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Subscribe to City LineApril 9, 2010
From the office of Mayor George Schloegel
Today, surrounded by members of the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission, the land deeds that officially convey the old Veterans Affairs property to the GRC were signed.
This historic signing means that the GRC can now begin the process of transforming the former VA property into Centennial Plaza, and later this month, the GRC will host a developers’ summit with investors from across America.
The Centennial Plaza Developers’ Summit, indeed, will be the starting point of a journey toward the creation of a landmark center for business, entertainment and public enjoyment that will serve future generations for years to come.
In fact, the property will play host to its very first celebration as Centennial Plaza on June 4 with the 10th annual MargaritaFest, the Gulfport Chamber’s largest fundraising event.
Later, Centennial Plaza will be home to Sounds By the Sea, Cruisin’ the Coast, the Heart Walk and other popular events.
As you may know, most of what is today a 92-acre property was to be the site of Mississippi’s 100th birthday celebration in 1917. The land was conveyed to the federal government at the start of the first World War and the centennial celebration never happened.
The surviving historic buildings, originally built for the centennial celebration, feature Spanish architecture. The Spanish word meaning “open space or public square” is plaza, thus the name Centennial Plaza.
Those of us who call South Mississippi home have never taken for granted the luxuries southern living has placed within our reach. We cherish our way of life and want to share it with the world.
We have weighed with great satisfaction the opportunities, which this property provide and they are evidently endless. To squander them would be an immense tragedy of our time.
The seeds of progress and prosperity we are now sowing with fervent hands, and their fruits are certain to produce in time. We trust you will join us, share our passion and embrace our spirit of creation. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
George Schloegel
Mayor
Coast Parrotheads party for 10th time
The 10th annual MargaritaFest is coming to Centennial Plaza on June 4.
MargaritaFest is a “Jimmy Buffett-inspired” event that brings the Gulf Coast Business Community together for one exciting evening.
This year, a special air-conditioned Parrothead Patron Party has been added for sponsors before the gates open to the public.
For more on the event, click here.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
