🏟️ Let's Talk About Jackson's New Convention Center! 🏟️

Another Beautiful Sunday In The Hub City!

We all know that the area of the Old Hickory Mall and the old Service Merchandise building have seen better days.

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Plans For The Convention Center 🏟️ 

• The Economic Landscape Has Changed 📉

• The Long-Term Pros & Cons 🔮 

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

🏟️ Plans For The Convention Center 🏟️ 

Back in 2022 the Jackson City Council recently held a special meeting to discuss the acquisition of Jackson Plaza for the development of a new Civic Center. 

The $4 million purchase was unanimously approved in the first reading, setting the stage for this once in a lifetime project. This ambitious plan, which aims to rejuvenate the area and provide a modern event space, brings both new opportunities and significant challenges.

Features & Benefits

The need for a new event space in Jackson has been apparent for years. The Carl Perkins Civic Center and Jackson Fairgrounds are fully booked through 2024, highlighting the demand for additional venues.

The proposed Civic Center, featuring a 10,000-seat arena and a multi-use convention center, will attract more visitors and larger events, stimulating local economic growth. The goal of this strategic location near the highway will be to benefit nearby hotels, restaurants, and businesses, enhancing the city’s appeal as a regional hub for conventions and concerts.

The economic impact of this project extends beyond immediate construction jobs. Once operational, the influx of visitors will increase revenue for local businesses, contributing to the city's tax base. The new Civic Center will create numerous long-term employment opportunities in hospitality, event management, and the retail sector. This financial boost is crucial for funding public services and further infrastructure improvements.

📉 The Economic Landscape Has Changed 📉

These plans were made back in 2022 when the economy was in a completely different position. Interest rates have increased, lending has tightened and inflation is putting pressure on all aspects of the economy.

So despite the potential benefits, the project poses several challenges. The estimated cost for the entire development, including land acquisition, construction, and ongoing maintenance, could reach upwards of $50 million or more (inflation 😅).

This figure accounts for the construction of the arena, convention center, parking facilities, and necessary infrastructure upgrades. Such a significant investment is the equivalent to walking a tight rope. You do too much and you overspend but if you do too little then it becomes a wasted investment. Which is why it requires careful financial planning to avoid burdening the city with excessive debt. 💸 

The Complexities Of Securing Funding

Recently it was announced that the Federal Reserve might be lowering interest rates in September. Which many people are looking forward to but this will cause the market to become highly competitive again. This would lead to more cities and states fighting over

• State Grants

• Federal Grants

  &

• Private Investments

Each option comes with its own set of advantages and risks to financing. While the initial purchase of the land is a positive step, this means nothing if the city doesn’t ensure that each phase of the project is financially viable.

🔮The Long-Term Pros & Cons 🔮

The new Civic Center represents a long-term vision for Jackson's development. By controlling the direction of redevelopment in the area, the city aims to prevent further decline and encourage high-quality growth. This proactive approach ensures that new projects align with the community's needs.

The proposed master plan will address critical aspects such as parking, traffic flow, pedestrian accessibility, and stormwater management. These considerations are essential for creating a functional and welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike. A feasibility study, is underway which will provide a detailed analysis of the project’s potential impact, guiding the city's decisions moving forward.

Wrapping Things Up

The plans for a new Civic Center in Jackson could hold so much potential.The project could modernize infrastructure, create hundreds of job opportunities, and attract thousands of new visitors to our larger events while driving economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

However, Jackson cannot live in a bubble and must incorporate the economic landscape of the county, region, state and country into this equation. This means carefully managing costs and financing to ensure the project's long-term success in an ever increasing competitive marketplace.

That’s all from us this week! As always here is a quick poll followed by next weeks curated list of events! 🫶

Monday, August 5th

Story Time Station
Date: Monday, August 5th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free 

Tuesday, August 6th

Capcom GO!
Date: Tuesday, August 6th
Time: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, August 7th

Story Time Station
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free (Includes Light Snack & Craft)
Ages: Preschool

Casey Jones Craft Camp
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool

Thursday, August 8th

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers)
Date: Thursday, August 8th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, August 9th

Kids' After School Special Planetarium Show: Tales of the Maya Skies
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Saturday, August 10th

Teens Arts & Crafts
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free

Ballet Arts 2024-2025 Season Auditions
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Pat Brown School of Dance
Ages: 10 - 18 Years Old (Interested? Click Here!)

Sunday, August 11th

Smash Bros Weeklies 🎮️
Date: Sunday, August 11th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $10 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Begins At 6:00 PM.

Monday, August 5th

1st Monday Night Of The Month Dinner & Bingo
Date: Monday, August 5th
Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $10 Per Plate (Dinner and Bingo)
Meal: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, Strawberry Spinach Salad With Drink & Dessert All Included.

Story Time Station
Date: Monday, August 5th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free 

Tuesday, August 6th

Capcom GO!
Date: Tuesday, August 6th
Time: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Goodwill Career Solutions Job Fair/Community Partner Event
Date: Tuesday, August 6th
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Goodwill South
Additional Details: Local Employers, Nonprofits and other organizations will be on site. 

2024 Benton County Fair
Date: Tuesday, August 6th
Time: 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Benton County Fairground
Price: Tuesday $20 (Armbands)

Wednesday, August 7th

2024 Benton County Fair
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Benton County Fairground
Price: Wednesday $20 (Armbands)

Carroll County Fair
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Carroll County Fairground
Price: Free Entry (Food & Merchandise Prices Vary, Bracelet Price Separate!)

Story Time Station
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free (Includes Light Snack & Craft)
Ages: Preschool

Casey Jones Craft Camp
Date: Wednesday, August 7th
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool

Thursday, August 8th

Free English Classes
Date: Thursday, August 8th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Woodland Baptist Church

2024 Benton County Fair
Date: Thursday, August 8th
Time: 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Benton County Fairground
Price: Thursday $20 (Armbands) 

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers)
Date: Thursday, August 8th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Carroll County Fair
Date: Thursday, August 8th
Time: 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Carroll County Fairground
Price: Free Entry (Food & Merchandise Prices Vary, Bracelet Price Separate!)

Friday, August 9th

Kids' After School Special Planetarium Show: Tales of the Maya Skies
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

2024 Benton County Fair
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Reopens) 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Benton County Fairground
Price: Friday $25 (Armbands)

Songbird Drive-In Theater
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: Doors Open At 6:00 PM (Movie Starts At 8:10 PM)
Location: Birdsong Drive-In Theater
Movie: Deadpool & Wolverine
Price: $10 (Ages 11 & Up) 10 & Under (Free)
Additional Details: Bring Your Snacks, Blanket & Bring The Whole Family For The Drive In Experience. (Concessions Also Available)

Carroll County Fair
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Carroll County Fairground
Price: $15 Admission (Food & Merchandise Prices Vary)

AMP Concert Series: Jimmy Church Band
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The AMP
Price: Free Entry

Saturday, August 10th

Back-To-School (Give Back)
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Centennial Park
Sponsored By: King Riders Jackson, Dirty South Jackson & Kristie Fuller
Additional Details: Free Family Friendly Event! Come For The School Supplies, Stay For The Free Food & Music!

Auditions For Steel Magnolias (Play)
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 120 NorthStar Drive

2024 Benton County Fair
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Reopens) 5:00 PM - Til Close
Location: Benton County Fairground
Price: Saturday $25 (Armbands)

Ballet Arts 2024-2025 Season Auditions
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Pat Brown School of Dance
Ages: 10 - 18 Years Old (Interested? Click Here!)

Men’s Cook Off
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time:12:00 PM
Location: Destiny Church
Price: Free
Additional Details: Join Us As The Men Compete In A Cook Off. This Event Is A Free Event That Is Open To The Community. 

Teens Arts & Crafts
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free 

Sunday, August 11th

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Jackson Tennessee
Date: Sunday, August 11th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Time Based On How Long It Takes To Solve.)
Location: 119 East College Street
Price: $49.99 Per Team 

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing
Date: Sunday, August 11th
Time: 8:00 PM
Location:  Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Price: $5.00 (Click To Register)