JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A new park will replace the now-closed Eudora Welty Library in downtown Jackson.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) now has ownership over the library on State Street. Officials with the agency plan to demolish the building to make way for the Margaret Ann Crigler Park and greenspace.

“When we knew that the library system was moving out, we began discussions with the city. And then we were also approached by a retired businessman, Mr. Noble Crigler, who wanted to honor his late wife, Margaret Ann Crigler, and gave us a million dollars to get this project started. And in return for the million dollar gift, we’re going to name the park after his late wife, and it’ll be called Margaret Ann Crigler Park,” explained Tommy Goodwin, deputy director of Administration for MDAH.

Officials said the park will be open to the public and feature attractions for all ages. The process is still in the beginning stages as MDAH awaits final design concepts for the park. They plan to demolish the library in late August 2024.

“It’s really going to act as a gateway from State Street and the rest of downtown to the Two Mississippi Museums,” said Goodwin.

The park will serve as an attraction to the already popular museums. Goodwin hopes it will attract more visitors to the capital city.

“I would say that that we’re very excited about the opportunity to connect the Two Mississippi Museums with the rest of downtown and to bring more and more people downtown from all over, not only Mississippi, but from the country, which will benefit the City of Jackson,” said Goodwin.

MDAH officials hope to complete the project and open the park in 2026.