The City, along with Clayco/HRI/Watkins Partners bid out the initial clean-out of the King Edward on November 1. It was awarded to a company that bid ~$1M for the work. As I understand the bid, the work is required to be complete no longer than 130 days from the awarding of the bid (10 days to sign contract, 120 days to complete).

130 Days from 11/1/2006 is 3/11/2007. We're already +36 days from the bid date, and no visible work or preparations for work have begun.

Is the project going to happen?

You'd have to ask "Pops", he visits here from time to time. I believe his alter ego is David Watkins, of the above named corporation working on that project. He's a nice guy, ask him! :D

I really wish they would put up more information about the project, the cost of units, and how to sign up. I'm looking forward to HKE opening, and want to live there.

To the best of my understanding, it was necessary to re-bid the project. I would expect that work should be starting soon.

One question I've got: Is it still going to be called the King Edward Hotel when it's finished, or will there be a new name--and, if so, has it been selected?

It sounds like it's going to be a delightful place to live, in any case... Definitely one of those mixed-use, community-building developments that Jackson needs right now.


Cheers,

TH

From what I have heard, the name "King Edward" will be retained, though it may possibly be joined with the name of a well-known hotel company. The King Edward will certainly be a strong shot in the arm for downtown Jackson. I think that the whole area around the King Edward should see a great boost in revitalization efforts. I'd still like to know who owns many of the other run-down buildings on West Capitol Street.

The project WILL be done.

Work actually is scheduled to begin today, Monday, December 11th.

After the bid was awarded, we had to get the city to prepare the contract with the successful bidder, give the required statutory notice to DEQ and A&H, and wait the obligatory 10 days after the contract was awarded to allow DEQ to inspect the site. Then, we had to wait on the bonding company to say grace of the city's contract.

After all that was completed, we were scheduled to start work on December 4th but the legal department couldn't track down the Mayor to sign the city contract until last week.

The city is planning on having some kind of press opportunity on Wednesday of this week, to let folks know that the work is being done. We're not in charge of that one, since it's the city announcing that they are spending federal grant money (the $800k EDI money that Thad was successful in securing back in 2004!).

With all these delays, we are, of course, several months behind schedule now and continue to be somewhat frustrated with the pace of progress. The environmental remediaton work will take 3-6 months, and the other pre-development work required (architectural and engineering drawings, selection of a contractor, financial closing) will likely take 3-4 months as well.

*******

At the present time, we're still planning on using the name King Edward something or other. Probably something like "King Edward Hilton," or "Hilton King Edward" (just substitute any other hotel chain name there). I know it's not very original, but I think it's important to keep "King Edward" in there somewhere.

*******

I apologize for not keeping folks a little more informed about what's been going on. It is partially due to the fact that there has not been a lot of real progress with the actual construction work on the King Edward for the last few months; and partially due to personal reasons that have keep me away from the office for most of the last month. We will do better in January.

*******

We are still planning on a mixed-use project with luxury hotel, commercial office space (old parking garage), retail space on the first two floors and basement, and apartments on the top 5 or 6 floors. Condos are problematic at this time because they are not allowed with GO Zone financing. However, I haven't given up on that option for a small number of units, if there is a definitive market and if we can carve them out of the financing on the rest of the project.

*******

If you have any additional comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to send me an email at david@watkinspartners.com

David Watkins a/k/a "Pops"
12-11-06

After all that was completed, we were scheduled to start work on December 4th but the legal department couldn't track down the Mayor to sign the city contract until last week.

Simply unbelievable. Yet, totally believable.

You would think with a lawyer getting paid commission she would be all over that one.

Thanks, Pops.

You know, the mayor has been busy. ;-)

Once again, only here can you find out what's really going on! Pop's, I gotta believe interest in condo's would be very high. Given it's the Capitol and the lobbyists/lawyers live here six months of the year. Major entertainment value to be in the heart of Jackson. It's going to be a great!

Doc if that were the case the Sun and Sand would still be open.

Yeah, but the Electric Building sold out FAST despite the sky-high cost... Things have changed.

Best of luck to you, Pops--and thanks for all that you do for our city!


Cheers,

TH

Here is a pretty good article in Baton Rouge Business Report on the new trend towards mixed use development. BR is kind of a guinea pig for developers with all the changes to it since Katrina.

http://www.businessreport.com/newsDetail.cfm?aid=10692

Just in case anyone missed this in the CL today, asbestos removal is underway at the King Edward. Final structural inspections should be made in March and then the design phase can begin.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070212/NEWS/70212008

The Forum Studio of St. Louis will be the architectural firm for the King Edward project. There is a press release from Clayco which I'll try to find as well. The design phase should be complete this fall. It looks as though they have a solid record with projects like the Vue in Charlotte and the Cupples Station lofts in St. Louis. I don't think anyone has anything to worry about as far as the design is concerned.

http://www.forumstudio.com/

The Clayco press release...

http://www.claycorp.com/news/newsDetail.php?newsid=96&pageid=1

New video clip from WAPT...this shows that the remedial work has been completed. What I find most interesting is the proposal for a second swimming pool on the roof above the 12th floor. Most interesting.

http://www.wapt.com/video/13429991/index.html

Also, just to put any rumors to the contrary to rest, the video mentions that the project includes 186 hotel rooms.

Looks better with less junk.

According to this article, they've decided what brand the hotel will be:

Jackson lawyer and developer David Watkins and his partners will pay the JRA $250,000 for the King Edward when the deed transfers in a couple of weeks. Watkins, Saints football star Deuce McAllister and New Orleans developer Historic Restorations Inc. plan to invest $71 million into the 83-year-old building for a Hilton-branded boutique hotel, apartments and upscale luggage, computer and clothing stores.

Hilton-branded meaning any one of:

Hilton | Conrad Hotels | Doubletree | Embassy Suites Hotels
Hampton Inn | Hampton Inn & Suites | Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Grand Vacations | Homewood Suites by Hilton
Scandic | The Waldorf=Astoria Collection

A Conrad or Waldorf=Astoria designation would be great. A DoubleTree designation would be less than terrific. I'm hoping for the former, but a standard Hilton designation would be more likely (and not bad either). Embassy Suites, Homewood or Hampton wouldn't work with this project.

It's Waldorf or nothing for me. This was once a masterpiece, not some cut-rate motel.

We are presently looking at "plain old Hilton," though with an upscale FF&E room package (plasma screens, etc.).

Fascinating. What else does it entail? I'm curious.

:) "Plain old Hilton" sounds good to me! I think this would make the most sense in the market. Hilton is a solid company with a good record of operations and a reputation for good service. Conrad and WA are more than Jackson could support at this point. This will be a giant step forward.

The Skirvin in Oklahoma City and the Capitol House in Baton Rouge are just two examples of recent restorations which have been undertaken with Hilton as a franchise. Both are successful and both are beautiful properties.

Hilton would work for me, too. If it will attract visitors, I'll take it.

Long Live the King..............

I never really understood the whole Kind Edward thing...saving a total eyesore for years. Is the building itself really that attractive?? I dont see it.

Waldorf Astoria in Jackson??? That was a joke right?

I think it's a beautiful, and well-built, piece of Jackson History that should be preserved.

I've got several photo galleries of my shots in the building. Perhaps Pops will let me come take some more photos now that the place is cleaned out?

Demolition Walkthrough
Press Walkthrough

I'm sure a lot of these buildings were considered eyesores at first. How do you get from "before" to "after"? It's called having a vision. Without a vision, we perish.

Also, Pops:

The video linked above referenced "Condo Apartment" units. I know the condo issue has been one that is of some concern to you and the rest of the developers due to the tax implications.

Has this been resolved favorably for condo units? If so, how does one reserve a unit? I'm incredibly interested in doing so.

Charlotta thanks for you post.....I'm a stickler for historical preservation (of things worth perserving that is)....this building is worth saving.....

It's high beauxs arts architecture (same period and as the new Capitol, though at the very end of the period). Next time your down around there, take a look at the detail around the ground floor. That's not cast detail its actually cut stone, the cornices, the colonades, the window surrounds. We don't do that anymore and if we do it costs a great deal of money. When that thing is done it will be a real jewel in the architectureal legacy of that city, you'll be proud. Also if they had leveled it, it would have been a parking lot. and years later what would have been put in it's place would have been a pale shadow of what was there before.

I can't wait to see this building brought back on line...and I am not surprised at the strength of the thing.....Its all riveted steel frame and concrete. Win Win....

"Without a vision, we perish"........good post LW...great site......

CharLotta, I'm somewhat with you in the sense that I personally can't see any value in the KE for all of the effort being placed into restoring it's "former glory". I was told part of the reason KE closed was because the owners didn't want to rent rooms to blacks so it wouldn't hurt my feelings to see it leveled and replaced with something that represents modern times and thinking. I was actually with Melton in spirit when he wanted to implode it, but opposed to his actions because a good deal was already on the table and moving forward and it was ridiculous for him to try undermining all the work that went into that deal. I also support projects like this that come from the private sector and don't require public funding for the restoration work and since the developers and financiers are convinced they can make it work I say get outta the way and let them do it.

I was told part of the reason KE closed was because the owners didn't want to rent rooms to blacks so it wouldn't hurt my feelings to see it leveled and replaced with something that represents modern times and thinking.

I think that's an even more important reason to restore it. Deuce McAllister, a black man, is contributing to the restoration, and then people of all colors can utilize the building. Take that, Jim Crow!

Granted, i know nothing about architecture, maybe im jumping the gun.

But, i also et the feeling when i visit Jackson in 15 years they will still be talking about saving the King Edward....and building Harborwalk.

But, i also et the feeling when i visit Jackson in 15 years they will still be talking about saving the King Edward....and building Harborwalk.

I don't much about Harborwalk, but I don't believe that will happen to the KEH. They've finished cleaning it out, and that's half the battle. I think that the only thing that would slow down this project is a lot of negative energy.

Mississippi has long suffered from these kinds of negative attitudes. The best thing to do is to ignore the naysayers.

To set the record straight, the King Edward was actually one of the first hotels in Jackson to admit black patrons. The Robert E. Lee closed, in part, because the Gammill family refused to integrate the hotel. The King Edward is a solid building with a lot of architectural integrity. As has been mentioned above, its restoration is pivotal to the downtown area. As for its completion, the project is on track for completion in 2009. The restoration will be a reality. As for HarborWalk, that project may not see the light of day immediately.

"But, i also et the feeling when i visit Jackson in 15 years they will still be talking about saving the King Edward"....

I think that was the jist of Meltons comments about imloding it...it was based on frustration about many things that seemd to be stalled......Pops has a couple of amazing posts about the process and many layers of difficulty surrounding projects like this and how time and patience has made everything fall into place (not to mention Go Zone...yea!).....we have one here (in ATL) called The Winecoff hotel and it is exactly the same timeline as the King...and it is finally getting it's contruction start.....(yes for those who remember reading about it in hotel fires history....The Winecoff was the site of the terrible fire in the 30's....). It was fire proof so "no need for exit stairs right?.....wrong......

Also, we have Auburn avenue which is a close cousin to Farish street and it is finally under construction.....but after many years of start and stops....

Now for this, a city of 5,100,000 to finally get around to Winecoff and Auburn and you a city of 500.000 and now underway with the King and Farish.....i'd say you were well ahead of the game.......forget about Harbor Walk....it's time will come as well......

Pops has a couple of amazing posts about the process and many layers of difficulty surrounding projects like this and how time and patience has made everything fall into place

"Patience" is the operative word here.

Tombarnes, thanks for "checking" me on that claim. I guess my source had his hotels mixed up. My not being a Jackson native I had no idea what was true.

Well its pretty damn easy to get a negative attitude.
Jackson used to be a nice place, now its a crime ridden, leaderless mess and i dont see it getting any better.

Call me negative all you want, but i watched the joke of a city council for years, i watched as grand ideas never come to fruition, i watched the KE saga for years and years with no progress. How about the stupid parkway from the airport to downtown??? Why not build an even HALF decent arena for concerts and other events instead...on and on.....

The people of Jackson better wake up and put some true leaders with vision in power or it will be too late.

Charlotta, tell us about when Jackson was a "nice" place as you describe it? What year(s) are you referring to?

Actually, during the last administration, many grand ideas were coming to fruition and crime was dropping. It was the people who refused to see that progress who got us to this place now.

But, I do agree about the need to wake up. I suspect, though, that we mean it differently. I see no glorious past for Jackson; our entire history has been built on segregation and then trying to get past its ravages and legacy. We were moving forward, but now we're moving backward a bit. Negativity such as yours will only compound the problems of this terrible administration.

The past doesn't matter now: it's over and done with. The future is going to Hell, and nobody has the handbasket.

If CharLotta is no longer in Jackson, she can't help. Those of us who live outside the city can't help. We don't vote in Jackson. The Jacksonians need to get up and purge the canker sore that is Frank Melton. No one else can do that but you all.

Im thinking of Jackson back in the late 70s-80's. Heck it was too bad 15 years ago...much worse now. It goes way beyond the mayors, look at the kangaroo court of a city council...what a joke.

LadyH, yeah, im not there any more. But of course i still keep in touch. I have one friend who still lives in the city limits and he is afraid he wont be able to get out before his neighborhood is completely infested with thugs.

Oh, and im of the male gender...:)

you wanna grapple about crime...read our stats.........

i know ATL, and Charlotte has a problem as well...but there is something about Jtown...i dont get a feeling of hope or light at the end of the tunnel.

Ill shut up now. Im pissing off donna....
its just aggravating.

Of course the past matters, Lady. If not, we wouldn't study history.

But Melton is Jackson's problem. He is also the state's problem because he is running the capitol city (into the ground?).

And, unfortunately, because The Clarion-Ledger panders statewide, negative non-Jacksonians who want to see the city to fail (and "thugs" to be bashed, the Constitution be damned) have had way too much influence in the politics of the city (and that paper's non-coverage and endorsement of Melton).

That we must fight, too, even as we reach out our arms to people around the state who actually care about the city.

I have rarely commented on Melton as I do not live there but I have many friends that do and some family as well. I think everyone can agree now ,with a majority, that he was a big big mistake. But that point has been made on other more detailed threads on this site.

I do attest to the progress and development that has been made in Jtown as there is a lot going on and the cities major institutions are not only intact they are thriving. And more on the way with a strong city center. you know Atlanta was on it's knees in the 70's.....and guess where the turn around occurred...right downtown with conventions and a convention district, a number of good hotel installations, a new museum......"gee" I see a pattern here.....and remember "Charlotta"...Charlotte NC was not exactly a garden spot 20 years ago either.....and it "weredernt" Billy Graham that got it where it is today..............it was the same process that Atlanta put in motion 30 years ago.....it will take time for Jtown but it is underway......

Getting back to the King Edward, it's also worth pointing out that demolishing a building like that is no easy undertaking. The environmental concerns are serious, with lots of particulate matter getting in the air during the implosion and clean up. Then there's the cost of disposing all that debris, which is serious considering that hauling away tons and tons of heavy building stone and steel isn't cheap. Might as well rehab it and get some badly needed downtown residential space out of it.

tombarnes:From what I have heard, the name "King Edward" will be retained, though it may possibly be joined with the name of a well-known hotel company.

Philip: <SHRIEKS IN TERROR> PLEEEEEEEzzzeeee tell me this is just an unsubstantiated rumor, tom..or ANYBODY!!!!

What's the problem? The original name is the Edwards, but most people don't know it as such, so "King Edward" is perfectly accceptable. Appending the "Hilton", "Westin" or whatever it will be is only natural. I don't understand your puzzlement here.

Why is it natural to do that? Why not use the classier King Edward, and put a little chain logo on there somewhere if you must as other classy hotels do it. I mean, they don't call it the Waldorf-Astoria-Hilton, you know.

And, for God's sake, please don't put a Starbucks in there.

The people of Jackson better wake up and put some true leaders with vision in power or it will be too late. - CharLotta

Working on it...go here.

I agree that it would be nicer not to have the chain name listed too prominently, but the nature of the beast is generally to include the name, even if only in smaller letters. Conrad Hilton knew better than to change the name of the Waldorf=Astoria, but he didn't hesitate to add his name to countless other hotels. While I'd love to see an independent KE, the reality of the hotel business suggests that a chain would be beneficial in certain markets. I think that a chain affiliation for the King Edward- provided that it is the right chain- would be a good thing. As I've said above, Hilton has done wonders for a number of historic properties around the country. The addition of the chain's name could actually be helpful.

Yeah, it was the Edwards Hotel for ages, back in the two-story inn by the tracks stage. It wasn't the "King Edward" until recently.

The name was changed by Dumas Milner in 1959.

"King Edward" ... to be honest, when i hear that, it reminds me of cheap cigars...

"cheap cigars"...

Charlotta...when I was little I thought that's where they got the name......

and speakin of brands and names.......and prominence of brand name.....guess what the famous "Mills House" in Charleston is......

A "Holiday Inn" hotel you see it on the bill when you check out and that's the only place you see it......we use to own it. And still manage it......

Dumas is the one who put the escalator in the lobby.

OT- ATL, aren't you guys supposed to be managing the Eola in Natchez? I haven't heard a word about that project for a couple of years.

Yes Tom....and I will reseach that today as I thought of that myself early this week. I did have a really productive meeting with the owners who are from Baton Rouge and they were excited about the project. I will find out about the name.....I can't imagine us usurping the Eola with Holiday......especially as we have The Mills and the Mulberry House in Savannah under the Holidex system. But wait till you see the new "Holiday Inn" in Pearl......the new generation proto-type.....there are dozens under construction now.....

what would a skyline be without "Big Green".....

Penthouse suites on top of the King edward maybe? just a thought to the renovators. I hope you're reading this Duece!!!

The clarion is posting that Jimmy Fowler has died. May he rest in peace. He owned and developed the Highland Village shopping center.....I imagine that it will now change hands and the possibilities for upgrades and additions are really great.

This is the same Jimmy Fowler of Fowler Buick fame. May he rest in peace as well.

yes eagle.....thing is he owne highland with no debt...free and clear...and at his age was not about to embark on any expansion rehab program and incur debt...so this is the time that things start rolling on places like that. Well not right away you understand but the opportunity is there now.

ATL: I'm wonder how fast they'll destroy that place now that he's gone. It's such a scenic place. All they'll do is replace it with something modern and horrid.

There is that risk, but things might turn out otherwise. A new owner might try taking it in some forward-thinking directions. For example, they might try making it mixed use, adding condos and services to the retail that's already there, making the place into a little self-contained walkable community. Given that this kind of thinking isn't completely alien to recent projects in Jackson, this isn't completely out of the question.

Ha. Depending on the intellect and kindness of strangers is a fool's game.

I'm not depending on the kindness of strangers. I'm looking at projects like Capitol Green, the rehab of King Edward, and the like, and concluding that there are obviously developers out there with the vision to do this kind of thing in Jackson. I'm not saying a mixed-use project at Highland Village is inevitable. I'm just saying we can't rule it out.

Nooo....Ironghost that center is too well designed and strategic to screw with, I imagine, if they still own the land up top where the parking lot is, that who ever gets it will develope a tower and arcade to compliment what is there. That thing is the high end retail anchor for all of Jackson. The potential is unlimited. I could see a condo/hotel tower and an office tower up on that hill and connected to the original. But it's all up to the heirs now.....lot's of potential. There are some nice lifestyle centers here in Atlanta but I have not ever seen anything here that has that kind of class and timeless-ness. You know Life-style cneter is a fairly new concept but here is one in the "J" that was built starting in 1970..........this thing was way ahead of it's time......

A pivotal piece of funding for the King Edward has just fallen into place. There remains just one key element before it is ready to go. Keep your eyes open for this to take place before October. Work should resume in November!

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070911/BIZ/70911054

This is probably been asked before, multiple times, but...

Are they going to keep the sign at the top of the building? I love it.

I hope they do... i like it too. The Peabody in Memphis still has their sign on top so why not? Lit up it would add to the skyline.

To the best of my knowledge, both electric roof signs will be restored. There was talk of a rooftop swimming pool, but we shall see whether this last idea makes it through the design phase. I'm told that the project is currently being designed by the Forum Studio of St. Louis and that the design phase is currently in progress. I believe that construction is supposed to begin in December. Perhaps David Watkins can tell us more.

To all my friends and supporters:

Thanks for your patience, encouragement, support, and prayers. The King Edward project is on schedule and is happening. On Friday, October 19, 2007, title to the King Edward was finally transferred from the JRA to our development group, the King Edward Revitalization Company (KERC).

Our building permit filed with the City last month was approved this past week, subject to paying $181k in permit fees [even though we were eligible for the permit fee waiver (and needed it)]. Apparently, there are still some folks at city hall that don't want us to get any kind of a break. This is a tough pill to swallow, given that the City of Jackson has invested ZERO dollars in this project, so far and yet has given substantial breaks to other developers.

Before we can commence further construction, our application for a permit from the Department of Archives and History (and the National Park Service) must also be approved. However, we expect that approval any day now.

In short, we expect to be beginning Phase II of the King Edward redevelopment/reconstruction process in the next few weeks. The Standard Life project will follow in a few months.

As most of you know, the properties across from the King Edward on Capital Street have deteriorated to the point of not only being a blight, but also a refuge for drug addicts. While Joe Lewis with the City has made efforts to help us with this, the problem is that nothing has happened. Consequently, to address this issue, our development group purchased two of the properties last month and continues to negotiate on the other two. Obviously, we are committed to the redevelopment of downtown Jackson.

For all of you folks that might have heard some of the criticism from a certain public official about us not "doing any work," we have certainly been "doing work." We've been spending about $200,000 per month since June on architects, engineers, consultants and lawyers. We've already spent close to $4 million in cash on the project and have spent at least that much in time and effort. We have a preliminary closing that has put $15 million in the bank, available to the group when we start re-construction. We will close on the remaining $90 million (that's right, the project is now around $105 million, including the Standard Life building renovation) in the next 60 days.

In the meantime, work begins next month, as we've promised for the last year. The project will take about 18 months to finish. Thus, come 2nd quarter of 2009, we'll be dancing in the new King Edward ballroom.

For all you naysayers, all I can say is . . . ok, I can't say that. My mom is still around and she would kick my butt if I said what I wanted to. So, for the "doubting Thomases" just sit back and watch. The King Edward IS going to happen. Just watch.

David Watkins
King Edward Revitalization Company
david@watkinspartners.com

Also, the latest design plan has ONE sign on the roof being retained (the one facing East). The other sign will likely be removed because it will interfere with the plans to build a rooftop patio, including an "infinity" pool. If we retained the structural supports for the sign at that part of the building then we would not be able to build out the rooftop as planned. So, the compromise is to remove one sign and leave the other. While I'd like to have both signs, the truth is a rooftop entertainment venue is a necessary enhancement to the overall development. And, keeping one "King Edward" sign makes the plan palatable.

Also, in case you haven't heard, the hotel will carry the Hilton flag. More on that later.

David Watkins
King Edward Revitalization Company
david@watkinspartners.com

David, as one former naysayer I say good job so far navigating through the hurdles to make this project a reality. I look forward to seeing and visiting the finished product.

Our building permit filed with the City last month was approved this past week, subject to paying $181k in permit fees [even though we were eligible for the permit fee waiver (and needed it)]. Apparently, there are still some folks at city hall that don't want us to get any kind of a break. This is a tough pill to swallow, given that the City of Jackson has invested ZERO dollars in this project, so far and yet has given substantial breaks to other developers. pops

So, Parkway Properties which owns building across the united states and is traded publicly, gets a break from the City (and no red tape), while the other investors in Jackson get screwed! Talk.About.Favortism! Must be nice to have the mayor in your front pocket, or vise versa!

Suck It Ben!

Yippee!! I can live with one sign. I'm just glad to know it's coming along!!

Pops, I commend you for your efforts in getting this project off the ground, and I wsh you great success. I can't wait to see the end result.

By the way, I have this mantra on my blog, and I want to share it with you since I figure you could use it:

"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her." — David Brinkley

Pops writes......"Consequently, to address this issue, our development group purchased two of the properties last month and continues to negotiate on the other two."

Those buildings are actually quite significant. I understand that a couple of them date to around 1880. I can't imagine any of them being structurally sound. It would be good if at least the facades could be retained and new construcion put up behind them. As popular as the downtown housing has become it would seem they could be incorporated into a midrise loft complex.

We are running out of so called "Loft" space here in ATL so they just build new mid rises that look like lofts. Hey.....if you can build a mall to look like an old European "seaport" then why not build a condo building to look like a loft warehouse......hey.....

I don't want to steal any thunder from Mr. Watkins, but I ran across this on the web this evening.

http://www.thomashamiltonassociates.com/king_edward_hotel.php

Thomas Hamilton Associates of Richmond has been awarded the contract for the conversion of the King Edward into a Hilton Garden Inn. Given the previous projects in which HRI has selected HGI, this is not a surprise. Thomas Hamilton Associates has a stellar track record with many high-end projects, so I'm sure the end product will be something Jackson will be proud to have in its reinvigorated downtown.

Tom, what does this mean for Mr. Watkins? Will he still be involved?

Oh yeah, the reason I came over here...

I took some pictures with my cell phone after the JSU parade, and I thought you guys would like to see them. Just click on the pictures to see a bigger version.

Of course Mr. Watkins is still involved! My comment about "stealing thunder" was meant in reference to my hesitation to post anything about the project which had not been publicly released. Upon reflection, I reasoned that the design firm must have had permission to release the information about the name of the Hilton brand, hence my decision to post it here. I hope I haven't stepped on any toes.

Article in the Clarion Ledger today on the King Edward and a great video with David Watkins. The article was disturbing as to the last minute Politics involved but the city council approved the Tax incentives in spite of them......neat interior shots as well. Congrats.....David on your most excellent efforts here......

In keeping with the holiday season and celebrating the spirit of the King Edward redevelopment, we have erected a lighted Christmas tree atop the King Edward.

While it looks dwarfed, it is 12 feet tall, weighs 300 pounds, has 2,000 lights, and a treetop star. Good job Clayco!

http://news.webshots.com/album/561778390ykDlAV

David Watkins
Watkins Development LLC
King Edward Revitalization Company LLC

Thanks for the album link, Pops. I need some time to check out all of the pictures. Do you happen to have a close-up of the Christmas tree?

L.W., I haven't had time to take a close-up of the tree yet. I took a quick snapshot on the way home last night, but didn't have a tripod with me so, the zoom shots were shaky, at best. Next week, I plan to tackle the task, with shots from ground level, rooftop and from other buildings. I hope I can produce something that you might enjoy and that might provide a colorful footnote in the book on resurrecting of the King Edward. Thanks for your interest.

David Watkins
a/k/a Pops

hey Pops, keep it up! Many of us out here are rooting for you...I work where I can see the King E from my window, and am looking forward to seeing its renewal, one piece at a time! cheers and happy holidays, Izzy

Any signs of cranes at the King Edward yet? I know it should be happening soon....

Ok, so this thread started a year ago, and still no work done on the building?? A Christmas tree was placed and thats it?

No there's been alot of base prep. Abatement of Asbestos, Structural analysis (no cracks found or any signifivcant structural problems) and I imagine several hundred pages of construction documents inclusive of demolition drawings are now underway. This ain't "yo" daddy's roadside motel rehab......I can assure you from first hand knowledge of similar hotel rehabs.

I knew I'd heard that work had already started.

Another thing...on a rehab job you won't see all the big cranes and such like you will on a new construction project. You might see debris chutes and dumpsters, but all the interesting stuff is hidden from view. So just because you don't see a whole lot on the outside doesn't mean there isn't a lot of activity on the inside.

Very true. Since the building is not being demolished, a mega-crane would only be on-site if something needs to be moved on or off the upper floors or the roof, like chiller units. Last week when I drove by the building the section of Mill Street between Pearl and Capitol was barricaded off. There may be a lane of Capitol Street that is barricaded off as well. So there should be a frenzy of construction work shortly, if it hasn't started by now.

My interest and excitement is over what will they do with the
Standard Life Building, but I guess they weren't serious about
that one.

I GOOGLED old articles but nothing new on it.

I don't think you need to worry over the fate of the Standard Life Building. I haven't heard anythuing which would indicate a change in plan. I think they are waiting until the King Edward renovation is undr way before proceeding with the SL.

The phase II reconstruction work on the King Edward started the last week of November. We have begun demolishing the interior walls in the building, starting on the top floor and working our way down. Last week we poured the concrete foundation for one of the two "lifts" (external elevator) to be used, which are much more efficient in removing debris that cranes. This work will continue for another 2 to 3 months. We are dismantling the monster swimming pool structure, making preparations to demolish the Powerhouse building (which makes me very sad), making preparations for demolishing the "convention center annex" building (the Spanish tile adorned building between the King Edward and Pruet Oil) and continuing in the general demolition and restructuring process.

While it may not look like it, we are on schedule. We still anticipate a grand opening of the hotel in the summer of 2009 (approximately 17-18 months from now). We are investing close to $89 million for the King Edward alone, and have already incurred over $5 million in expenses to date. The King will have 186 hotel rooms, around 60 apartments and various retail space on the bottom floors (restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gift shop, etc.).

On the Standard Life front, we are still working on the design phase, as one might expect. Our plan is to primarily provide residential units. We are planning to offer approximately 60 apartments, supplemented by retail, restaurants, and commercial operations on the first floor and in the "annex" buildings on Roach Street. Due to logistical issues, the Standard Life will come along right behind the King Edward, though probably a couple of months behind.

I'm sorry that some of you didn't like the Christmas tree. I thought it was a touch a class myself. It was not a small feat to get a 12 ft, 300 pound tree with 2,000 lights on the roof of the King and then run electricity to it. We installed the tree to demonstrate that the project is alive and well.

Some writers on this blog have adeptly noted that a reconstruction project of this magnitude usually involves an extremely complex and lengthy process. That is a very accurate statement. Just because you can't see the work being done, it's happening. We're spending about $30,000 a day, soon to increase to somewhere around $100,000 a day. Our design and construction subcontractors are finalizing their design drawings and work force mobilization plans, as we speak. By summertime, we will have around 250 full time construction workers on site, burning through about $25 million in payroll alone.

No longer do we have to say that "the King Edward will happen." That's because it IS happening . . . right now . . . in beautiful downtown Jackson. If you don't believe it, come see if for yourself! I'd be glad to show you.

David Watkins
Watkins Development LLC
King Edward Revitalization Company
david@watkinspartners.com

This is really wonderful, David Watkins.

I'd like a penthouse at the top of the Standard Life Building.

You think I'm joking right? :)

Tabitha,

I would love for you to be the first tenant at Standard Life, but you may have to get in line on the penthouse. I guess you won't be surprised to learn that we've had several people make that same request. If you're seriously interested in space in the King or the Standard Life building, just email me and I'll put your name on the list to be contacted at the right time.

You should also be aware that, because of the tax credit structure of the financing, all of the units will be for rent, rather than for sale, at least for the first 7 years. Typically, after 7 years, developments like this are converted to condo (or at least some portion of the building is). The rental issue might work to your benefit, since a number of our inquiries (from old folks like me) have been for condo purchases, rather than apartment rentals.

When the final plans are approved by the National Park Service and when the reconstruction work kicks in on Standard Life in the next few months, we will work through a process for final design work on the apartment layouts and rental structure. Note: I'm still pushing for a rooftop restaurant/bar that might take up the top floor or two, but my partners have not yet come around to my way of thinking. Of course, a rooftop restaurant wouldn't eliminate penthouse apartments in the building. In fact, it would be pretty cool, imo, to have a skyline restaurant/bar one floor above one's apartment.

In any event, we told you the King Edward renovation would soon start and it did. We're now telling you the Standard Life renovation is going to happen, and it will. Keep the faith, and be patient.

Stay tuned for more updates soon.

David Watkins
Watkins Development LLC
King Edward Revitalization Company
david@watkinspartners.com

p.s. Sorry for my lengthy posts; 35 years of lawyering has ruined my ability to be "brief."

Just curious...why is the National Park Service involved?

when I bring my designer friends over to the "J".....they spy the Standard from afar......we go there and they just gaze. All of Jackson's major early highrises have survived. I'd say with exception of the Heidleburg but that was not really a good building, actually rather mundane.

A reasonably priced apartment in the Standard Life building would almost be enough to make me move back to Jackson.

Wonder how much a 1 or 2 bedroom apt. would rent for...

I still say we should all invest in fixer-uppers in Poindexter. Can you *imagine* what the view is going to be like from up there in a couple years? I'm telling you.

I can picture a diverse artsy neigbhorhood up there that doesn't mind some community services in our midst. I have a dream, you could say. ;-)

So, Pops, let's have next year's Best of Jackson bash in the King Eddie. Doesn't matter if she's a little raw. Our Electric Building party two years ago was in an unfinished, but fabulous, but space.

K?

:-D

wheeeeeeee! and they say it would never happen. HAH! I see the sign from my work window every morning. It's a true symbol of JAckson's rebirth.

And man 25 mil payroll? $100,000 a day. Takes some cojones to manage those numbers adroitly

"I still say we should all invest in fixer-uppers in Poindexter".

Donna....you don't know how very prophetic you are. And you would be very wise to "Sally" up there and get it going. You've been here (to the ATL) and know what miracles are going on in Grant Park, Little Five Points, and East End and have been for a while. Poindexter is bound to be the next happnin place. Some really fine old homes up in that neck of the woods.

Where is poindexter location exactly? Capital street leading away from downtown going pass the new bus terminal and pass where the old mississippi valley gas company used to be should be redone on both sides of capital streets into shops and apartment highrises and condos and it would have a great view of the rising downtown jackson and it runs parralel to JSU new parkway, I went to Bham this past weekend they have nightlife and jackson by ten years. Why dosen't jackson have a big water fountain in the middle of downtown every major city has it with lights on it at night, where are our city planners are they asleep?

Have you been to see the water features at the new wing of the Miss Museum of Art? Smallish but lovely and a little contemplation garden to boot! WAlked over there on my lunch break yesterday, clears my head out to hear water falling.

Farish street will be the ticket to massive downtown night life. Not that we don't have great places already but the magnitude needed to bring the suburbanites will happen if we get 5-7 clubs in a row like Beale street.

On a sad note, I had a temp office worker leave today cause she was "scared" to park on Farish and walk the 2 blks. to my office building. Some people will NEVER feel comfortable in the downtown area of a city no matter how many clubs, offices, buildings, etc. you get in there. So reach for the people who would want to come and let the rest enjoy their burb-claves in happy splendor.

The museum is a start but a bigger centerpiece one that has Andrew jackson and Medgar evers in the foutain would be nice. Like i said Bham got Jackson and i was just shaking my head the jackson and Mississippi leaders are sad and slow. Capital street development lets go

Izzy Atlanta is no different..........different strokes for different folks...how little the world changes.....

Poindexter is bound to be the next happnin place. Some really fine old homes up in that neck of the woods.

I've been saying it for years, friend. When we first drove around the city after returning in 2001, it was Poindexter that called out to me. Of course, we have to build a newspaper and business before investing in that kind of project. But we're open and ready. Wouldn't it be cool to get a whole bunch of people to do it around the same time and build a diverse, artistic, walking community—kind of an anti-Lost Rabbit. How exciting that would be, and we'd have the best (and most lucrative) views in the city.

I also watched what happened in The Highlands in Denver when Lodo took hold. Of course, we'd have to tread gingerly to avoid harmful gentrification; however, so many of those houses are abandoned and crumbled that it needs a shot of energy that doesn't want to remake it into a staid, white neighborhood. And what a great place for JSU profs to live.

ladd iam gone invest wit u i pledge $20 dollars no joke its all i can spare.

NewJack, just keep posting here and shaking things up. That, too, is an investment in Jackson. ;-)

And it would be great for Jackson State *students* to be in small apartments—yes, rentals—in this new Poindexter as well. I don't want to live in a community that looks down on renters. What garbage.

Lady, you're definitely trying to convince me by pointing me to a Wall Street Journal *editorial* on a *pro-tort-reform* site, eh?

That's a good start to figure out what to look at closer with more sources, though. Thanks. ;-)

Ladd writes...."kind of an anti-Lost Rabbit".........Well it would be a real Lost Rabbit...........like Fondren is a real towncenter new urbanism model instead of a "Whoville". That's the whole argument. Hey....let's go out in field and build one.....no!...why not go into the city and rehab the one you got. But you must be careful about the gentrification becase what happens is.....like fondren (and all of those areas I mentioned in Atlanta) prices rise and lot's of folks get shut out.

And NewJack.....hang on....first the people then the fountian it'll happen don't worry. Look how far it's come in just three years. I think you're getting a fountain at Pinnacle anyway.....

Well it would be a real Lost Rabbit...........like Fondren is a real towncenter new urbanism model instead of a "Whoville". That's the whole argument.

Touché, ATL—and correct, of course. Besides, you really can't fake charm. There is charm on West Capitol; it just needs to be polished up a bit.

An old country song just sprang to mine: "If you got the money, baby, I got the time ... "

The next line is about going honky-tonkying so I'll leave it there. ;-)

I want my city to be a vibrant city and to be the best in every inch of Jackson, downtown, west Jackson, northwest Jackson, south Jackson, north Jackson, and northeast Jackson and i want JSU to link To downtown with a new Football stadium and to west Jackson with a partnered initiative in housing and community development encourage the professors to move in the community with refurbished houses and in turn the professors would help take care of the community and build housing in the surrounding communities for students, the students and professors will bring energy and the young professionals into the community , help with tutoring and after school programs. Lets GO Jackson we are one no matter our race we love Jackson.

Nice, NewJack. Let's do it. Believing is the biggest hurdle.

I like Ladd's idea. A quirky neighborhood, west of a swanky downtown, next ot a university...kind of reminds me of my University City neighborhood in West Philly.

As for gentrification, that can be a thorny issue. It certainly is in West Philly. Here they've started to practice what's known as "inclusionary housing." That's where new swanky developments are required to set aside a small number of units as affordable housing. It seems to be working okay, but it's still pretty new.

Andrew Jackson and Medgar Evers in the same fountain? They'd both spin in their graves!

"Andrew Jackson and Medgar Evers in the same fountain?".... Well at least the two with some expression of there individuality and purpose. I think the concept is quite good. The statue of Andy that's up there now is sooooo pedestrian......no style or class. The one of Andy in New Orleans at Poydras is a real piece of sculpture. They need one of Medgar at the Civil Rights Museum......and a good one. Not one of those bronze plated corpses like that Andy thing at City Hall..........

I thing the Poindexter thing is a matter of time.....

Some of the old homes on Robinson street are gorgeous. They need a lot of TLC unfortunately (expensive TLC). Any tax credits out there?

Is Jackson far south enough to get Katrina money for home rehabs?

Is Jackson far south enough to get Katrina money for home rehabs?

Well, we're in the GO Zone, so I don't see why not (but don't take my word on it, though).

Pops:
I'm sorry that some of you didn't like the Christmas tree.

I wouldn't even waste my time worrying about what other people think of a Christmas tree on top of a building. We do have people here who are negative about anything positive in Jackson. They can't (or won't) see the forest for the trees. But for you the Deuce, keep on doing what you're doing. You're definitely doing more than some people in City Hall have done their entire careers.

(Sorry about the comment glitch, all. We just noticed the lull in comments, which never happens here, and got it fixed.)

DONNA,

Hey girl.

I don't even know what Poindexter is. LOL!

Being in California, and not having visited Jackson yet, I only consume
TONS of second hand information and descriptions about all manner of
places all over the Hinds/Rankin/Madison County areas.

My dream is to buy some acres outside Jackson and build a big house and a lake where I can grow old fishing and enjoying peace and quiet.

I also want to have a Cherry Blossom forest and an apple orchard.

My FEAR is that I will miss the big cities terribly, and that maybe it would be nice to have an apartment IN TOWN, and the Standard Life Building
seems to be the tallest building--taller than the King Edward, and it kind
of reminds me of the Empire State in design, so that's why I'm so enthralled
by it.

I am sure, however, that I will HAVE to hang out around people like you and
the "artsy crowd" simply because--that's my career, I'm an artist, and I'm
a feminist black woman.

I'm begging God to bless this plan of mines.

No fear, Tab. You already seem to know more about Jackson than many people who live here!

I want a country house, too. I love the city, the country, the beach, the mountains—but hate the 'burbs. I actually dream of owning a house in the country in "Dixon," a country community of Neshoba County where my people lived during my parents' youth. (Not sure Todd is convinced, yet, though!)

I understand the fear of missing the city. I mean, I moved back here directly from Manhattan, after all. You know, it's all about you and where your head's at. Frankly, I had moved around so much, and did so many things (which I don't regret at all), but you get to a point where you realize that happiness is not over the rainbow or around the next turn. (We should have heeded the "Wizard of Oz"—or "The Wiz," if you prefer; smile). It's about being completely exactly where you are. If people could figure this out sooner, we'd have so fewer broken homes and broken hearts, and lot more people happy in their careers.

When we moved back, we had no intention of starting the paper. We had tons of national freelance, Todd was writing books and jetting about doing TV shows andd such, and I had a big-a$$ fellowship to study the discriminatory effects of zero-tolerance discipline, which I could do from anywhere. We chose this as an inexpensive home base, close (within a six-hour drive every direction) to lots of family.

We got here, then jetted out constantly to do cool, superficial stuff. (I did my intense work here, although I was interviewing people around the country.) Then 9-11 hit, and our lives changed. For one, for the first time in my life, I decided to really live exactly where I was. That's what helped us decide to start the paper. It was time to tend to our own little postage stamp of the world, as Faulkner put it, wherever that might be. I had moved home to my postage stamp; Todd adopted it wholeheartedly. I set aside my thick book proposal to write a national book about children's rights, and we wrote a business plan for an alt-weekly.

What that kind of mindfulness has meant to us—beyond a growing understanding of Zen principles!—is that we have found ourselves in a community of progressive-minded, active, creative people. We've called it the JFP Bubble; Ben Allen calls it the JFP Nation. But it doesn't mean that everyone who is drawn to it agrees with everything I, or anybody else around here, says (ask Ben). It's more about being a community, and a strong community needs a good local media voice at its center that serves as both a forum for people to express themselves and as "an invitation," as Todd likes to call us, to do all sorts of things around people who want to be involved and active.

That's the kind of city life I know and love. When I published my little paper in the East Village back in the '80s, I liked to say that it was the closest to small-town community I'd ever lived, which is odd for a chick from Neshoba County, Mississippi. But I was part of a bizarre community of people, from the homeless people I adored to the police commander of that precinct (who is a dear friend still that I don't talk to near enough). It was wonderful. Meantime, many people lead cold lives in NYC with little human connection. LIkewise, many people live like that in Mississippi or out there in Beach Boy land.

Now, though, I've found the grail. And it's right here in Mississippi. I'm surrounded by intelligent, loving people; I can make a difference every day if I show up for it; the conversation has never been wittier or more lively (it's certainly been more annoyingly pretentious in other places); I know as many "famous" people and literary types here as I knew anywhere, and like these ones better (I'll trade Christopher Hitchens for James Meredith any day). And we even jet around often to talk to conferences, classes and groups about ... wait for it ... how we do what we do in Mississippi!?! Who knew?

On top of that, I've met and worked with some of my personal long-time heroes, or their kids and grandkids, which is so sweet. And, get this, they even deliver the New York Times in these here parts.

So, yes, I believe strongly that everything you need is right here waiting for you—if you will be completely here when you arrive, and not be looking over the next hill all the time. And we'll welcome you with open arms; I truly believe that the progressive community that is growing here is one of the nation's best-kept secrets, although it is leaking out constantly. (We have two new national articles about to come out about our work here, for instance. I hope those who read them will take them as invitations to come join us as we all build a very special place.)

And, yes, the Standard Life building is one of my favorite nighttime buildings ever. Stephen Barnette (who helped start the JFP and is our ad director) has a fabulous view of it from his loft windows at Gallatin. And wait 'til you see the potential in those houses on Capitol Street.

I guess that's the difference really. What type of person does one choose to be? Do you see decay when you look at a beautiful home that is crumbling from neglect? Or do you see the potential of a new creative, diverse neighborhood? I choose to be the latter. I urge others to do the same. No telling what the city will become if you believe and then follow that belief with action.

Look what you did, Tab. You do have a way of drawing people out. I hope you'll consider writing for the paper when you get here.

I like your post Ladd, because it reminds me of what I liked about West Philly when I moved here. I kind of got the feeling that a place like Manhattan would be cool with or without me, but Philly was what I could make it, and it seemed like lots of people were working to make an overlooked city into a cool place. That's exactly what it sounds like you and others are doing in Jackson.

Now all we need is $$$

yeah, Jackson needs more feminists!!!! come on soon and you'll be part of the annual "Chick Ball" held to highlight talented women AND raise money to prevent domestic violence. Plus there's a good California vibe in you & mixing that into Mississippi can work very well. We like creative types.

I tried living outside of Jackson on a lake but the scene was too morbid - lots of retired old people and a mechanic who didn't like my "foreign" car.

Besides, anything "outside Jackson" seems to get swallowed up by sprawl, and your home that was once in the country will quickly be in the suburbs. If you really want to live in the country, take Ladd's advice and move to Dixon.

Hi Donna,

Thanks so much for sharing all that---it really resonates with me.

Sure, I would love to write something for the newspaper, that would
be fun.

I've been planning to move back south for a long time, and I'm
QUITE CERTAIN about the move, but money and some other
matters were of serious concern---

--when you finally find out who I am, you'll understand why
"controversy" in my personal life and being black were major
concerns in moving to an area that is so conservative
and "fearful" of people who have been involved in controversies.

I am, however, sure about it, and because I was raised by very
Southern people (I'm an adoptee), I feel this nagging need now that
I've "matured" to settle myself in the South.

For financial reasons, it will take me about 2 years to get there, because
I have a lot on my plate--my sons have college funds, but I'm extremely
attached to my sister's two kids and want to send them as well and both my parents need to retire and I've invited them to live with me in Mississippi, so there's a lot of planning I'm doing and it has to be just right.

But I'm so excited to have already corresponded with people like you,
Ray Carver and L.W., because it's a lot easier to get plugged in when you
already know people there, and from visiting this board (plus chatting on
the phone with several land, real estate people in the area)...I have already
seen that the EXACT SAME type of people are down there that are
everywhere else.

I do love the "accents" though, and that's my one extra PLUS that I give
the people in Mississippi---that genteel southern STYLE ought to be bottled!

Also, I'm sort of a Sociologist, so I believe in living at a "natural pace", and
it's becoming more and more impossible to do that in high tech SPAM
societies like L.A. and N.Y.

I really just want to go where I can grow old and settle into myself
and heal from the WOUNDS of the controversies in my past. I just want
peace and to be truer to my spiritual side (I'm not particularly religious,
but I love trees and fishing and gardening and being quiet--I like to
excersize and to me, that's being spiritual because I talk to God when
I do those activities).

IZZY,

LOL!!!!!

Yeah, I'm a feminist, but I've also got some ways that "some feminists"
find hard to appreciate.

My passion is cooking. I'm hoping to do my first cook book next year.

You'll see--I'm really a character.

The likes of which none of you have ever met, but
people who actually KNOW me usually really like me.

:)

Mark,

I'm planning on buying about 50 to 60 acres and building my home,
so that's country enough for me, because with all that land, I won't
really have neighbors and every plot I've seen so far is full of trees.

There's even one plot IN JACKSON (NW) that has 160 acres, but unfortunately, it's in a flood zone.

There's two plots I really like in Raymond right now, but I need to
come down to Jackson in the fall before I actually start buying the
land so I can see everything.

I do want my property in close proximity to Jackson for a number
of reason--access to supermarkets, my son's going to school and
being able to have friends.

Tabitha, I hope you can buy a piece of land like that. If you do, you'll protect it from being developed into more strip malls and the like. More power to you!

I love the city, the country, the beach, the mountains

If you would've lived in San Diego County, you could have all four! Having a beach and a snow-capped mountain in one county was a spectacle in of itself.

I am responding to several private inquires of why we chose a "Hilton Gardens" as our hotel flag. I think the reasons are so important that we should probably share them with the public, if you don't mind.

You shouldn't let the name "Hilton Gardens" fool you. The "Hilton Gardens at the King Edward" will probably be the most upscale property of its kind in the country. And, it will still be the King Edward, no matter what you call it, restored with painstaking (and extraordinarily expensive) care, as required by the National Park Service and the Ms Dept. of Archives & History.

The King Edward/Hilton Gardens is an upscale niche development of a boutique hotel and not a roadside travel hotel. It is designed to appeal to tourists, busy business professionals and to travelers with discriminating taste. Moreover, this is not your typical low-budget, no-frills travel lodge. This is large project. In fact, it is a very large ($90 million) and very important project, important to the vitality and future of the City of Jackson and to the state; and, it is the largest private development ever in the City of Jackson.

Now, some basic facts. First, we HAD to have a national chain for the reservations system. That's a given. Second, we didn't meet the technical requirements of a "regular" full-service Hilton - i.e., we don't have (or need) 300 guest rooms (keys), we have 186; and we don't need extensive convention and meeting room space, since that's what the convention center and convention center hotel are designed to handle.

Nevertheless, the build-out we have planned for the Hilton Garden/King Edward is tantamount to a full service, up-scale Hilton Hotel. There will be a signature restaurant, a full service bar (I’m still working on the oyster/sushi addition to the bar menu), a gourmet coffee shop (Starbucks or the equivalent, though I'm still fighting for a local shop instead), a gift shop, a swimming pool, a health club, concierge service, a luxuriously paneled ballroom, ample meeting rooms, green space, gardens, fountains, garage parking, a board room, guest rooms with plasma screen tv’s and upscale furnishings and numerous other amenities and luxuries that busy business travelers and discriminating tourists expect and demand.

At the end of the day, we will have an upscale, boutique, one-of-a-kind hotel – The Hilton Gardens at the King Edward. It will be in the King Edward building, with King Edward restaurants, King Edward bars, King Edward gift shops, and anything else we can label King Edward. It will have King Edward penthouse apartments above the hotel and a restored classic King Edward parking garage next door. The 40’x50’ “Hotel King Edward” rooftop sign on the east side of the building will be preserved and refurbished (at great expense I might add – over $250,000!), all to capture the King Edward mystique and allure. The restoration of the marble grand staircase and spectacular flooring in the lobby; the elegant architectural hardwood trim, and the stained glass skylights in the grand ballroom will take our guests back to the 1920’s, except with many more amenities, modern-day comforts and aesthetic enhancements. The reopening of the second floor atrium over the lobby will create a balcony overlooking the lobby, much like the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, though somewhat smaller and cozier, with natural lighting from the skylights illuminating the lobby and creating a lustrous, golden visual effect.

(continued)

The charm, the history, the appeal, the nostalgia, the luxury, the comfort and the modern conveniences that will be served up daily to each guest will insure that the guests will have a pleasurable and rewarding experience with each nights stay. There will be nothing else like it anywhere in Mississippi. It’s the place where everybody will want to stay and have their friends, family and business associates stay. While it may be called a “Garden” hotel in the reservation system, it will still be "The King." And, I think you will like it.

David Watkins, Watkins Development
King Edward Revitalization Company

King Edward Download Page
King Edward News
King Edward Photos

Pops, I thought about the KEH when I heard about the reopening of the Plaza Hotel in New York City. It's sort of what I have in mind of what the KEH will look like when the renovation is complete. Thanks for the photos. I liked looking at the floor plans.

Anything to keep the letters from falling off the sign, right? :)

It'll be nice to see it lit again.

Looks like its moving right along...

Just in case you haven't seen it, there was an article in the CL yesterday which mentioned that David Watkins is in talks with the owners of Drago's of New Orleans to open a restaurant at the King Edward. They have two- one in Metairie and one in the New Orleans Hilton. This would be a good fit for the King Edward, and would tie in nicely with the history of the hotel. There was, in fact, an oyster bar at the King Edward in the 1950's and 60's.

Thanks for the update, Pops! The way you're describing the new King Eddie is sending shivers down my spine as I speak. I'm itching to make a reservation right now!

shop (Starbucks or the equivalent, though I'm still fighting for a local shop instead),

We like to hear that *local* part. ;-)

If you need a corporate coffee shop, can it be a Caribou Coffee? I dislike the burned stuff at Starbucks, and plan to be one of the first people to get a residential unit at the King Edward.

Pops, advice from a former Atlanta resident DO NOT go with Caribou coffee! Talk about burned coffee! Sorry, hmg... Aurora coffee was way better; but, I know they are local to Atlanta. Stick with Cups they are the best in town! In fact, you should try to find someone that is willing to roast the coffee on site, much like Java Jazz - but with better prices and better coffee! Those guys out there can't make a proper espresso drink or froth! I like it that Cups roasts their own coffee; but, then they stick it in brown bags. The type of bags they use means if you are not getting it within three days of roasting, you are losing a lot of freshness and flavor that could be kept longer if they went with some type of vacuum bag or plastic with the release valve.

just my caffeinated two cents... :-)

I'm a huge fan of the coffe at Illy. They have recently started to open shops here in Washington. Don't know if they are expanding elsewhere yet, but their coffee is far superior to Starbucks.

Illy coffee rocks! Again you have a freshness issue if the coffee isn't used in a timely fashion since it is vacuum packed and shipped from Italy. I've noticed that once you open it, it goes bad a bit quicker than I had hoped. But, an Illy coffee shop, though I've never seen one, would be trendy. I just think the Cups brand has the marketplace here in Jackson, and would draw in the regulars who buy in Fondren then go to work downtown. Also, as long as the quality is there, then it adds local flavor to the hotel which enhances the visit of those from out of town.

Wow... So I was coming from JSU yesterday (going towards downtown), and I see that the West-facing sign is finally down. It seems that despite the lack of overt work (which, of course, is going on inside), sights like these keep me dying to see the new HKE... or at least some inside construction photos...

Keep it up D.W.!!!

one more from Atlanta and still here. No Caribou if you please.....tastes grindy and stale.

WAPT says the groundbreaking for the King Edward will be tomorrow, and I think that's pretty incredible. It's hard to believe that hmg started this thread back in Dec. '06, and I also think about how the mayor wanted the building to be demolished. Despite all that, work is being done, and a groundbreaking is tomorrow! Holy cow.

About time. I know my Dad would be amazed.

I saw several guys walking around on the roof yesterday, just under the sign that faces East...it was like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory coming to life! :-)

You mean the Oompah Loompahs or whatever they're called? LOL

Great news indeed.

Anyone willing to take pictures?

The video on the WAPT site is from the groundbreaking ceremony which was held some time ago. Is there another ceremony tomorrow? I wouldn't think it necessary.

Please excuse my confusion on this point. I just saw Adam's story above.

Actually, the groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow is truly a ceremony. In August, 2006, we had a press conference announcing that we had "a deal" for the King Edward. That was only the beginning of the very hard work to follow.

We spent the first half of 2007 dealing with asbestos abatement and other environmental hazards and selective demolition to determine whether or not the building was sound enough to restore.

We spent the second half of 2007 preparing drawings and specifications and securing the various governmental approvals to proceed. In November we started the interior demolition necessary to begin the restoration. We began the heavy lifting, financially, on the project back then, even though we had not closed on the permanent financing. Well, last week, we did finally close and the $90 million for the project is in the bank!

Tomorrow is the "official" celebration of the rebirth of the King Edward. Haley Barbour, Phil Bryant, and Billy McCoy will all be making remarks at the ceremony, as will Deuce McAllister and a few others. The ceremony, open to the public, begins at 11am with a "rubble shovel" in the lobby of the King Edward. Then we will move to the Union Station Ballroom and have a keynote address by the Governor, followed by short remarks of other dignitaries, followed by a reception (catered by Broad Street), followed by group tours of the lobby of the King Edward.

Because the King Edward restoration is a cause, is bigger than life and is a very important event, we want to share this historic moment with everyone. So, please come and enjoy the festivities, the entertainment, the speeches, the band, the visuals of the King, and, of course, the food!

See you tomorrow.

David Watkins
King Edward Revitalization Company LLC
Watkins Development LLC

David, I'm very happy for you guys who've worked hard to finally see the 40-year plus eyesore come back to life. I don't think any of us really know the impact the new King Edward will have on downtown and the city as a whole.

That's exactly the word...a cause. The restoration of the King Edward will surely bring life to downtown Jackson in a way which no other project could possibly do. Other projects will follow in its wake, but the King Edward is truly the key to the reinvention of downtown Jackson. My hat is off to you and your compatriots who have made this great project a reality. I can't wait to see the progress in person.

*passes out*

I've got to get down there tomorrow...

celebrate!!!!

Man... I can't get down there in time.

David! How's the King Eddie's water supply? My Mom, Dad and Grand Uncle all can clearly recall hearing that the Ed had it's own.

I wish I could've been there too. I hate working sometimes. You miss out on a lot. But I would love to be there the first day the King Edward and all the other downtown buildings open.

I decided to stroll around downtown today and I walked up to the King Edward. There was no visible activity from my vantage point today, but I stood at the corner of Capitol and Mill and began to imagine how nice the King would look once the work is finished. I began to walk towards the corner of Capitol and Lamar and saw scaffolding set up on a building next to the Pruett Oil building. The buildings where the old Peaches Cafe was located could use some renovations too. I then preceded to Capitol and Lamar and observed the construction work going on at the Pinnacle building. The concrete now surrounds the first two floors with some of the windows already filled in with glass on the Capitol and Lamar sides. I walked down Lamar towards Pearl and Pascagoula streets and saw the Convention Center take shape from a distance. Walking down Pearl, some renovations have been made to a building next to law office of Stamps & Stamps (the old Mississippi Telco Federal Credit Union location). The Pig Shak and Micro Printing are located there.

I'm going to take a more extensive stroll through downtown at another time, but I can feel the burst of energy that's about to come out of downtown. Just wish it could happen right now.

Sounds like you had a nice stroll. Whenever I go down Capitol, I picture all those empty storefronts occupied with retail shops, delis, etc.

Have the powerhouse, swimming pool and ballroom additions been removed this week?

Demolition on the powerhouse has already started. The ballroom and swimming pool will be done later this week. I'm still crying over the powerhouse, though. It was a beautiful old building. But, it was the only way to may the parking garage work.

David Watkins

p.s. sorry for the late response. I just got internet service restored today. Dial up service just doesn't get it!

I'm still crying over the powerhouse, though. It was a beautiful old building. But, it was the only way to may the parking garage work.

No pain, no gain, huh?

Pops, your speech at the event recently was inspiring...thank you for keeping us updated, it's amazing to have your facts right here for all to see. I work downtown and each day that I walk to my car I see the telecom center and the convention center going up, beam by beam, piece by piece. People need to reach for the pulse of this city because believe me, it is there.

You're right, Izzy. A few posts up, I talked about recently strolling in downtown and thinking about all the wonderful things that's about to happen down there. Thinking about downtown's revitalization sends chills up and down my spine.