Ellington

Changes could be coming to a downtown Jackson landmark.

A legislative proposal would allow for the sale or lease of state-owned property that now houses Hal & Mal's, a restaurant and music venue.

State Rep. Tom Weathersby, R-Florence, sponsored House Bill 412 to authorize the Department of Finance and Administration to sell the property once known as "Old Capitol Green." As envisioned, that project was to consist of 88,000 square feet of office space, 130 residential units, 57,500 square feet of retail shops and a 480-space, state-of-the-art automated parking garage.

In 2009, the state Legislature passed a bill to allow Hinds County to borrow $20 million to fund the garage. The county refused, though, after economic-development officials recommended against funding the project.

Weathersby, who authored the 2009 legislation as well, said he still wants the property to be developed and get back on the city of Jackson's property tax rolls.

Malcolm White, who started the restaurant with his late brother, Hal, said he was unfamiliar with Weathersby's bill until a reporter called him for this story this morning. However, White said the business has been seeking a lease-purchase option for three decades and would be interested in acquiring property should the state put it up for sale.

The White brothers opened Hal & Mal's in the former GM&O freight depot building in 1984, a time when downtown Jackson had few eateries. With multiple rooms in the 36,000 square feet space, Hal & Mal's became one of the city's top live-music venue.

Rep. Weathersby said his bill would not stipulate that Hal & Mal's would receive first priority in a sale, but he hopes it would end up in their hands.

"They've been there a long time, and it seems like they've been a good citizen to Jackson," Weathersby said.

The House passed the bill unanimously and with minimal discussion on Jan. 22. It now goes to the Senate Public Property Committee, which Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson chairs.