City leaders say business picking up in downtown Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — Woodstock Bake Shop cut the ribbon Thursday at its new location on East Baltimore Street, and city leaders say they expect more businesses to open downtown soon.

Woodstock Bake Shop Owner Matt Childress said the area is growing. “I live downtown,” he said. “I think downtown’s a great place. It’s growing. It’s come a long way I think in the last five years.”

Jackson Downtown Development Corporation Executive Director Matt Altobell said he expects more businesses to open in the future. “The number of conversations we’re having with people and the level of interest is just enormous,” he said.

Christopher Alexander with Jackson Walk said they will probably have all of the retail spaces leased within the next 30 days. “We’ve got two spaces left and we’re being pretty selective in who we want to get in there,” he said.

More business means more people. Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said the city is considering possible parking changes downtown. “We’re studying that and it has been studied, and I think probably within the next two to three months we’ll have a recommendation from the Jackson downtown group,” he said.

Childress opened the doors downtown last week. He is optimistic. “Very strong, a lot better than we expected, so hopefully it keeps going from there,” Childress said.

The downtown shop is Woodstock Bake Shop’s third location in Jackson.