Episode 1 - Downtown Jackson

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Entry posted by corydreinhardt · July 19, 2018

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Jackson County

Episode 1 - "Downtown Jackson"

Welcome to Jackson County! RV Capital of the World! Before I show you the "Historic District" of downtown Jackson, you must first understand a little bit about this city. Here you go:

- Region of the USA: Central Michigan

- City Population: 54,670

- County Population: 197,892

- Known for: RV Capital of the World (manufacturing RVs)

In this first episode, the highlight feature will be the historic and quaint, "Downtown Jackson." The City of Jackson is content on preserving the historic quality of downtown Jackson. Many regional and corporate headquarters reside in Downtown Jackson. Alas, here you go:

1. Jackson Square:

The heart of the city. The epicenter of all the action. Yes, there are plans to revitalize the downtown. It's not exactly the nightlife scene, but, during the daytime, the streets are crowded. For the lack of a better infrastructure.

2. Northern Lights Casino & Resort

Despite much opposition, the Pokagon Band of Indians was able to twist the arms of city leaders to locate a casino in the downtown. It was seen as an "economic boost." The Jackson Police Department thinks differently.

3. Jackson County Convention Center & Michigan Federal Government Building

Michigan's state senator or governor may make an appearance every once in a while to the Michigan Federal Government Building, conveniently located next to the convention center. $28 million dollar price tag (tax dollars of course).

4. Greater Downtown Jackson

Downtown office occupancy rate of 87%. Pretty solid for a Midwestern town. Apparently there are plans in the works for a "major" investment from a foreign company to locate their headquarters in downtown Jackson. Skepticism remains.

5. Jackson College Neighborhood

The historic Jackson College, founded in 1897. Many beautiful homes, condos, and townhomes can be found here in this historic college and nearby neighborhood. This area has seen residential growth due to the Research Hospital located nearby.

6. "Northwoods" Downtown Neighborhood

Who wants to take a stroll down the Jackson Canal, or perhaps the Jackson Central Pathway? Quaint neighborhood just north of downtown. Homes in this area will go between 250k - 400k. The price for safety and amenities!

7. Historic North Jackson Neighborhood (Old Money)

One of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Also located north of downtown about two miles. The mayor resides here, the founder of Keystone RV, and many other prominent businessman. Homes were built in the 1920s and 30s. This particular neighborhood features the North Jackson Pathway through the center of the neighborhood.

8. Southeast Gardens Neighborhood

Another prominent neighborhood located nearly a mile southeast of downtown. Features the South Jackson Pathway as well as the Jackson Gardens. Volunteers from the neighborhood take care of the landscaping in the area. Quite the community pride in this quaint neighborhood.

9. Jackson High School & Freshman Campus

As you can see, this roadway sees traffic build up during the school rush hour. Local leaders have consistently delayed this project for safety reasons. As one council member states, "we don't want this roadway becoming a major thoroughfare through our city with so many school facilities nearby." Therefore, no change has occurred.

10. The Jackson Avenue Shopping Corridor

The regional shopping corridor in the city, South Jackson Avenue. Nearly every big box and chain restaurant can be found in this area. Pictured above is the Jackson Mall. Still thriving amid online retailers such as Amazon.

11. Jackson County Regional Airport & Industrial Parkway

Still not international status, although the airport has seen considerable growth with the population creeping up. Truck traffic near this avenue is extremely heavy as there are nearly 40 businesses in this 1 mile radius. This is one of the economic backbones of the region.

12. Grand Jackson Industrial Park

The second largest industrial park in the region, features many RV manufacturing companies as well as distribution centers. A rail hub goes through the area as well. Highlighted is Grand Design RV.

13. Teaser for Next Episode: Southwood Township

Although not technically part of the city of Jackson, this growing township is just south of the city. Does the city of Jackson have plans of annexing this area into the city? Nearly everybody living here commutes to the city of Jackson. Here are a few pictures to symbolize what Southwood Township is like, and yes, suburbia does come to mind. So does traffic...