Mayor exclaims, “the Arts District is on the Way and it all starts today!”
Today, August 27, 2024, at the 100 Block of North Commerce Street, the City of Natchez and DNA held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start the ADA compliance sidewalk project for the Arts District. The project will cover the full length between Franklin and Main Street of N. Commerce Street, (approximately 8 Block fronts,) for a total cost of $500,000.
Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson stated, “Our goal is by 2027 to have Handicap Accessibility throughout the historic downtown area of Natchez, Mississippi. So this is a great step forward.”
When asked about the project timeline, Travis McCoy of Wildstone Construction Services said, “this is an 80 working day contract, but we be plan to be through and in-and-out of here in a couple of months.”
Among those at the ceremony looking forward to the project, Natchez Alderman Ward 1, Valencia Hall, who commented that, “this has been a goal of mine since I became the Alderwoman in Ward 1 and before that. I am very, very much involved in ADA Compliance. Wherever we are, we must be ADA Compliant. This is a proud day for the City of Natchez.”
These renovations will also address much-needed renovations on Commerce Street and structural repairs.
The Arts District is one of three anchor projects in the Downtown Natchez Master Plan. It is the natural bridge between Main and Franklin streets, and is identified as the center of the city by an historic cornerstone. The area is already home to several art galleries. You can learn more about it in the Downtown Master Plan.
Front Row L to R: Mamie Henry (The Shops at Kress), Steve Campo (Jacob’s Consignment), Travis McCoy (Wildstone Construction Services), Alderwoman Ward 1 Valencia Hall, Mayor Dan M. Gibson, Alderman Ward 6 & Chair of Public Property Curtis Moroney, Ann Simons (Planet Thailand), John Grady Burns (Nest).
Back Row : City Development Director James Johnston, Carolyn Weir (Artist at Kress), Chesney Doyle (Downtown Natchez Alliance).
