Former School Being Turned into Housing and Commercial Space in Downtown Jackson

(September 16, 2021 4:57 PM) The Jackson Anchor Initiative, in partnership with the City of Jackson, today announced a partnership agreement to turn the former Allen School on Pearl Street into a mixed-use development.  Detroit Rock Solid, Inc. is acquiring the property from a Jackson medical practice to transform the former Jackson Public Schools building into a mixed-use residential and commercial space. The proposal will create 50  market-rate apartments of 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom units, and studio units, along with public communal space and professional offices.

“This project continues the success of repurposing and restoring historic buildings into new opportunities for residents and businesses in Jackson,” said Scott Fleming, CEO of the Jackson Anchor Initiative. “The investment from the developers will continue to build the community through partnerships with local contractors.”

Jackson City Manager Jonathan Greene welcomes this investment to the east end of Downtown Jackson. “With the hospital campus located next door, this area of Downtown Jackson has wonderful investment potential. We expect the Allen School development will bring new businesses and investments to this neighborhood,” Greene said.

Allen School, at 906 E. Pearl St., was built in 1927 as a school for children with special needs. It has been vacant for over 15 years. The two-story building covers 53,000 sq. ft and is located next to Henry Ford Allegiance Health’s main hospital. The apartments will average 650 sq. ft. for the 1 bedroom/1 bath units and 500 sq. ft. for the studio units. About 15 percent of the space will be used for professional offices and 5 percent will be communal space for the apartment residents and public use. Total project costs are estimated to be more than $7.5 million and it will take approximately 18 months to complete.