If you haven’t been to downtown Jackson lately, prepare to be impressed. You’ll know you’ve arrived by the cranes and construction equipment dotting the landscape, the well-lit streets and beautiful landscaping, and the plethora of new restaurants and shops around every turn. My name is Cory Mays, and as the new Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development, it is my pleasure to welcome you to beautiful downtown Jackson!

Shopping for the perfect gift? Look for further than The Blessed Nest, Rustic Market, The Jackson Candle Company, or Windy Hill Creations. Need that special item you just can’t find anywhere else? Check out A Frame Above, Walts, Anna’s Porch Café, or the Catholic Shoppe. If you’re a fan of great food, try the BBQ at Mat’s Café, the sushi at Veritas, or the salads at the Dirty Bird. Looking for a spot to meet your friends for drinks? Visit the Grand River Brewery, Chase, Jackson Coffee Company, or Nite Lites. There are so many more restaurants to try, places to visit, I could go on and on...

And of course, don’t forget about the events! From Cruise Nights, Food Truck Tuesdays, the Film Festival, the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, and so much live music, downtown Jackson is the place to be. We’ve got the symphony, the Michigan Theatre, and more concerts in the park than I can count. With lots of new condos and apartments under construction, and buildings being renovated every day, the buzz downtown is electric! I’ve lived in Jackson for 15 years, and I’m proud to call this place home. I’m raising my kids here (two wild and crazy boys, 8-year old George and 6-year old Henry), and when we’re not at a park, golf course, or lake, you’ll find us downtown. With so many great spots to eat, wonderful places to shop, and amazing events to attend, why go anywhere else!  Downtown Jackson—it’s where you want to be!

BIOGRAPHY: 

Cory Mays serves as the Executive Director of the Jackson, Michigan Downtown Development Authority. He previously worked as the Executive Director of various music education non-profit associations, and as a teacher in the Michigan Center public schools. He resides in the Queens neighborhood of Jackson, and can often be seen doing home renovation and landscaping projects with his two boys. An avid golfer, Cory enjoys  playing on all the beautiful courses Jackson county has to offer.

Published 12/20/19