JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson State University (JSU) unveiled a long-range plan to preserve the history of J.R. Lynch Street, while also providing an economic home base for the City of Jackson.

The plan aims to pay homage to the historic location and culture value of JSU and the West Jackson community.

“We have tried to put forth a plan that not only focuses on Jackson State but being a community pillar to help with the revitalization of West Jackson and to tell that authentic history of what occurred here, what’s happening here, said Heather Denne’, director of Community Engagement at JSU.

One retired developer and property owner on J.R. Lynch Street said the project could provide a boost to share the rich history of Jackson with the world.

“When you think about the success of the Two Museums, and you think about the success of the various historic sites out across the state of Mississippi, you have, what I believe, can be just some of the top tourist and historical tour destinations anywhere and second to none in the world,” said Milton Chambliss, a property owner on J.R. Lynch Street.

The corridor project began with a $155,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. JSU also plans to add J.R. Lynch Street to the historic registry to gain access to additional funding for the project.