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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. |
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Urban Land Institute Report |
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| “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.” The "Depot Cafe" offically opened Sepember 4, 2007. | |
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| The Arts District Parking Garage was opened in 2005 to serve the anticipated needs of the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center, just one block away in downtown Meridian. Designed to complement the two and three-story, historic architecture that comprises much of downtown, the garage features a red brick facade and precast concrete ornamentation. The drive-up garage contains 451 parking spaces and is available for hourly, daily or monthly parking. For information on parking rates, call 601 581-1461. The entrance to the garage is located on 24th Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets. |  |
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| “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.” | |
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| “Across from Union Station is the Terminal Hotel. Originally a wooden hotel servicing the train station. Locals and travelers have all enjoyed the expert shoeshines given by Mr. Clark, who has been shining shoes since 1927.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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 3rd floor observation deck.” | |
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 2120A Fifth Street Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 696-2203 direct (601) 696-2300 fax |
| 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.msurileycenter.com | |
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| “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.” |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “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.” | |
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| “Meridian, strives to bring the beautiful Mississippi landscape into the commercial downtown by planting trees and shrubs throughout the area.” | |
City of Meridian • 2412 7th Street • P.O. Box 1430 • Meridian, MS 39302