Page 90 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2026

Channel South
MAJOR PROJECTS ARE HELPING SHAPE SOUTH MISSISSIPPI’S FUTURE
90 | August 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
William Carey University Tradition Campus
story by Cherie Ward
Across South Mississippi, public and private investments are reshaping communities from Hancock County to Jackson County. From technology and tourism to housing and the arts, projects underway across the Coast reflect a focus on growth while preserving the character that makes each community unique.
One of the most significant developments underway on the Gulf Coast is Channel South, a $105 million mixed-use project in downtown Gulfport.
Located near Jones Park and the harbor, the development will include residential units, retail space, restaurants, public gathering areas, and hospitality offerings. Developers recently announced Hotel Holden, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property, as part of the project. Plans for the hotel include a rooftop venue overlooking the waterfront.
With 136 luxury apartments, 17,637 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a 114-room Hotel Holden, and public parking planned for the 4.34-acre waterfront site, the development is positioned to create a more walkable downtown destination that connects residents and visitors to Gulfport’s entertainment, dining, harbor, and tourism assets.
Tourism remains a driving force across South Mississippi, and new lodging projects continue to emerge. A Home2 Suites hotel is under construction in East Biloxi on the former Church of the Redeemer property. The project adds to a growing inventory of accommodations designed to serve both leisure and business travelers visiting the Coast.