NATCHEZ, Miss. — Plans are underway for landscaping and enhancing the grounds and plaza at the historic Natchez train depot on Broadway Street.
With $362,000 in state funds the governor approved earlier this month, a “significant investment in the heart of downtown” is being made for “creating a more welcoming space for both residents and visitors” said Downtown Natchez Alliance President Elizabeth Greer.
Meeting Tuesday with Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and city aldermen, Greer noted DNA is awaiting more guidance from state officials administering the downtown revitalization funds allocated to several Mississippi cities by the state Legislature and Gov. Tate Reeves. The process for the specific designing and construction will move forward under the management of city officials and DNA leaders.
The circa 1915 Broadway Street railroad depot reopened in 2024 as a Natchez visitors center with public restrooms and meeting space after many years of a stalled renovation process costing about $1 million.
The $362,000 just awarded to Natchez will be focused on converting the grounds into a park-like setting. See image provided by the Mississippi Main Street Association at: https://emma-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/kjh/3fbd259634818c8f189a41d4b0632a44/MSMSA_24-25_Overview_Piece_4.2.26_Digita
Getting the Craftsman-style train station restored has been a key part of the city’s master plan for revitalizing downtown Natchez and the bluff area overlooking the Mississippi River.
The depot is a state-designated Mississippi Landmark. It was built for Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad and later used by Illinois Central Railroad. Its passenger train service ceased in Natchez by 1945, according to historical accounts. The building later became a restaurant and souvenir shop but was vacated in 2013 for renovations that were finally completed in 2024.
The Downtown Natchez Alliance is going through another turnover with the resignation of its fourth administrator in recent years. While DNA executive director Leah Hunter resigned earlier this month to work elsewhere after one year, the association “will not miss a beat” as its board members pursue activities for downtown Natchez, Greer said. A four-month timetable has been set for searching for a new executive, she said.
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