Video: Vacant Apartment Complex Set For Major Renovation To Restaurant-Office Space

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Plans to convert the eight unit apartment building at the corner of West Jackson and Clayton into an Italian style pizzeria were announced during a public hearing at City Hall.

Investors will spend at least $170,000 renovating the former apartment complex into a restaurant downstairs,with a covered patio and office space upstairs. Sources say chef David Leathers will be in charge of the kitchen. Leathers is familiar to many in the area for his work at Park Heights and his catering and food carvings. Also, a house in the back of the property will be torn down for parking, and this brick house will be converted into two offices.

“I think it will be a fantastic advantage to the neighborhood,” said Wendi McFerrin, who, along with her husband, Stacy, lives in the Joyner neighborhood and owns rental properties in the area.

They are hopeful the proposed restaurant will help change the image of the old apartment complex, that became a haven for drug and criminal activity.

“It had such a stigma attached to it as a residential property, I think this will be a complete turnaround from what it has been in the past,” McFerrin said.

For more than a year and a half, the Neighborhood Development Corporation, a non profit entity, has been working with the city to revitalize the area. This is the first private investment in a $2,900,000 project, to redevelop the area. And with the NDC leading the efforts, it keeps the city out of the real estate business.

“It’s always great to see we have willing and capable citizens willing to move into these roles, we’re just proud to have them and here to assist and facilitate as best as we can,” said Shane Hooper, director of development services.

Construction is expected to start early next year. So far, the NDC has purchased 20 properties in the area and they are trying to buy a few more as part of the redevelopment project.

More details on the restaurant are expected to be released in the next few days.