Jackson committee agrees with historical district idea

A Jackson Chamber of Commerce committee has agreed in principle that the uptown business district should become a historical district if possible.

At a recent meeting, attended by 16 people including 10 to 12 uptown business owners, the committee agreed to move to the next step, which is finding out exactly how much the process will cost and what entity will do the bookkeeping.

"What we haven't got is a commitment to pay for a share of the fees, so that's our next step," said Tom Strickland, an uptown business and building owner who spearheaded the historical district campaign. "We're waiting for the consultants to give us the amount. We know approximates, but we don't know exactly what it will cost."

Strickland said he has not heard any opposition to the district.

Melinda Winchester of Jackson is doing much of the behind-the-scenes digging for the merchants.

She said 26 buildings are eligible to become part of the district. If every building owner cooperates, that would be $500 to $600 per building.

"That's a bargain to get your building in a historic district," she said.

A historical district distinction would give building owners tax credits should they choose to remodel their buildings, restoring the building to the original condition.

Winchester is gathering information and will meet Tuesday with the state historical preservation office to confirm which buildings would be eligible.

In one building on High Street, Winchester discovered a tin ceiling that was in good condition.

"I turned around and could not believe what was there," she said. "It was beautiful."

In the same building, she found boxes of old movie tickets, marked at a nickel and 15 cents apiece. The building used to house a theater in the 1950s.

Chamber executive director Ken Parrett said another Jackson Uptown Historic District Committee meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 8.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635