Farish Street Green and Commons climate study helps transform it into a comfortable gathering space

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) — The Farish Street District is located in an urban heat island. Its progress is rooted in studies on how it is impacted by climate. A groundbreaking was held Thursday for Farish Street Green Commons with government, science, and community working together for a welcoming green space.

“It has been a wonderful experience to watch this,” said Mary. R. Smith.

The 78-year-old is invested in Farish Street and looking forward to the plans for the Farish Street Green and Commons in the heart of the district.

She worked at the neighboring IRS building for over 31 years and frequented the entertainment and commerce hub. Thursday, she witnessed the groundbreaking for the green space.

“I used to go to the entertainment jazz sets at all the places,” said Smith. “Farish Street is our street. That’s where we went to get our hair done, to go visit dead bodies. Everything happened as the lady said, from birth to death, was right on Farish Street.”

Farish Green and Commons are in an urban heat island surrounded by concrete and buildings. 2C Mississippi began conducting studies on the climate, research that collaborates with the community’s vision for the space.

“We are doing actual measurements. Volunteers from Shalom communities are gonna be here. They’ve been here last year,” said 2C Mississippi president and CEO Dr. Dominika Parry. “They’re gonna be here this year and for the next four years, and at the end we’re gonna see. Did it work? Do trees actually cool the place? Do more people come? Do more people enjoy it?”

Phase one starts with 100 trees planted on sites one and three to create shade.

“Will I be back, and am I waiting? Yes,” added Smith. “I will be back and waiting to be a part of our Farish Street history.”

Phase two is scheduled to begin in 2026 with the inclusion of stages and canopies for entertainment.

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