(Natchez, MS – April 4, 2025) The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, April 8th at 2:00 to celebrate the beginning of demolition and construction making way for the redevelopment of Trace Town. Trace Town Shopping Center in Natchez, Mississippi, is set to undergo a significant transformation with plans for redevelopment spearheaded by Jimmy R. Smith of Trace Town Redevelopment LLC and Natchez Hardware Center Inc., in collaboration with development partner Noon Real Estate, a shopping center development company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This project aims to revitalize the area and enhance the retail offerings in Natchez.
The redevelopment project at Trace Town Shopping Center will involve the demolition of all existing structures on the property, with the exception of the post office and McDonald’s locations, which will remain untouched. New structures will be built to accommodate new tenants, resulting in over 120,000 square feet of new retail space in Natchez. Initial discussions have led to a lease agreement with Hobby Lobby for 50,000 square feet of space, with construction expected to commence in fall 2025 and the grand opening scheduled for spring 2026. The total investment for this redevelopment initiative is estimated to exceed $30,000,000 and is projected to create 150 job opportunities. This redevelopment project is anticipated to be the largest retail endeavor in Natchez in recent years and will contribute to the removal of blight from the city’s landscape.
The journey towards revitalizing Trace Town began in 2023 when Natchez Hardware Center Inc. acquired the property from JW Properties of New Orleans, the previous long-term owners of the Shopping Center, which was originally developed in the 1960s. Extensive efforts have been made to address environmental concerns, such as asbestos and hazardous materials abatement, as well as the meticulous planning for the demolition of existing structures and the subsequent development of the new retail center, all while ensuring the smooth transition of existing tenants to new spaces.
Mayor Dan Gibson and Chandler Russ have been instrumental in supporting this project, offering assistance from the City and aiding in crucial connections. The brownfield reclamation program facilitated by the City has been pivotal in the abatement and demolition processes. Jimmy R. Smith expressed his gratitude to Mayor Gibson, Chandler Russ, JKS Engineering, and Irish Consulting Services for their unwavering support and contributions to the project.
Excitement abounds within the community regarding this transformative endeavor, with Mayor Dan Gibson praising the vision and dedication of Jimmy Smith and his development team for bringing about economic rejuvenation and job creation to the area. Chandler Russ, Executive Director of Natchez, Inc., commended the commitment of the development team to revitalizing Trace Town and bringing new opportunities to the community.
Jimmy R. Smith emphasized the strategic significance of the location of Trace Town Shopping Center for this development, citing the high volume of pass-through traffic in the area. With the expertise of Noon Real Estate as development partners, known for their successful completion of similar projects, Smith envisions making Trace Town the premier destination for national retail in Natchez.
Please come enjoy the beginning of this exciting project.
Quotes of Interest
“Mayor Dan Gibson has been behind this project from the start and offered any help he could from the City. Chandler Russ is also behind this project and has been very helpful in helping get the right contacts. They have helped facilitate the brownfield reclamation program to help with the abatement and demolition process.” Smith said he would like to thank them for their support as well as JKS Engineering and Irish Consulting Services for working through the site planning and engineering process.
“I believe this is the best location in Natchez for a development like this with the north-south and east-west traffic that passes through this area. It is basically the center of Natchez.”
“Words are inadequate to describe our excitement about this historic project. Thanks to the vision and commitment of Jimmy Smith and his development team, we are about to see a complete transformation of what has been a blighted property into a center of economic opportunity and jobs! The Natchez Renewal continues to move forward, and we are grateful” Dan Gibson, Mayor, City of Natchez
“Jimmy Smith is a seasoned professional with an impressive track record. I’m delighted that he and his partners are moving forward with the revitalization of Trace Town. Personally, like many long-time residents of Natchez, I have numerous cherished memories of the area. I am extremely grateful for their investment and dedication to our community. We are committed to supporting and assisting in any way possible and eagerly anticipate the project taking shape and thriving” Chandler Russ, Executive Director of Natchez, Inc.
