Jackson's Biggest Folly? Progress Place, 1964-1983

I remember Jackson's “Progress Place” vividly. Boy, how I remember.

It was considered by a majority of residents to be the worst thing that ever happened to downtown Jackson. Literally, ever. When they were finished building this in 1964, I remember having to walk way too far (I thought) to get to my favorite downtown places – like Woolworth's, the Capitol Theater, and the shoe shop.

All of Michigan Avenue – from Mechanic to Blackstone streets – was blocked off and a pedestrian 'mall' was put in its place, with parking eliminated and moved. You could walk down and see the dismay on other pedestrians as well as the angry muttering-under-the-breath of many passersby.

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So why was this done in the first place? According to an excellent 2014 Mlive article, in 1961, Paka Plaza was constructed, featuring easy access to many business and was taking paying customers away from downtown. Downtown shop owners pushed this 'Progress Place' idea, hoping to bring the people back. When Sears closed its downtown location, that was all the incentive they needed to go ahead with plans. Originally planned to begin construction in 1968, it was decided not to wait – and in 1964 it happened.

To offset the inconvenience of pedestrian shoppers, an attempt to make it more alluring was set in place: bushes, flowers, fountains, planters, and trees were added...it was like “putting a sprig of parsley on a plate of anchovies” to make it look more appetizing.

Downtown businesses footed over 60 thousand dollars to make it happen – others did not believe it was a good idea. Nevertheless, its grand opening was October 22, 1964 with country star Minnie Pearl showing up.

The number of thirteen empty buildings was now down to five. Looked vaguely promising, but that didn't last. In 1966, a petition signed by 1,500 people was handed over to the city to re-open Michigan Avenue once and for all.

This went on for a few years until the city began getting too many complaints about kids hanging out, smoking, using bad language, and begging pedestrians for money. It took another few years and the street was finally opened to traffic in 1975. Even though traffic could go through, it was only one-way on both sides of the street, with all the walkways, amenities, etc. still in place. Not much better. All that stuff between Mechanic and S. Jackson was finally demolished and removed in 1978. In 1983, the rest was ripped out from S. Jackson to Blackstone.

PROGRESS PLACE ORIGINAL COST: $70,000
REVAMPING AND FINAL REMOVAL TOTAL: $800,000

The gallery below shows a couple of Progress Place postcards and vintage photos of how Michigan Avenue (Main Street) looked from 1900-1920s...