JXN Tech Hub update

Jackson, Miss. (WLBT) – Water crisis, infrastructure issues, crime. Critics Who Wants to Invest in Mississippi’s Capital City?

As we first reported four years ago, the Jackson native and highly successful computer engineer is taking risks to realize her vision of creating a technology hub.

Now, there’s new information to share about Dr. Ashley Cephus and her “Success Code.”

Dr. Ashley Sefus, “Why not Jackson? You know, we’re not that different from the next guy. We have some things to do in terms of infrastructure.

This is the response you get from Cefus regarding her vision to build a multipurpose technical district or tech-hub in the capital.

So, what exactly is a tech hub?

It is “a community that fosters innovation for technology-based companies”; A place where technology, talent, investors, educators and companies thrive. Cephus was not deterred by the challenges of achieving such growth in Jackson.

“And we’re just focused on putting one foot in front of the other as we try to, you know, this long-term, five-year integration project. I’ve learned a lot from people who are different from me. And then, historically, I know how to do a lot with a little,” Cefus said.

The evidence for that is the Bean Road “makerspace” building where the interview took place.

Having raised over a million dollars for charity, there is no debt for this structure. And now, a fellow Jacksonian, Michael Lewis, a real estate broker, has secured an additional 7 acres for Cefus, adding to the 12 blocks that already make up the Jackson Tech District.

12 blocks of once neglected, abandoned buildings overgrown with weeds in the dark of night. Now it is well lit at night.

“This is a first-time acquisition of raw land,” said Michael Lewis. So seven hectares in total, wooded, but suitable for parks or development. Place some mature trees in the trail.

That brings the Jackson Tech District’s footprint to 21 acres. A number of factors, including the cost of goods and services caused by the pandemic, have caused the cost of her appearance to rise from $25 million to more than $150 million now.

Cephus said, “And so, yes, the number goes up. But we continue to add value to the project and the people in the area. We have additional funding partners. We will inform you soon and more LOI will be in place. I think the interested parties who want to take these places and see what’s happening will be very happy with what we’ve done so far.

“It can be done. There’s no doubt about it,” said Richard McNeil.

McNeil, the Jackson architect, is a believer in Cepheus’ vision, particularly the location of the Jackson Tech District. He says he’s seen examples of this type of growth succeeding in places like his hometown of Atlanta and, more recently, Denver, Colorado.

Richard McNeil said, “This wonderful area in Denver, Colorado today, like Atlanta, developed this light rail system over the existing rail line. Well, is there any potential for Canton and Flora to connect to downtown Jackson using the same idea? And the answer is yes. And where will that stop? Right next to Dr. Cephus’ development, which is, you know, close to Jackson State. So it has a very good position in terms of economic development.

McNeil shared some of his design plans with the district. Some existing buildings will be converted into shopping malls, housing, learning centers and more.

McNeil said, “She’s obviously a very smart, very wise individual…she wants to do something in our community and it’s really a blessing for us to help bring all these things to this community.” Because she can just go. I don’t care if that’s your problem. But she is engaged. And she has other people on her team who are busy with her.

Michael Lewis said, “I’m really excited about the business. But I’m really excited about what they plan to do for the kids in Jackson. They recently wrapped up summer camp. These kids had robotics, they were making 3-D models for architecture. And it remains to be seen what kind of launch pad this creates for them. I’m excited to see it.

So, has the 36-year-old Jackson native and successful computer engineer cracked the code for success in the capital? Time will tell.

Bean Street celebrates its fourth anniversary next month. On October 8th, the festival will run from noon to 3:30 pm at the new makerspace on the grounds of the JXN Tech District at 451 North Gallatin Street in Jackson.

There will be free food and drinks.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here To subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2022 WLBT. all rights reserved.