Inside Urban Studio: A New Pipeline for Jackson's Next Generation of Leaders

Downtown Jackson Partners has launched the Urban Studio, a collaborative initiative with Mississippi State University's College of Architecture, Art and Design, Jackson State University's Department of Urban and Regional Planning, and Millsaps College Else School of Management.

The working studio, located on Capitol Street, places high-performing students and recent graduates in meaningful, real-world projects tied to downtown's revitalization. By using young urbanists to reimagine downtown, the Studio provides a way to retain talent, activate the city's urban core and create a capital city shaped by the next generation of leaders.

Retaining Jackson's Young Talent Through Real-World Projects

"For years, the city has experienced population decline, especially among college-educated people. As Gen Z and Millennials seek urban environments with amenities, community and high-design rental options, Jackson must harness this generation's talent and imagination to develop a downtown that will be attractive to them and attract others like them to the state," said Liz Brister, president of Downtown Jackson Partners. "Urban Studio addresses that and creates a direct pipeline of talent committed to local development and growth."

Three Priority Areas Guide the Studio's Work

Urban Studio will focus its efforts on three priority areas:

Capitol Street Revitalization.100 Small Businesses. A thriving downtown requires a strong base of small businesses. The Studio will work to identify and support emerging entrepreneurs and explore models for increasing storefront occupancy and sustainability.Tools for Cranes: Downtown development is often constrained by regulatory, financial, and structural barriers. The Studio will explore ways to create clear pathways for physical investment and growth.

A Model with a Track Record in Other Downtowns

The urban studio concept has been used elsewhere and was effective in places like Birmingham, Ala., Chattanooga and Detroit. They have had a tangible impact on downtown revitalization. Urban Studios also help build future city leaders, planners, and engaged citizens by providing an immersive experience for the area's college students. That track record is part of what JSU, MSU and Millsaps leaders found attractive and is a reason why they joined the partnership.

University Partners Bring Students Into the Work

"The Mississippi State University School of Architecture has been part of downtown Jackson since its founding in 1973, and the School's Jackson Center has long been a catalyst for reimagining Mississippi's capital city," said Dr. Aaron White, Director of MSU's College of Architecture, Art and Design's Jackson Center. "Our partnership in Urban Studio builds on that longstanding commitment by giving our students the opportunity to apply their talents to real challenges while collaborating with community leaders and partner institutions. Through this experience, students will not only contribute to Jackson's future but gain a deeper understanding of the role architects play in shaping vibrant communities."

For Jackson State, the studio is a natural extension of their department's Capitol Street presence that will serve as a working lab for their budding urbanists.

"JSU's Department of Urban and Regional Planning is already located downtown on Capitol Street, not far from the Studio, and we couldn't be more excited to have this partnership and this close proximity," said Dr. Berneece Herbert, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Urban & Regional Planning. "This gives our students--our future urban planners--the opportunity to put their visions and ideas to work on real projects, not just theoretical ones, and allows them to see real results. This kind of engagement is priceless for them, allowing them to see the impact they can have on creating the downtown they would want to live, work and play in."

For Millsaps College, the Urban Studio experience gives their students real-world experience, while building connections and possibly futures in the Magnolia State.

"Millsaps is committed to the success of our city and the people who call it home," said Millsaps College President Frank Neville. "Urban Studio creates a unique environment where our students can contribute their ideas, work alongside community leaders and gain practical experience while helping shape the future of downtown Jackson. At the same time, it helps connect the next generation of professionals to the capital city. It demonstrates that they can build successful careers and vibrant lives right here in Mississippi."

Rooted in the Legacy of the Rural Studio

The Urban Studio was inspired by the Rural Studio, formed in Alabama in1993 by noted architect and Mississippi native Samuel Mockbee in conjunction with Auburn University. Mockbee and his students pioneered applications of architecture in service to humanity. His work has persisted and inspired the efforts of many others working to address our society's most challenging problems.

The Urban Studio is made possible by a generous grant from The Phil Hardin Foundation.