DNA updates “Destination Downtown” into new event and unveils new real estate portal for Downtown properties.
On Thursday, May 15, the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) opened the doors—literally and figuratively—to new opportunities during its Downtown Unlocked event. Held at 701 Franklin Street, this real estate showcase brought together property owners, realtors, investors, city leaders, and community champions for an afternoon focused on possibility, connection, and vision. The event also marked the official launch of the Downtown Doorway portal—an innovative tool designed to simplify the search for available properties and business resources in the heart of Natchez.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a local entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of starting something new, Downtown Unlocked offered a glimpse into the many ways you can be part of downtown Natchez’s next chapter.
DNA’s research shows that downtown Natchez has strong potential for practical, community focused businesses.
A Vision Rooted in Research
Downtown Unlocked builds on years of market insight and community feedback. The newly released 2024 Natchez Retail Market Analysis is the third such study commissioned by DNA since 2018. The first analysis was developed as part of the 2018 Downtown Natchez Master Plan and included both a downtown retail market study and a housing market assessment. In 2022, a follow-up study led by Dr. Rachael Carter incorporated community input through a survey of more than 500 residents. Across all three reports, the results have been strikingly consistent: grow downtown living and recruit essential goods and services that meet the needs of daily life.
Creating a Downtown for Daily Life
DNA’s research shows that downtown Natchez has strong potential for practical, community-focused businesses. Opportunities include a small grocery or convenience store, affordable family clothing, micro-business co-working or meeting spaces, and services that support daily life. Mixed-use buildings—where ground floors serve retail or service needs and upper floors or basement levels are converted into long-term apartments or loft-style housing—present a major opportunity to bring more residents into the heart of downtown. These mixed-use properties are included in the commercial category on the Downtown Doorway portal.
By increasing housing options and encouraging full-time downtown living, we help create a more vibrant, walkable, and sustainable community. Smaller-scale additions—such as clothing or shoe repair services, or a shared printing and shipping kiosk—can also contribute to making downtown more livable, convenient, and connected.
DNA Opens the Downtown Doorway
One of the most exciting developments revealed at Downtown Unlocked was the launch of the Downtown Doorway portal. Created in partnership with real estate professionals, property owners, and digital strategists, the portal offers a centralized, easy-to-navigate listing of available downtown properties. Listings can be filtered by commercial or residential use, and whether they are for sale or for lease. While additional filtering by size or price is not currently available, the portal provides direct access to listing agents and owners for those seeking more details.
To explore how to open a business in Natchez and learn about permitting, planning, and local support, check out our online Business Startup Guide:
Unlocking Our Future—Together
The Downtown Unlocked event is part of a broader vision: to support smart growth, historic preservation, and entrepreneurial energy in the heart of Natchez. DNA believes that a thriving downtown reflects the spirit of its people—and that by unlocking our historic buildings, we unlock economic opportunity, civic pride, and cultural connection.
Special thanks to our participating property owners, real estate agents, community partners, and volunteers who made the event a success. We also extend sincere appreciation to our sponsors—Bank of Franklin, Concordia Bank & Trust, Delta Bank, Home Bank, United Mississippi Bank (UMB), Core Lending, and Levi and Grace Construction—whose generous support helped bring this event to life and continues to fuel DNA’s ongoing work to revitalize downtown Natchez.
If you missed Downtown Unlocked, it’s not too late to get involved. Explore available properties via the Downtown Doorway portal, download the Retail Market Analysis, or visit the Business Startup Guide to start planning your next move.
Downtown Natchez is ready. The doors are open. All that’s missing is you.
