Demolition begins for Allenton Heights, modern housing complex to replace it

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Housing Authority begins the demolition of of the Allenton Heights housing complex.

It’s demolition day for the Allenton Heights Housing Complex to make way for new housing that’s moving onto the property soon.

According to Jackson Housing Authority Director Mark Reid, some residents took the option to return when the new build is finished, and some have applied for Section 8 or other housing to move forward with living arrangements, but they have been placed in housing of their choice.

Allenton Heights has been a part of the Hub City for more than 80 years.

“My kids grew up over here all the time and they stayed over here. Of course, I was in and out, but it’s a lot of history over here like, if you didn’t know ‘Moochie’ and ‘Sir Charles,’ you didn’t come over to Allenton Heights at all,” said Delois Harrison, Jackson resident.

“When you look around at the surrounding community you see across the street at the board of education doing all their renovations. Take a look at the track field, football field, and the work at the Oman Arena. You see new single families coming up around the developments work here. We’re seeing all of this transformation happening and for years we’ve been trying to make it happen here at Allenton Heights. For me the stars are lined up, and like you said out with the old in with the new,” said Reid.

Harrison says she’s optimistic about the efforts going forward to create a safer community. She tells us the complex was notorious for criminal behavior.

“It caused many problems for a lot of residents over here, a lot of kids over here–like a lot of violence basically. Hopefully this side of town will be better,” said Harrison.

“The plan is to replace Allenton Heights with more modern housing. It will be all one bedroom cottages on that site. You’ll see one multi-family building that will consist of 12 units. The rest of them will be one bedroom cottage style housing,” said Reid.

The Cottages of Bluecreek will will provide central heat and air with washer and dryer connections.

New applications will be available for residents at least 30 days in advance for new housing. The plans are set to open the new cottage apartments in early 2026.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.