Look Up Fondren!

When the utility company laid out its grid in Jackson many years ago, one of the substation locations chosen was right here in Fondren, or as it was known at the time, Asylum Heights. More than likely this choice had to do with the neighborhood’s central location at the major axes of Lakeland Drive, State Street, and Old Canton Road. Their choice was a practical one.

Little did they know the area that lies within that triangle would become one of the most unique, vibrant, and beloved neighborhoods in Jackson.

After years of steady growth in Fondren, and what some would describe as a boom, the steel structures of the substation still stand and make up a large part of the neighborhood’s skyline – except at night. While surrounding buildings are outlined with string lights and a neon glow, the substation slowly disappears as the sun goes down, leaving a gaping black hole in the sky behind Rainbow Plaza Shopping Center.

On November 21 2013, CDFL, led by architect Chris Myers, and our partners- Davaine Lighting, Entergy Mississippi, and the Fondren Renaissance Foundation, will lead the charge to light the utilitarian structure. From sunset to 10 pm, the structure will brighten the night sky during one of the area’s biggest open house events, Fondren Unwrapped. Thousands of people will look up and, hopefully, see the neighborhood in a whole new light.

We’re calling it “Look Up, Fondren” and this is just the beginning. Thursday’s display is temporary, but the goal is to create a permanent light installation that will illuminate the neighborhood, transform our skyline, and welcome guests to our favorite little corner of the city.