WITH MORE THAN $2 billion in projects on the drawing board, two local civic groups are teaming up to better market downtown Jackson’s business corridor to developers.

The Mississippi Mainstreet Asso-ciation (MMA) and Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP) are planning to spend between $500,000 and $600,000 to transform an unused city building at 509 East Pearl St. into a state-of-the-art marketing center.

DJP President Ben Allen recently unveiled the plans at an economic development briefing, but offered more details to the Northside Sun. “We’re meeting with our attorney soon to see how the transfer (of the building) can be made. It’s going to be cool when its finished.”

He said the new faclity, which will feature nearly 2,000 square feet of marketing space, will provide developers with a one-stop shop to learn about downtown Jackson.

“It will provide potential developers with information on funding, Go Zone legislation and other issues,” Allen said. As an added bonus, the facility will be open to any group who wants to market Jackson, from Jackson Public Schools to city officials to the local chamber of commerce. The facility is currently owned by the city, Allen said.

He said the building remains vacant because it would be too expensive for the city to update it to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

“If the city is able to donate it to a nonprofit group, we’ll be able to renovate it using the rent money we pay now,” he said.

The facility wouldn’t require much work otherwise. It has hardwood floors and other architectural features that will give the marketing center more character, he said.

The first floor will feature a large reception area at the Pearl Street entrance, with artist renderings of developments like the Old Capitol Green project framed and hung on the wall. Computers there will allow visitors to find out information about the city via the Internet.

IT WILL ALSO feature a conference room with sliding doors for up to six people. It will also feature a presentation room with a large flat screen television that would seat up to 20 and a security office.

The second floor will be used by DJP and MMA for office space, a break room and storage space. It will feature three work stations for both groups and a conference room.

Stairs leading to the roof will provide the city with an opportunity to host parties with a view of the city skyline.

Ward Seven Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon said she’s been briefed on the project twice. “I think it’s exciting,” she said. “it will give people a central location to see what opportunities Jackson has to offer.” She said the project also will provide an identity to DJP.

DJP is now located at the Capital Towers near Jackson City Hall. Now, the group pays about $1,600 a month in rent, Allen said. He hopes to be in the new facility by January 2009.