How We Got Here

With the gift of two significant properties on Yazoo Avenue in Clarksdale, Griot Arts is beginning the process of planning a large-scale adaptive reuse project to expand the nonprofit organizations programming and partnership opportunities.

The historic 1918 JC Penney Building located at 250-256 Yazoo Avenue occupies three stories, encompassing nearly 21,000 square feet of space.  Next door, the historic Paramount Theater Lobby at 258 Yazoo Avenue leads to a 5,000 square foot auditorium where theatrical performances and movies were enjoyed by generations of citizens in Clarksdale.

After a number of years of vacancy, these facilities are ready for a rebirth!  Preliminary design is currently underway to plan the transformation of these spaces into a new home for the dynamic youth programming facilitated by Griot Arts.  Spaces for art, teaching, theater, and workforce training will soon occupy these historic properties, bringing these once-darkened windows to life again, and lighting the way for a renaissance in historic Downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi.