Ellington

A few weeks ago I went to Perfect Fit Alterations and enjoyed visiting while trying on pants to be hemmed. Then I walked next door to Jackson Shoe Repair where I took two pairs of shoes to get some TLC. Next, I walked to Wells Cleaners where I picked up a pile of dry cleaning and left another for next week.

Three days prior, I had bought a birthday cake at Campbell's Bakery, and each week I try to be a regular at Butterfly Yoga.

Having finished my errands, I walked to Fondren Corner where I have proudly had an office for the past five years. Upon entering my suite, I told an office mate how much I appreciated having friendly businesses conveniently across the street. I described how much I loved living and working in a neighborhood that offers such urban options in a district that continues to thrive throughout the decades.

Spoke too soon, I did. Fast-forward three days and "Whitney Place to Rebuild Fondren" comes out in the Jackson Free Press. I had heard rumblings of development in the district, but I completely missed the boat on the extent of the vision until reading the article. It was as though I had been struck down by horrible news. I was inconsolable.

I sought out Fondrenites for their opinions, and they seemed resigned to the idea. There was disappointment with having to say goodbye to the face of Fondren, but acceptance because the buildings are in such terrible shape.

I immediately thought of The Cedars and how we helped to save it several years ago. My husband and I were just starting out professionally, but we scraped together what we could to support the cause. When we received a second letter that said, "we are not there, yet," we did it again, because saving The Cedars was a priority. More zero-lot-line town homes or the oldest residence in Jackson? Choice "B" please.

Now, The Cedars is a social and cultural center. When I think about how those striving for its preservation had to stand against "development," I remain amazed to realize how easily The Cedars could have been discarded.

I was shocked to hear that there was no momentum to preserve Fondren's "Main Street." Then I dug a little deeper. I approached some of the business owners asking, "So what do you think about Whitney Place?" My crestfallen state was transformed.

The business owners I spoke with are adamantly opposed to the plan. Some, but not all, of the buildings have been purchased for the development. The current owner has done a great job of upkeep on the circa-1938 buildings. Perhaps some of the other buildings have structural damage, but not those rented by the business owners with whom I spoke.

The JFP article made Whitney Place sound like a done deal, but opposition does, in fact, exist. Those I spoke with do not want people to think their buildings are unsound, and they want to stay right where they are.

Development is essential for progress. But history and preservation are essential for humankind. We travel to historic places to see the sights because they are something to behold. They are timeless; they move us. Fondren's main street may not be a historical sight now, but if it is torn down, it never will be.

Places like this are dying out. When you drive through Flora or Canton, you smile and say "look how quaint" and have a feeling of connectedness with the people who were there before. The buildings in the Fondren strip continue to do good business. They are not simply a sentimental but failing reminder of what once was—they still are.

Those of us who appreciate historic preservation and vernacular architecture see ourselves as stewards of structures that have stood over time. I have lived in Fondren for 10 years, and my home was built in the 1930s. I'll fill in cracks in the plaster and repaint, and eight months later there is a hint of a crack returning. The patina on the banister is lighter where all the hands have grabbed it over the years. I have a lot of expense in maintenance, but I will pay and would not trade if I could.

Preservation can be incorporated into development. Look at Duling. The old school was preserved and recreated into beautiful space. The new part, Fondren Place, is modern and exciting. The developers gave care to replicate the bricks of Duling School to connect the old and the new. This makes sense. This is thoughtful development.

Others feel the way I do. I do not suggest that development be squelched. I do, however, think there should be conversation with members of the community and those whom the proposal affects. The people of Fondren should have a more active voice in the development of their neighborhood.

My e-mail address is [e-mail missing], and I invite a conversation.

Arin Clark Adkins lives in Fondren with husband, David, and sons Dex and Will. She is a Millsaps College graduate with a master's in social work from University of Southern Mississippi. An attorney, Adkins is a partner in her family firm, Clark & Clark.

Previous Comments

ID

161153

Comment

Amen!!!!

Author

Dave Coleman

Date

2010-12-01T19:40:39-06:00