A $60 million arts and entertainment district in Madison is moving from plans to progress, with developers saying construction on The Gallery could go vertical by early summer.
Madison is one of several Mississippi cities seeing recent regional expansion. Bellamare Development first presented The Gallery in April of last year. The project is designed as an arts and entertainment district featuring a mix of businesses in one venue.
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Anna Jane Stanley, vice president of development for Bellamare, said the goal is to build a destination Mississippians can take pride in.
“It’s something that Mississippi has never seen before,” said Stanley. “So, allowing people to see that one-Mississippi can have things that other cities have. But also giving people a reason to stay and give back to not only the community, but themselves.”
Bellamare is also working with the city of Gulfport, where it broke ground in March on the Channel South District. Stanley said partnerships with both cities have been strong.
“Each city understands the importance of thoughtful, experience-driven development that not only enhances quality of life but also drives long-term economic growth.”
Stanley said the Gulfport groundbreaking was successful because of deliberate planning and storytelling.
“We approached it not just as a ceremonial moment, but as the public introduction of a long-term vision,” Luckett explained. “Every element, from stakeholder coordination to messaging, was designed to clearly communicate the impact this development will have on tourism, job creation, and overall economic activity in the region.”
Madison resident Keianna Luckett said she is excited to have more familyfriendly options close to home.
“Having kids, it just changes everything,” said Luckett. “You don’t want to have to go shopping 40 minutes away just for a pair of pants. So, I’ve kind of done more online shopping since I’ve been in Madison. But I do know the new shopping venue, the citizens of Madison will be happy. At least my age group.”
Luckett, who grew up in Canton, said families from smaller communities like Canton, Farmhaven, Camden and surrounding counties often travel to Madison or Jackson for shopping and entertainment.
“Ultimately, our goal is to create developments that generate sustained sales tax revenue, increase visitation, and attract complementary businesses over time,” Stanley said. “When done correctly, these projects do not just open, they continue to build momentum, creating a ripple effect of growth that benefits the entire region.”
Clinton Mayor William Purdie said projects like the $200 million Rising Springs development in Clinton will also significantly contribute to the state’s economic growth.
“On the scale of industrial manufacturing, technological things of that nature,” said Purdie. “I think that type of economic development is the kind that really drives sort of inward migration into your town. People move for those types of jobs. To wherever they’re located.”
Purdie said economic development remains a top focus of his administration, calling it vital to increasing Clinton’s population in the coming decade. Rising Spring is expected to draw new residents from outside the area.
“We want to provide top quality amenities for our residents once they’re here,” the mayor said. “You kind of have to take a holistic approach to economic development, but all aspects of it obviously are very important for the continued growth of our city.”
Rising Spring is a privately developed project located between Highway 80 and Spring Ridge Road, with much of the development led by Mississippi College in partnership with the city.
Purdie said he expects the area to become a destination for Mississippians as well as travelers moving along I20 from Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and other states.
Stanley said that while she could not yet disclose most of the businesses that will open at The Gallery, Pig & Pint is planning a second location there, along with Spinners.
“We’re not just building a development, we’re building a destination that drives this long-term growth for not only Madison, but surrounding areas as well,” said Stanley. “Jackson, Flowood, Brandon, and everyone is going to benefit from this and hopefully we have, out-of-state draw as well. That’s been proven within our independent studies that we’ve done.”
Stanley said the team is cautious about setting an exact timeline, but they are aiming for construction to begin this summer.
“Everything is building up around us. It’s going to create more jobs,” Luckett exclaimed. “It’s going to bring people to Mississippi to live here. So, I think there’ll be enough room for everybody to win, and it’ll be great for everybody. So, I’m excited!”