LEAKESVILLE — On a lot once home to a shuttered garment factory, Leakesville leaders see a chance to remake their town. The Basila District, a planned hub of businesses and green space, is the centerpiece of a push to keep young people in Greene County and attract new jobs.
To kick-start that vision, Jack’s Family Restaurant will open by November, bringing 50 to 60 jobs and serving as the first anchor tenant in the district.
The concept plan for the 4.83-acre site divides the property into five zones for retail, dining, a boutique hotel, a grocery store and a park. Dillon McInnis, Greene County District 1 supervisor, is spearheading the project and said those priorities came directly from community feedback.
“My goal as a whole, kind of a big picture, is let’s work on our economic development,” McInnis said. “Let’s attract industry here that maybe some of our people will have an opportunity to have a quality job or career and maybe they’ll stay.”
Boosting options with the Basila District
The Basila District sits on the site of the former Basila Garment Factory, once a cornerstone of Greene County’s economy. Founded in 1946 by Basil and Frances Basila, the plant later housed a guitar manufacturer and then a furniture company before closing more than a decade ago.
When Hurricane Zeta struck in 2020, the already deteriorating building sustained heavy damage. Inspections also uncovered asbestos inside, making redevelopment nearly impossible. McInnis said by the time the structure was demolished in 2023, it had become more of a hazard than a resource.
Now, the cleared site is being reimagined as a cornerstone for economic development. For many in Leakesville, that means having more places to eat and gather.
“I’m happy that we’re finally getting a little bit more diversity because Ward’s has been quite literally the only fast food we’ve had since I was little,” said Dalton Parnell, a longtime resident and local business owner.
Parnell said the number of locally owned shops in Leakesville has roughly doubled over the past two years, a sign that the town is already on a path toward growth — but there are still only about five dining options.
Rebecca Green, who has lived in the area most of her life, said existing restaurants are often overwhelmed during community events. She said she’s excited for Jack’s and other businesses that could move into the area.
“I’m happy for that, but I’d like to see maybe a Waffle House or a good chicken place — like Chick-fil-A or Zaxby’s or one of those types,” Green said.
Investing in long-term growth
Local leaders said projects like Jack’s are only the beginning. With county and state funding combined, about $700,000 has already been invested in the Basila District. McInnis said finishing the development will depend on drawing in private investors.
The broader goal, he said, is to keep residents — especially young people — from leaving Greene County for opportunities elsewhere.
“We would like to maybe bring some of them people back and maybe attract a little growth. We want quality growth to attract good folks,” McInnis said. “I haven’t had any negative feedback. Everybody’s welcomed (the project) that I’ve talked to.”
Leakesville has already seen early signs of change. Last summer, the ChickasaWaves water park opened, drawing families from across the region. Together with Jack’s, these businesses mark the first steps in a broader push to rejuvenate the town.
Green said she values the small-town feel of Leakesville and hopes growth won’t diminish its charm.
Parnell said any new business is a positive for Greene County.
“There’s not much that usually comes into small towns, so any diversity is better than none,” Parnell said.
He added that the Basila District could help residents work closer to home, give young people reasons to stay in Leakesville and improve quality of life across the community.