From Guard Posts to Garden Goods: Jackson’s Historic Prison Reborn as Farmers Market

A Site Steeped in History

 

Built in the 1800s and shuttered in 1934, the old Jackson State Prison has long stood as a symbol of the city’s industrial and military past. For years, part of the facility housed a Michigan Army National Guard transportation unit, serving as a logistical backbone for regional operations. Now, its armory building and surrounding grounds are being reimagined by nonprofit Grow Jackson and the Jackson County Parks Department into a space that nourishes both body and soul.

 

The Vision: Fresh Food, Local Roots

 

The new farmers market will operate inside the former armory, with an outdoor patio and a year-round “farm stop” grocery store. Local farmers will be able to drop off their goods, set their own prices, and let staff handle sales—freeing them to focus on growing while still maintaining community ties.
Jacob Inosencio, founder of Grow Jackson, sees the project as a “rising tide lifts all boats” initiative. “This is going to raise home values, improve placemaking, and put more money back into farmers’ pockets,” he said. Farmers will retain 70% of sales revenue, with the remaining 30% supporting operations—a model designed to empower small producers and foster economic sustainability.

 

From Cells to Sells

 

The transformation is more than architectural—it’s symbolic. Residents like Chris Johnson, who lives near the site, believe the market will become a gathering place for neighbors and tourists alike. “It’s a great opportunity for small-time farmers and people to get out and meet each other,” he said.
The juxtaposition of fresh produce and prison walls is striking. What was once a place of isolation will now be filled with laughter, commerce, and the aroma of seasonal harvests. Plans even include future expansions into other parts of the prison, with food courts and events featuring local food trucks

 

A New Chapter for Jackson

 

Backed by a $580,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the project is a testament to Jackson’s commitment to community-driven innovation. It honors the site’s military and correctional legacy while planting seeds—literally and figuratively—for a more connected and nourishing future.
As the market prepares to open its gates in 2026, Jackson residents can look forward to a space that celebrates local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and the enduring spirit of transformation. From convoys to carrots, the old prison is ready to serve again—this time, as a beacon of fresh food and fresh starts.