Restoration continues in downtown Jackson, TN. New Faces bring welcome changes to familiar places.
One of Jackson's most recognizable industrial buildings is getting a new lease on life! What a transformation it is.
The former home of The Jackson Sun, once filled with the hum of printing presses and the quiet focus of newsroom editors, is now pulsing with a different kind of energy: restoration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future of downtown.
For decades, this building served as the beating heart of local journalism. While The Jackson Sun is still published under the same name, much of its operation, including editing, printing, and administration, was long ago relocated to another city, leaving this once-bustling facility empty and symbolic of a changing media landscape.
And yet, Jackson is fortunate. Unlike many communities that have lost all local reporting, we are still served by a small but dedicated team of local journalists who work hard every day to cover our news, attend civic meetings, spotlight community issues, and hold public officials accountable. Their work continues the proud legacy of the Sun, even as the building that once housed the full operation enters a new and promising chapter.
Enter Prosper Realty Group, a locally owned development company with a clear passion for preserving the best of Jackson’s past while building toward a vibrant future.
As I stepped through the doorway into the office area that was once the bustling nerve center of The Jackson Sun, I was struck by a wave of memory. This very space, where reporters once chased stories and editors urged them toward deadline, was for years one of the most popular field trip destinations in West Tennessee.
Countless Boy Scout, Brownies and Girl Scout troops, and elementary school classes walked wide-eyed into the magic of journalism. We toured the newsroom, listened to the clatter of typewriters or keyboards, and then stood in awe as the afternoon edition came roaring off the press. Folded and ready for delivery, the “news” was right at our feet. It was, at the time, a stunning display of modern technology and civic purpose.
Now, thanks to Prosper, that same space has been beautifully reimagined, but not erased. The space that once housed editors, reporters, and stacks of newsroom copy has become a sleek, open office suite. It’s airy, modern, and full of potential, now serving as the headquarters for Prosper itself. What was once a hub for storytelling in print is again a place where stories begin—this time in the form of restoration plans, community partnerships, and economic growth.
The Prosper team has honored the building’s legacy while ushering it into a new chapter. They’ve preserved key elements of its industrial past—like original signage and layout features—while updating the interior with clean, modern lines and a high-tech aesthetic. In doing so, they’ve managed something rare: they’ve captured the spirit of what the building once meant to generations of West Tennesseans, while creating a dynamic, forward-looking workspace that reflects the promise of what's ahead. It’s not just a renovation, it’s a respectful and inspiring reinvention.
Heather McLemore, accountant and long-time associate with the founders of the Prosper Group, explained their deep roots in the community and thoughtful approach to design. Prosper has taken the former Jackson Sun facility and reimagined it as a center of productivity and possibility. As with their restorations in other areas of Jackson, they’ve honored the building’s charm by preserving some of the original signage and historic elements, even as they’ve updated the space for modern use. It’s a careful balance of old and new—and they’ve nailed it.
One of the most striking transformations is in the former printing press area, now reimagined as a stunning showroom that blends sophistication with comfort. What was once filled with the roar of machinery and the scent of ink now offers an inviting space for design inspiration.
Inside, beautifully appointed furniture and carefully curated home accessories create an atmosphere of understated elegance.
Just beyond, a dedicated section showcases luxury garden and patio furnishings—complete with outdoor vignettes that make you want to linger.
Within the spacious compound lies a charming entertainment area, complete with a sleek bar setup that’s perfect for hosting small gatherings or private events. Thoughtful design, and comfortable seating make it an especially welcoming space that invites conversation and connection. It’s an unexpected and delightful repurposing of what was once the most industrial corner of the building, now transformed into a place of hospitality and style.
Natural light now floods the high-ceilinged space where heavy equipment once stood, and warm textures and clean lines have replaced the grease and grit of a bygone era. It’s the kind of reuse that makes you stop and smile. It doesn’t erase history, it builds on it.
The revitalization of this landmark building is more than just a real estate win, it’s a visible sign of Jackson’s downtown momentum. Rather than letting an iconic structure fall into disrepair, Prosper is setting an example of what’s possible when local investment meets vision. This is exactly the kind of development that breathes new life into our city—preserving heritage while making room for what’s next.
News You Can Use: Around Town
Save the Date: Christine Chatman - Historical Marker Dedication
Friday, August 1, 2025, 11:00am
The Soul Collective - 580 S Royal Street
The Jazz Foundation of West Tennessee
for info call: 731-803-5818
Save the Date: Porch Fest
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Save the Date: Jackson International Food and Art Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025
800 S Highland Ave.
Save the Date: Starlight Symphony
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 7:00pm
First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, TN
1573 N Highland Ave.
Upcoming Events in Jackson
DAR Field of Flags - Jackson, TN
Ends July 6
Liberty Garden Park & Arboretum; 24 Channing Way, Jackson, TN
This display features 13-star “Betsy Ross” flags, each representing a patriot with
a connection to Madison County.
Robotics Workshop - Hosted Jackson Area Robotics (JAR)
The CO, 541 Wiley Parker Rd, Jackson 38305 (731-554-5555 for sign-up info)
Monday June 30 - Thursday July 3, 9:00am - 12:00 each day
Learn robotics, no experience required, robot games, coding challenges!
Firefighters “Freedom Fuel” Festival and Fireworks
Jackson Regional Airport - 308 Grady Montgomery Drive
Friday July 4; 5:00pm - 9:30pm.
Celebrate Independence Day with food, fun, live music and fireworks from the skies above!
Jackson Sings the Gospel 2025 - Cark Perkins Civic Center; 400 S Highland Ave
Wednesday through Saturday, July 9 - 12
Four uplifting nights of Southern Gospel music featuring headliners like Greater Vision and Triumphant Quartet
Escape to Margaritaville (Musical). Jackson Theatre Guild
Friday, July 11 - Saturday July 12 and Sunday, July 13 and
Thursday - Saturday July 17 - 19 Event Info
Save the Date: Mid Summer Makers Market
Saturday, July 12, 2025
First Farmers Co-op - Lexington, TN
Made in Jackson Celebration - 731DAY - 2025 at Hub City Brewing, 250 W Main
Thursday July 31 Doors open at 6:00pm - presented by Leaders Credit Union
Music by Adam Johnson - Carita Cole
Food by Jackson’s Kitchen & Catering - Seb’s Shaved Ice
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