New Southern Senior Ctr

Pros

• A family member had her prom there, and she said it was an amazing place.
• The decor and atmosphere were wonderful.
• The venue is old but very well kept.
• It's a gem in downtown Jackson.
• It is the best place to live for those over 62 or disabled.
• It is a beautiful venue for weddings and receptions.
• The staff are very helpful.
• The building is gorgeous, well maintained, with lovely furnishings.
• The acoustics in the main hall are fabulous, making music sound beautiful.

Cons

• The place is a joke and should be condemned; it is nasty, it stinks, and it is infested with bed bugs.
• The apartment entrance is poorly lit at night, making it very unsafe.
• Management allows homeless people to sneak into the building, compromising resident safety.
• The security presence is only a few days and hours, leaving residents unsafe on other days.
• There is a lot of trash behind the building, including old mattresses.
• Inside, the building and common areas are dirty and nasty.
• The apartments are dirty when residents first move in.
• They require tenants to clean after events but do not clean before renting.
• The venue floors were dirty and had lots of human hair.
• The hallways smell of urine.
• The building is infested with bed bugs.
• Drug addicts and others hang around daily.

Review

This historic building in downtown Jackson, Tennessee, stands as a striking duality in the eyes of visitors and residents alike. On one side sits a beloved event venue that many describe as a "gem" with an old-world charm, art deco details, and a sense of nostalgia that makes weddings, receptions, and social gatherings feel timeless. Across the street, or just behind the same facade, are the New Southern apartments managed by Alco, a living space for seniors and disabled residents. People consistently praise the venue's beauty, the soaring ceilings, the staircase, the acoustics, and the overall atmosphere that transports guests back in time. The venue is repeatedly described as beautiful, well laid out for decorating, and perfectly suited for large celebrations, with comments about its decor, dining rooms, and the way the space can be sectioned off for events.

For many who have memories tied to the place, the venue is the centerpiece of joy. Family milestones, proms, weddings, and receptions have been hosted there, and several reviewers reminisce about the elegance of the rooms and the "historic setting" that provides an ideal backdrop for special moments. The staff and coordinators are frequently commended for their warmth and assistance, and some note how the building continuously impresses with its renovation work - keeping it bright, stylish, and accommodating for guests. The sense of community around the venue is palpable, with stories of Habitat for Humanity events and various meetings taking place within the same space, reinforcing the building's role as a social hub beyond just private celebrations.

Yet the other side of the story paints a troubling contrast. The New Southern apartments, which sit adjacent to the event space, are described by several reviewers as unsafe and poorly maintained. The building's single entrance is said to be inadequately lit at night, a condition that raises concerns about resident safety, especially given reports that homeless individuals occasionally gain access and move through the halls. Security presence is criticized as sporadic, with only a few days and limited hours, leading some to question how safe residents are when security is not on site. Complaints extend beyond access control to the physical environment, with trash piling up behind the building, including old mattresses, and general cleanliness in the common areas described as dirty. The problems are not merely cosmetic - they touch on health concerns like bed bugs and the pervasive odors reported in the hallways.

Financial realities compound the frustration. Reviewers point out that residents, many on fixed incomes, are paying for housing under HUD-funded programs, yet they see what they perceive as uneven treatment: a front-facing, high-profile building that hosts public events receives careful attention and lighting, while the residential side feels neglected. This disparity fuels a sense of inequality and distrust toward management, with callers urging that Alco do more to protect the most vulnerable tenants. The criticism underscores a broader demand for accountable upkeep, safe living conditions, and a clearer commitment to preserving the safety and dignity of residents who rely on these facilities for daily living.

The experiences within the event venue itself are not monolithic either. While many praise the venue's beauty and the positive memories formed there, there are notable exceptions that complicate the narrative. A few reviewers recount highly disappointing incidents during weddings - floors dirty with hair, a lack of pre-event cleaning before renters move in, and disputes over lost stemware and the handling of post-event cleanup. These accounts emphasize a tension between the celebrated aesthetic and the practical reality of who is responsible for cleaning and maintenance. In some cases, the differences between what is promised and what is delivered left contractors and clients embattled, with the potential for financial disputes and difficult interactions with management.

Taken together, the collection of reviews reveals a complex property with strong cultural and emotional significance. The venue itself is consistently described as gorgeous, elegant, and well suited to weddings, receptions, and other celebrations. Its architectural details - art deco elements, sweeping staircases, and luminous interiors - are repeatedly highlighted as extraordinary. The surrounding space, however, tells a more fraught tale: concerns about safety, cleanliness, and management on the apartment side of the property, juxtaposed with a strong desire to preserve the historic charm that makes the place a cherished landmark in downtown Jackson.

Ultimately, the overall impression is one of beauty tempered by serious practical concerns. For many, the venue represents a successful marriage of history and hospitality - an ideal stage for life's most important moments. For residents, especially seniors and disabled adults who call the apartments home, the critiques speak to a need for fixable, tangible improvements in lighting, security, cleanliness, and general upkeep. The property's legendary past and its vibrant role as a community space sit uneasily beside testimonials that demand better safety, cleaner living environments, and more consistent, compassionate management. The building remains a landmark and a source of pride, but its future impact will depend on addressing these critical resident-focused concerns without diminishing the grandeur that so many reviews celebrate.

This part of Jackson, Tennessee, offers a convenient and well-equipped location for senior living. With multiple pharmacies in close proximity, access to medical supplies and prescriptions is easily accessible. There are numerous dining options available, ranging from casual fast food to sit-down restaurants. The area also boasts various healthcare facilities and physicians' offices, providing quality care for seniors. Nearby hospitals ensure quick access to medical services in case of emergencies. Additionally, the presence of churches and parks promotes a sense of community and opportunities for outdoor activities. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient environment for older individuals looking to settle down in Jackson.

Pharmacies

• Bakers Family Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Jackson Clinic Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Vantreese Discount Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• The Blacksmith Bar & Grill (0.2 miles)
• Catfish Cabin (2.3 miles)
• Rafferty's (2.9 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (3 miles)
• Waffle House (3.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.5 miles)
• Burger King (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Ballard Clinic-Family Medicine (0.2 miles)
• Lift Health (0.3 miles)
• LIFT Health - Walk-in Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Diffee III, James Dr-Jackson Clinic PA (1.6 miles)
• East Jackson Family Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• West Tennessee Neuroscience & Spine (1.7 miles)
• Medical Specialty Clinic PC (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Jackson-Madison County General (0.3 miles)
• Jackson Clinic Psychiatry (1.7 miles)
• Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (2.2 miles)
• West Tennessee Healthcare North Hospital (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Zion Church (0.6 miles)
• Campbell Street Church of Christ (2.7 miles)
• Tennessee District United (3 miles)
• Browns Chapel Missionary & Baptist Church (3 miles)
• Calvary Christian Church (3.5 miles)
• Thrive Community Church (4 miles)
• Bethel Baptist Church (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Fairgrounds Park (0.9 miles)
• Leeper Lane Park (4.4 miles)

Cafes

• Bonwood Cafe (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)