why we chose midtown jackson
Midtown Jackson is more than just a location for Pearl River Glass Studio — it’s a community, a history, and a vision for the future. When we moved our studio to Millsaps Avenue in 1976, Midtown was a quiet neighborhood with untapped potential. Over the years, we’ve watched it transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, collaboration, and opportunity. Here’s why we chose Midtown and the impact it has had on our journey.
A Historic Neighborhood Reborn
Midtown Jackson has always been a district of hardworking families and industrious spirit. Located north of downtown along the railroad yard, it was the first industrial and wholesale commercial district in the city. Today, Midtown is experiencing a renaissance. With new affordable housing, the establishment of the city’s first charter school, and a burgeoning artist community, the neighborhood is alive with possibility.
Organizations like Midtown Partners, Inc. and Gulf Coast Housing Partnership are investing millions into revitalization efforts, creating high-quality housing and opportunities for residents. The Kresge Foundation’s support of a Creative Economies Coordinator, along with contributions from Millsaps College’s Else School of Management, is further fueling the neighborhood’s creative and economic growth.
Building a Creative Economy
From the beginning, Pearl River Glass Studio has been part of Midtown’s artistic heartbeat. Our founder, Andrew Cary Young, envisioned Millsaps Avenue as an art district where creators could find affordable spaces to work and thrive. That vision has become reality, thanks to initiatives like the Business Association of Midtown (BAM) and its “Made in Midtown” theme, which highlights local artistry and hosts events like the annual Holiday Studio Tours and FIGMENT Jackson.
Today, Midtown boasts vibrant spaces like the Hatch, a business incubator fostering creative startups, and the Hanger, which provides affordable studio spaces for artists. The energy in Midtown proves that what you believe, you can achieve.
Investing in the Future
Our studio has grown alongside Midtown. Recently, we completed a $1 million investment in our Millsaps Avenue facility, expanding our capabilities with new equipment and larger kilns for architectural art glass projects. This commitment ensures that Pearl River Glass Studio remains at the forefront of innovation in glass art.
We’re proud to be part of a community that values creativity, collaboration, and progress. Midtown isn’t just where we work — it’s where we belong. Together with our neighbors, we’re shaping the future of Jackson, one project at a time.