focoIt was in 2001 that developer Mike Peters and partner Andrew Mattiace purchased a dilapidated building out of foreclosure with plans for something new. The 1956 built Dale Building, Mississippi’s first suburban skyscraper, once housed the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Today, with over a decade since revisioning, Fondren Corner, as it is known, houses restaurants, offices, artists and even residents on its fourth and fifth floors. 2906 North State Street claims the spot as one of Jackson’s first mixed use developments.

With six floors including a basement level and 55, 000 square feet under roof, Fondren Corner became a catalyst for neighborhood development.  Once executive director of Fondren Renaissance, Camp Best, said at the time that businesses were constantly being turned away from the area due to lack of available retail and office space. Peters’ development of the building was good news to Best and his organization who “always felt…the ground floor facing State Street would have great potential as retail space.”

Today, original tenant Rooster’s is joined by Blithe & Vine, Swell-O-Phonic/Soma/Wilai/ Slave Bird, Mosaic Interiors, Studio 34 Salon, Christina Cannon-Boteler’s photo studio,Basil’s, Elizabeth Robinson’s Glass House and, one of the newest tenants, Fondren Renaissance. Countless medical and professional offices occupy the second and third floor and loft-style apartments on four and five are only available via waiting list.

Did you know: The building has private, gated parking, a  full service laundry (Empty Hamper) and a roof deck (open to tenants). From that deck, you can see The Hilton County Line and the Standard Life Building in downtown Jackson.