Jackson Street growth Restaurants, shops coming to district
The West Jackson Street Overlay District just keeps growing and growing.The historic shopping, dining and service district in Ridgeland has added some new locally owned stores in the past few weeks, including Smitten Gift Boutique, Jammin’ Beignetz beignet shop and Blue Moon Café.
Several other tenants are in the process of opening. They include Amy Head Cosmetics, Fine Eyes eyewear, Libby Story & Co. young women’s clothing, Bella Bridesmaid bridal shop, Chandeliers home furnishings and gifts, Stegall Imagery photography, and four service-oriented businesses: a real estate office, a dentist’s office, a psychiatrist’s office and a law firm.
Jeweler Betsy Liles, owner of B Liles Studio on West Jackson Street, remembers when there was only a handful of businesses in the district.
“When we moved over here two-and-a-half years ago, there was no retail,” Liles said. She said watching the steady growth has been amazing.
City officials created the overlay district more than a decade ago with strict architectural requirements to preserve the historic, turn-of-the-century character of the area as it grew and developed.
It is said that the West Jackson Street area is where the city’s first church, post office, train station, hotel, general store and residents were located.
Liles described West Jackson Street as “the heart of Ridgeland.”
Smitten co-owner Emily Hassel said the historic feel of the street was the big draw for her and her business partners.
“That was a huge selling point,” Hassel said.
“This is such a unique, quaint area. We love it.”
