Urban MJ is an information hub founded by Marcus Jackson to connect citizens, investors, tenants, and those passionate about their communities through intelligent discussion on urban investment in both existing and rising metropolitan areas.
Through Urban MJ, Marcus utilizes his years of experience in mixed-use and urban assets to offer valuable insight into the practice of urban investment, adaptive re-use, and development.
A LONG HISTORY OF CITY INVESTMENT
Cities are personalities – melting pots for thoughts and cultures, and reflective of the evolving generations that thrive within. For Marcus Jackson, who was raised in the highly industrialized town of Martinsville, Virginia, the evolution of the inner city has been a fascination since childhood. Weekly family shopping trips into the town center, especially the iconic Globman’s Department Store, would later grow into teenage adventures to gritty pool halls, teaming with people from all walks of life.
Amazed at how energizing the diverse historic fabric of downtown was, these experiences as a child would launch Marcus along a journey of personal investment in city growth. His most profound experience as a young adult was convincing his employer at the time, The Equitable, to partner with a disadvantaged, inner-city elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia. After contributing significant human and financial resources to Burgess Elementary School, test scores grew momentously and the program was awarded Partnership of the Year. Today, Marcus understands that a blend of a “giving-back spirit” with a strong professional drive for client value is what communities need most.