. “For years, planning in West Jackson has involved grants that used residents without valuing their knowledge or experiences,” Bridges said. “The J.R. Lynch Street Corridor Plan aims to bridge this gap and showcase the value of African American citizens. Pecan Tree Park, a neighborhood that adopted a concept for street signage in 2012, hopes this plan will help fulfill its dreams.”
The overall cost of this project is estimated at $30 million, and the University has secured at most $10 million. Moving forward, JSU will continue to seek private funding for the project, receive feedback from its stakeholders, and continue the work towards historic preservation of the campus and its surrounding communities.
Click here to view the complete plan.
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