Added Appeal

   In lue of the tremendous increase and recurrent goings-on downtown I’m captivated by the discussion that I read in the papers and hear in various places about the proposed downtown entertainment district.  I am often questioned regarding the proposal ranging from its exact location, to what my opinion might be pertaining to potential influence to downtown economics.
   What is most captivating to me is the attention given to the proposed 17-screen movie theatre.  Personally, I don’t care about the movie theatre.  Please be thoughtful in your interpretation of that statement.  In my mind, the restaurants, retail stores and outdoor amphitheatre are a much more significant part to the whole equation.  Don’t get me wrong, the movie theatre is certainly a helpful piece…but enough to warrant the bulk of discussion?
   No doubt downtown Jackson is in need of added restaurant options, and unique retail shops.  As I’ve said before, the strength of one downtown business acts as a chain of sorts leading to the strengthening of the next link in the chain and so on.  It’s a no-brainer to me that adding the proposed 52 acre entertainment district will make the chain grow stronger.  Skeptics seem to abound on the issue…but I’ve yet to really understand why.  And please remember…it’s proposed.  The City Council has not yet voted on this potential project.  They are currently awaiting results of environmental impact studies.
   I’m likely a bit bias on the whole subject of downtown because I’m immersed in involvement of its progress on a daily basis.  My heart is in it…which is probably also why I get defensive when I hear anything derogatory about the present and future of our downtown.  I’ve invested thousands of hours, dollars, blood, sweat and tears in my little link in the chain, so of course the goings-on of downtown are very significant and of great interest to me.

   But I also understand what great responsibility rests on those of us who currently own and operate businesses downtown.  Looking back over the past eleven months two new art galleries have opened, one restaurant, one antique shop, one pool hall/bar, and two retail venues-one containing nine distinctive shops.  Then there are the exclusive downtown events that have been established or reestablished…namely Main Street Music (previously Music on the Green), Galleries-a-Go-Go, the Jackson-Madison County Library Film Series, and Fabulous Friday.  Not to mention all the single sanctioned events taking place downtown.  (Such as those held at le Diva’s, Lola’s, Art Under a Hot Tin Roof, Shooter’s, Marguerite’s, Downtown Tavern, The Dickson Gallery, The Painted Lady, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and Fishnotes.)
   We as downtown business owners have recognized the fact that we must be persistent working solely and mutually to create an appealing environment in order to become a prominent destination.  The way I see it, the proposed entertainment district will simply add to that appeal.
   To learn more about downtown events visit www.downtownjackson.com. You may also wish to receive the weekly Jackson Downtown e-mail notice listing all downtown events.  Simply send a blank email to JDDC@JacksonTN.com with the subject "Add to newsletter," and you will be placed on their mailing list.
   Dickson is the owner of The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art at 118 E Lafayette Street. She may be contacted by email at rachel@dicksongallery.com or by phone at 423-9708.