After sitting vacant for a decade, a historic building in Downtown Jackson will soon be a community gathering place once again. The next phase of construction is underway at the City Center building at 145 W. Cortland St. The former Masonic Temple facility owned by the City of Jackson is being transformed into a community kitchen and event space.
Built in 1907, the four story building was home to the Jackson Masonic organization for 80 years. Following the organization’s departure for a smaller facility, the building was incorporated into neighboring Vermeulen’s Furniture. It was used as additional showroom space and storage until 2014 when the furniture store moved to a new location. Wanting to save the building and preserve it for future use, the City of Jackson acquired the facility in 2017 and made immediate structural improvements.
After attempts to sell the building to local organizations and private developers did not advance, City administration decided to preserve the former Masonic Temple for residents to use as a downtown community center. In 2022, $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were set aside for phase one of the construction project, which included interior demolitions and a new elevator. Following an additional $3.1 million allocation from the City Council on March 19, 2024, ARPA funds will be used to bring the building back to life.
Plans call for renovating the ground, first and second floors of the building. A community kitchen on the ground floor will be available for residents needing a space to operate a small food-based business. The kitchen will also be used as a job training center to prepare residents for careers in the food industry. A need for well-trained food service workers has been expressed by several local businesses. The event space comprises of the building’s main auditorium on the first floor and mezzanine level on the second floor. These floors will be rented out for community events. The center’s third and fourth floors will be addressed following the completion of renovations on the lower floors.
The building was renamed the City Center last year to reflect its new use as a gathering place for the community. City Manager Jonathan Greene says he’s looking forward to all the rejuvenated facility can offer Jackson. “The City Center is a historic gem in the heart of our community, so it’s important that the building is restored to its former glory for future use,” Greene said. “This is a unique building that would be difficult for a private developer to take on. Without the City stepping in, this beautiful building would continue to deteriorate and sit vacant. The facility was designed with the community in mind, so we’re glad we can bring it back for our residents to use and help them prosper.”
Jackson residents got an inside look at the building’s potential on Wednesday, March 20 when it hosted the annual State of the City address. The kitchen and event space build out is expected to be complete in winter 2025.