Our Farish Street Historic Universe is the only African American Historic District listed on the National Register that was built by former slaves whose great-great grandchildren still work and live in the area.
Once the hub of educational, political, religious, economic, cultural and entertainment activities, the area takes its name from Walter Farish, a former slave who settled on the northeast corner of Davis and Farish Streets. There were other Black Americans who lived near Mr. Farish and his family. The 1860 Jackson directory listed 22 free Blacks as living in the area. The Farish Street District Universe has been home to many retail businesses and has survived the eras of Segregation, Civil Rights and now, Urban Renewal.
Along with loan & grant assistance from The National Trust's Community Partners Program, the City of Jackson, local banks and the Farish Street Historic District Neighborhood Foundation, a project is currently in progress to rehabilitate thirty-five houses in the residential district into affordable rental housing by the end of 1999.
Governor Kirk Fordice has signed the Farish Street revitalization bill that provides for $6 million in low interest loans to renovate and open businesses in the area. When coupled with the ongoing development on Capitol Street, renovation of the Illinois Central Depot and the pending Jackson State University Parkway, downtown Jackson, Ms. is about to become a one-stop shopping, entertainment and cultural mecca.
The purchase of the old IC depot allows the planned $12.73 million project to proceed that will consolidate rail, bus and taxi service at that location just 2 blocks from the entrance to the district. Additionally, the King Edward Hotel, located just across the street from the depot has gotten a green light for a planned rehab as well as the old Standard Life Building project that will turn it into a $17.5 million telecommunications center.
NOW THIS!!! Fannie Mae, the nation's largest home mortgage financing agency, will match the $6 million bond plan Gov. Fordice approved in March to restore the area. This money will: Promote home ownership by boosting the second phase of the revitalization project that will renovate 40 homes in the district in addition to the 36 that were refurbished in phase 1; Establish a local partnership to create a homeownership/remodeling center to provide information and credit counseling; and also provide a $50,000 grant to the Farish Street Foundation to develop and implement neighborhood revitalization strategies.
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