Jackson Jambalaya

If it's built, it'll be suburban blight in 15 years.

This is a bad location as it is across the street from Ridgeland HS in a 20 mph zone. The announcement is threatening, i.e. approve this or we will go elsewhere.

Everyone involved will die one day

I've never seen a global investment group struggle to spell "entertainment" in so many different ways.

Isn’t this the same guy that demolished the Meadowbrook McRae’s to build luxury apartments? 🤣🤣 Add this right under the Harborwalk to the list of things that’ll never happen in the Jxn metro

@ 12:45 You are correct with only one exception, it will not take 15 years.

2 years from now we will still be wondering when top golf will open

Does transparency include disclosing the alternate locals you're threatening to take this project to if you don't get the overlay?

Sounds a lot like SoDoSoPa.

Looking forward to Top Notch Golf to open, Kingfish. I'm a senior & can't get out on the golf course very often. But I can walk through the doors of Top Notch & hit a few than go get lunch.

If Ridgeland won't approve this, Jack$on will gladly take them, but be prepared to have an ample supply of grease, right? Maybe annex this to "1 Lake," right?

Sounds like typical developer hype piece. No official word from TopGolf...

One thing is certain, a project like this will never be proposed in Jackson.

River walk? More like a slough stroll.

Ridgeland already struggles to fill the storefronts at Renissance and "luxury" condos at Township was laughable from the get go.

Why not just build Top Golf and see how that works out first?

Enough with negative vibes - woof, woof.

I like the idea; looks like fun. Of course, I'm pretty excited about the Hotel Valencia at the Rez, too.

The golf industry is probably due for another contraction, especially if the conditions of the 2008 crash start to reappear. Covid brought large growth to the industry, but that has already dwindled back down. By the time this thing is built, it won’t be the draw the developers are hoping.

RHS could develop a Golf Team and now they can have a place for all of the USPGA players when the Tournament is in town.

I wonder if Mayor Gene will try to spot zone this the same way he did for Costco.

"Top Golf" was never specifically mentioned in the release. Maybe they are also threatening to commit?

..."a highly sought after national grocery store that has a dedicated following"... Tempting.

These golf ranges are a huge fad that will never last. They work in some bigger cities that can afford the entertainment churn and celebrate the next novelty. But, hey, you can own a rooftop on a riverwalk with a driving range and a highly sought-after grocery next door!

don't hold your breath-

Whatever happened with the proposed Brazen Head 12 hole golf course at the old Colonial Country Club location? There was a lot of hype about it a couple of years ago but nothing has happened yet.

The Grocery Store is Trader Joe's and I can't wait, even if it is just Top Flight and Trader Joe's. Guys, there isn't a thing to do in the Tri County so not sure why the hell anyone complains??? Maybe bc you feel like a badass in the basement with your fingers ablaze on the keyboard??? As always, if you have an issue with the development and have a better idea, please share it with us or STFU. Thanks.

What does "Mixed Use Housing," mean in this context? Not apartments, I hope? Getting one past the goalie for Costco is a lot different than telling folks you're going to have more apartments in Ridgeland. (Even on THAT side of Interstate 55)

Either way, it is going to have to be pretty impressive to compete with the Township and Renaissance in an economic downturn. Golf and everything, included, this may not be the best time for a project like this...

Most of those "rooftops for sale" are little townhomes. This is DOA. I'm not sure Jackson market is big enough for a top golf to start with. By the way, that guy doing the talking was Clinton's economic development director for several years. Board parted ways with him, but the mayor seemed to like him. Previously worked at MDA. How he wound up CEO of a global investment group gets my eyebrows aroused. The whole thing does not add up. Add the threatening language to the equation and what we have here is much ado about what will turn into nothing.

"..."a highly sought after national grocery store that has a dedicated following"... Tempting."

I think Spain's Market from Grenada is looking to expand.

Reply to 1:56 PM
That the mayor of Jackson commenting.

We have seen so many "promising" projects that look pretty in pictures or videos.
The new luxury apartments where McRaes on Meadowbrook was - go by this site and view the blight with no work going on.
The proposed capital district area next to Hal & Mals - that was a pretty picture as well.
The area of of Gallatin Street that was going to be a new haven for movie production - that was a non-starter.

The people who've actually invested in Jackson - the district, Belhaven town center and parts of Fondren - those who've put dollars in to our community need and deserve our support. Their commitment gives dollars back to Jackson. I'm not saying those tax dollars will be well spent by our city government, but without those who have actually made the committed dollar risk, we are in worse shape than we already are.

Trader Joe's. Really. You can bet on it.

TOTAL BS----will NEVER happen

Wasn't a competitor of Top Golf announced a couple years ago, and was supposed to be just off I55 in Ridgeland? What happened to them?

This entire state, over promises and under delivers.

Kingfish why does your title say top golf but nowhere in the press release is there mention of top golf? Based on this and the developers crappy website with generic clip art this screams shady

A new grocery store other than Kroger or Walmart would be welcome. I don't care for golf, but I love groceries!

Trader Joe's?

March 22, 2023 at 2:11 PM Neither Township nor Renaissance (this is the way you spell it, by the way) are struggling or laughable! They are lovely developments and we're happy to have them both nearby! Sounds like a premature announcement on this one, but will be happy to have it if it ever gets off the ground.
I hate all of your negative comments. What have you ever brought to the table?

2:43, does Whole Foods have a moving plan yet?

3:51 PM
Their 300lb gut.

I remember last year Top Golf and a competitor in Madison was announced. Was wondering what was going to happen. I'm not convinced of the Townhome development. The metro isn't exactly having a population boom.

Just PR for the “global investor’s” sales pitch. This same guy still hasn’t produced on his other big projects. Just like the metrocenter lady.

Anyone know the status of the old McRae's apartments this group was going to build?

https://www.wlbt.com/2022/08/11/215-unit-high-end-loft-development-coming-north-fondren/

Trader Joe’s is not coming until you can sell wine in grocery stores and a certain family will never let that happen.

I live in Ridgeland.

Walk-On's is proof enough to me that not every idea is a good idea.

I wish they would build this in Gluckstadt.

Hey, 4:02 PM you and the others from Rankin/Madison County can keep shopping at our JACKSON Whole Foods.

Trader Joe needs to come to Pearl, where to closed Shoney or the Psychic Reading Site is.

@3:51 - How dare you ask what anyone has ever 'brought to the table' without mentioning the efforts of yourself. Other than ratchet-jawing on a blog, what have YOU ever produced in the way of community/industrial/economic development?

"Hey, 4:02 PM you and the others from Rankin/Madison County can keep shopping at our JACKSON Whole Foods. "

I've been there twice. I haven't seen anything better there than what Whole Foods has.

It could be a Trader Joe’s. They would sell liquor out of a separate door just like Costco and Sam’s but would be the only one on the state until they change the stupid liquor laws. I have seen TJ’s have separate doors in other states with similar outdated laws.

"distric"

"Enterntainment"

Not being able to spell in your lead sentence does not inspire confidence in their "competence".

4:29 is correct.
Trader Joe’s can’t come here because of the alcohol laws, unfortunately.

I was told recently that Trader Joe's was coming to downtown Madison.

Never ceases to amaze me how all you bitter, negative nellies immediately criticize anything positive going on in Ridgeland or Madison. Obvious wannabes who can’t afford to move a little north. You don’t know any better than I do if this development will be successful, but at least positive things are happening in the Madison & Ridgeland area. How about concentrating on the ghetto you live in?

I was told recently that Trader Joe's was coming to downtown Madison.

...................

Sure you were. You were also told that there would be a Disney replica theme park out on 55 in Madison.

And an Albertsons 16 years ago.

And you were promised 27 years ago that Hoy Road would be completely rebuilt and it finally came (half way) true this month. lol

I would shop at the Jackson Whole Foods but I value my life and my money, so I don’t.

6:27 Looking at the current census and trends, Ridgeland is about to take some lumps.

Similar to Renaissance now having apartments on the second floor, this entire development is contingent on Ridgeland allowing some sort/variation of high density residential. Call it condos, townhomes but it’s apartments. Top Golf typically expects the developer to either donate or discount heavily the land it will occupy. With rates high, the land cost high, developer will need multi family in some form, TIF bonds and other things to come remotely close to working.

@6:27 these are Madison/Rankin folks trust me.

6:27, the first wanna be is the “developer” who has only worked for government making threatening statements in a PR release thinking Ridgeland will rush to approve duplexes, which is the only way to fund the top golf. You know Ellis Aisle used to have a Sams right? Don’t get cocky.

Move it further north

You are right. The barriers to entry to Madison Co. via a 300k cookie cutter with overly populated free schools is just too much.

@6:27 I live in an expensive ghetto in Madison/Ridgeland. Not all growth is good growth.

Last thing we need is a defunct driving range sitting there. Maybe it would be prettier than Rapids on the Reservoir...

Ridgeland Mayor just emphatically stated that he has never heard of a golf venue coming to Ridgeland, or a grocery store, or any housing for that matter. You can take that to the bank. He would never lie.

6:27, if I don’t live in Ridgeland next to duplexes around a driving range, I live in a ghetto. Haha. Ok. I notice you have to include Madison in your comment to make it even close to legitimate. Ridgeland will be Highway 80 in 20 years.

Madison county is going down hill

Good lord, all the Madison/Ridgeland folks are on this website every dang day absolutely eviscerating anyone who dares to live within the city limits of Jackson, gloating about their greener grass. Then an announcement comes about a promising development in your neck of the woods and it’s met with nothing but negativity?? Really, these developers should scrap the whole thing because the speed limit is 20 on parts of that road during certain hours of the day?? “Walk ons is enough proof to me that not every idea is a good idea.” So Ridgeland is closed now? Nothing new can be built? And as if walk on’s is the most troublesome locale in Ridgeland… I’ve never seen a group of people so negative about investment in their community. Skeptical, I get. But these hysterics about a PROPOSAL are unreal.

It is pretty interesting to see where folks stand on this issue. Honestly, there are a number of things worth clearing up...

* The 'range coming to the City of Madison,' is called GolfSuites. No news since the initial announcement and they're going to need a LOT of support/interest to make it happen.

* The Mayor of Ridgeland knows EXACTLY who is coming and which stores. It's his job to act disinterested/out of the loop until the trigger is pulled. (See: Costco)

* The Township and Renaissance ARE nice and ARE doing well. But, this is Mississippi and we all know that nothing stays shiny forever. Not that their decline is imminent but the two constants are economic downturn and distance to Jackson.

* Apartments? Multi-Use? Say it isn't so. If that's the case, this entire project is dead even if they're bringing in a Publix and Trader Joe's together with free liquor in the middle.

Finally, why in the world is there so much interest in GOLF here in Central Mississippi? Is it the tournament at CCJ? Something else? Economics aside, are there really THAT many golfers to support these places? (My uncle considers himself a golfer and would never be caught dead in a Top Golf. He says it's for drinking and not driving.)

This could be a nice investment in a uncertain national real estate market which has high demand but tight financing at present, but is looking to turn to the upside. Do the driving range, grocery store, a light commercial building or two, and the start of the detached single family homes neighborhood first. Then let the light commercial and SFR homes fill out some. If or when the light commercial and SFR do fill out, finish out the light commercial district, build out the SFR neighborhood, and start on the townhomes/condos. Both the driving range project, mostly land, and the grocery store should be able to stand on their own with or without success of the entire plan. If the plan does not get built out, the vacant land still holds significant value, so there is a hedge that limits some of the loss of failed completion if the entire acreage is purchased at conception. OTOH, there is a real demand for light commercial and residential that is not located in the Jackson city limits. Add in the Rankin/Madison District Attorney and Madison county LEO's. This project has potential. I can see how the investors made the decision to take a shot at this: there is absolutely a profitable upside and if they do it in stages the losses can be minimized or eliminated altogether. This is not a bad real estate deal on its face. The biggest sticking point is getting approval by the city.

I heard that BB King's will be opening there, along with a carousel and a Ferris wheel.

And a parking garage with robots!

#CantWait

10:09 - they ain't no hills in Madison County except the landfill dumps. Feel Brant's plan to allow his bud to put a third one here was shat-canned.

Metrocenter grift, v3.0

@8:24
80s kid here.
I thought Ridgeland had Waterland USA and Brandon had Rapids? I was just a kid though so I might be fuzzy on the memory.

I've been to several top golf locations and I don't recall any being surrounded by condos or apartments. They were in highly commercialized retail areas. And based on how many people were there, I don't think they needed subsidizing.

@6:23 That’s not true at all. Trader Joe’s has locations in several states with beer or wine sales only depending on that state’s laws. Like has been said before a MS location would only be able to sell beer in the main store and would have to have a separate space with its own entrance for wine and liquor sales.

Hey 10:09- Don't supposed you noticed but.. the whole frickin world is going down hill.

Can't outrun it... no hiding places. Any bastions of goodness have been questioned and called out to be bad.

Jackson population

1960: 144,422
1970: 153,968
1980: 202,895 (peak population)
1990: 196,575
2000: 185,260
2010: 173,514
2020: 152,846
2021: 149,761
2030: 131,385 (project @ current rate of decline)
2040: 108,698 (project @ current rate of decline)

@4:29 what family? I know this is MS, but, one family can't be that powerful....

I am all for free market economics and letting people build what they think will be successful. However, I am a realist and know that Mississippi as a whole does not have a population large enough to support the nice things you see in other big cities. We just don't. And out of that smaller population, the number of people with the expendable income to go frequently enough to keep these types of places afloat are even less. I would love for any area of the metro to have two roof top golf driving ranges, restaurants of all flavors, and other entertainment venues, but the truth of the matter is we just don't. My wife and I would be considered upper middle class and if you look at how often we go out to eat or go to some type of entertainment venue, it's not as often as one would think. How many other people can say they would go to top golf(or the like) on a weekly basis, much less two of them? I would go maybe 3-4 times a year. We just don't have a have the population or the money to support a lot of higher end "things", and I hate it for us.

Now, "mixed use housing," is that the kind where the management erects a sign out front with the name of the place -- something sounding woodsy and geographical like "Timberwood Place" or "Pinecove Glen" -- and the sign bears a little outline of a house with a = sign inside the outline?

Akternate locations include Flowood/Brandon, Madison/Gluckstat. Central Brandon is somewhat doubtful. Finding land will be thebiggest challenge. If Flowood/brandon, look at north section of highway 25. If Madison/Gluckstat, Look at east of I/55.

Publix or Rouses would be logical opportunity for grocery store. Both would see the areas indicated as potential locations. Hopefully not another Kroger, since they have pretty well saturated the area. Hwever, there stores here are all successful.

I do not work for the developer/investor

"I would shop at the Jackson Whole Foods but I value my life and my money, so I don’t."

Go to Sullivan's in Gluckstadt. Nice little store with a Whole Foods type of atmosphere.

How many projects has PraCon succeeded in bringing to life? Their website looks like a bunch of stock photography with no solid reasons I'd give them money to invest.

Top national and regional grocers not in the market

Trader Joe's
Whole Foods
Albertson's unless Kroger buyout closes

REGIONAL
Lowe's Food Store large smack daddy stores expanding in the south, they have a sausage store in the store, draft beer bar, a bakery to die for and on and on

Food Lion N.C.
Publix FL
H-E-B TX

Venues like Top Golf are for alcoholics who kid themselves (and their wife) that they are going there to play golf, but then hang out at the 19th hole and get plastered.

So, 8:35...You went to all that trouble to tell me my post is wrong and then you concluded that it's absolutely correct!

Beer sales is not an issue as most grocery stores in this state sell beer. Wine sales...That's the deal breaker.

Mississippi, being the Baptist Backwoods, would require that all applicants for Trader Joe's positions undergo drug screening and attend services on Sunday mornings.

Without a trendy new store, the tennis skirt crowd will resort to prescribed medication.

Dollar Holler, Waffle House and some Section 8 apartments would stick.

"... But I can walk through the doors of Top Notch & hit a few than go get lunch."
March 22, 2023 at 1:51 PM

We may mispronounce 'then', around here. But we don't mispronounce it THAT way. And so we don't misspell it that way. That's Great Lakes Vowel Shift, which is taught by not-so-great language instructors.

Thank you 11:17 pm

I have never seen so many negative comments about a proposed development in the urban area, except for Costco. And we were thrilled to have Costco during the tp shortage. You people suck. Lighten up Francis. If you don’t want this development on this property, you should have bought the land. This is a good development with a great future.
And Publix has stated publicly that they are not expanding into Mississippi.

The Madison county folk sure do get mad easy, when they aren't crapping on everyone else.

I swear you HOA NPC's are the most annoying part of this state.

March 23, 2023 at 3:49 PM - I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that you've never been to Top Golf. I've held business events at locations around the country -- never seen a drunken brawl type of scenario. Typically, it's a multiple couples date or group of guys kind of thing. However, to me it can get expensive, and as a few have already stated, somewhat trendy or a fad for non-golfers. Longevity will be the key and that will be the challenge for their marketing team.