Jackson Chamber discusses developments in the hub city

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - The Jackson Chamber of Commerce is giving updates on developmental projects around the city. Officials at the chamber say they are focused on the continued growth in the hub city.

“It’s a lot of momentum downtown right now. I think you’ll see us focus from getting those buildings occupied to now focusing on more people living and working in downtown Jackson,” said Ryan Porter, the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

The Chief Operating Officer at the Jackson Chamber says they have sold several properties to revitalize the downtown area.

“Probably 15 -17 properties have sold, some of those have been vacant for up to 18 years so really the focus initially was to get those buildings occupied. There has been a lot of development there. Doe’s, West Tennessee Hearing and Speech, Only Photography, Peppermint Addie’s, High Point Logistics, Haven Insurance. It’s a new business called the Idea Factory that just opened.” said Porter.

The chamber also discussed the Middle Fork Bottoms Project.

“An 850-arch project at Three-Way off of Sanders Bluff Road. 98% of the paving has been done, the bridges are in, there will be a 10-arch fishing lake, kayak paths, walking trail, hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing. It will be a great resource for our community,” said Porter.

Another development along with the Middle Fork Bottoms Project includes a paved walkway connecting downtown Jackson to the Bemiss area that can be used for biking or running.

The chamber also gave 39 News an update on the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park coming to the area.

“The attorneys for IDB and Great Wolf Lodge are continuing the workout the details and put the deal together. We still anticipate a groundbreaking hopefully, the end of this year or the beginning of next year,” said Porter.

The chamber of commerce also says Georgia Pacific is about halfway into its 90 days due-diligence period of studying the land for that industrial project.