Posted: Dec 8, 2007 09:52 AM

Angela Cunningham WLNS 6 News

New plans for a historic building could mean big changes for downtown Jackson. City officials say they have multiple offers on the table to turn the former Hayes hotel into thriving new businesses. For years, city leaders have had a vision of sparking new life into downtown Jackson.

Daniel Greer, Jackson City Council member: "The downtown is the heart of the community."

But with one setback after another, it's become a dream deferred.

Daniel Greer: "Jackson has had some rough times."

One of it's biggest obstacles has been finding a new use for the building. The old Hayes hotel is considered a crown jewel, but it's sat empty for the past five years. That could soon change now that the city has received not one, but two proposals to redevelop the site. Plans for the building involve turning it into a mix of retail, office and residential space. City officials feel it could be a magnet that attract other business here to downtown Jackson.

Daniel Greer: "It's really exciting that we have two proposals like this. It could be a really big shot in the arm for our downtown ."

Rep. Martin Griffin, (D) Jackson: "Economically, more than anything else, it's going to get the building back on the tax rolls."

Former mayor and now State Rep Martin Griffin has seen other proposals for the hotel fail, but he's optimistic this time developers have put together a solid plan.

Rep. Martin Griffin: "They've got the financial backing. They know the history of the building and the importance in the community."

Carol Konieczki, Community Development Director: "We believe this is going to hit the ground running. They've done an extensive amount of work. Their contractors going in and assessing and evaluating what they need to do."

Next week city council will choose which developer to go with. If all goes well, construction could start as early as spring. Another piece of good news for downtown Jackson- city council members say they've also received an offer on the old Consumers Energy building next door. They'll decide Tuesday whether to approve the sale. They're not saying yet how the buyer plans to develop the site.