Downtown Meridian

The City of Meridian was chartered in 1860 as an important rail center for trade, shipping, and industry. Presently, the downtown district is being reborn with an influx of new residents and businesses to the area. Many local retailers have remained downtown for over 100 years, establishing a strong foundation for others to follow. Condominiums and apartments are being re-integrated into the district, leveraging new restaurants, shops, and multiple services. The city is filled with late 19th and early 20th century architecture. Meridian’s downtown is centrally located and is quite large in comparison to the size of the surrounding community.

Union Station

“The catalyst for all new downtown development was the opening of Union Station on Front St. in 1997. Since its opening, downtown Meridian has been reborn with retail and residential newcomers. Union Station is a multi-modal station for Amtrak, Greyhound and the Meridian Transit Service.”

General Supply Store

“Not far from Union Station is one of downtown Meridian’s oldest occupants, the General Supply Store. It began selling to sawmillers in the area in 1913. After the Civil War, the store entered the plumbing, electric, heating and air conditioning businesses.”

Terminal Hotel

“Across from Union Station is the Terminal Hotel. Originally a wooden hotel servicing the train station, it now houses a Thai restaurant, Faraway Places, on the ground floor. Locals and travelers have all enjoyed the expert shoeshines given by Mr. Clark, who has been shining shoes since 1927.”

Union Hotel

“Union Hotel, also on Front St., has recently been converted into apartments, creating residential space within steps of Union Station, delicious restaurants and a variety of retailers.”

Fire Station #1

“Another public project helped spark downtown development. The city’s newest of seven fire stations, Fire Station #1, also serves as the location for the administrative offices for the City of Meridian’s Fire Department. It anchors the northern end of downtown and visitors can enjoy a wonderful view of downtown Meridian from the station’s 2nd floor observation deck.”

MSU Riley Center for Education & Performing Arts

In fall of 2006 and after a $25 million renovation, the curtain will rise on a star attraction in downtown Meridian -- the Riley Center for Education & Performing Arts. Incorporating the historic Grand Opera House and Marks Rothenberg Building, the Riley Center will host a variety of arts and entertainment presentations, educational programs, conferences and meetings. Operated by Mississippi State University, the Riley Center will provide a special place for social interaction, to enjoy the arts and further individual growth and learning that all residents can be proud to call their own. For more information, visit www.riley.msstate.edu

Rosenbaum Condos

“These newly renovated condominiums have brought more residents into the central downtown area. Rosenbaum Condos offer residents convenience to all of downtown’s amenities, as well as covered parking.”
For more information http://www.rosenbaum-building.com

Before

After

Hulett Furniture

“Meridian is proud to have businesses that have existed in downtown for over 100 years, Hulett Furniture on 5th St. celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1985.”

Front Street Apartments

“Another residential development downtown are the apartments located above many Front St. merchants. This area, once dilapidated and nearly abandoned, is now alive with urban dwellers who enjoy touches in their apartments such as hardwood floors and large windows.”

Metro Professional Plaza

“This locally owned and operated plaza contains various services to meet downtown residents needs. Accountants, dentists, lawyers, physicians, and counselors are all located in this building on 5th St.”

Lauderdale County Courthouse Annex

“This former hotel, acquired by Lauderdale County, serves as the home for divisions such as the Extension Service, Board of Supervisors, Archives and History, and Administration.”

Loeb's

“Several men’s clothing shops, have remained in the family for generations. Alex Loeb opened this men’s and women’s clothing store in 1887. It has been passed down through four generations and continues to be a fashionable choice for Meridianites.”

Liberty Shop

“Opened in 1975, the Liberty shop has sold ladies ready-to-wear and juniors clothing, shoes and accessories to Meridian’s finest. The Liberty Shop also carries gifts for the home and body.”

Weidmann's Restaurant

“Home of Meridian’s world famous Weidmann’s Restaurant, this area has been refurbished to fit the new downtown area’s façade and character. Weidmann’s has been a downtown landmark since 1870 and has been purchased by a group of local investors committed to its restoration and continued operation. ”
For more information
http://www.weidmanns.com

BankPlus

“Originally the building housed two of Meridian’s most popular hotels on the upper floors and various retail shops on the lower levels. Shortly thereafter, the building was transformed into a print shop for the Southeastern Printing Company. Now it is the home for the flagship branch of the Bank Plus organization. Bank officials hope to utilize the buildings proximity to downtown activities, as well as benefit from its historical and architectural background.”

Threefoot Building

“This local landmark, the tallest building downtown, is awaiting renovation possibly into a beautiful hotel complete with conference rooms. Its intricate Art Deco architecture makes it a unique structure on the downtown skyline.”

Farmer's Market

“Supporting all of the recent downtown development, local residents have formed a farmer’s market next to Union Station. Farmers bring fresh produce into downtown Meridian daily, while other residents come to buy the garden fresh vegetables and fruit.”

Streetscapes

“Meridian, strives to bring the beautiful Mississippi landscape into the commercial downtown by planting trees and shrubs throughout the area.”

Dumont Plaza

“Formerly the site of the Dumont building that burned down in the mid 1970s, this area now hosts outdoor concerts and other public events. Residents enjoy the beautiful landscaped area and the wooden gazebo.”