PASCAGOULA—It’s not out with the old and in with the new in Pascagoula at the former site of the Historic Ice House and Pascagoula Street Railway and Power Company. Instead, it is an infusion of the past into this future development.
Situated at the intersection of Highway 90 and Pascagoula Street in view of the Pascagoula River high rise bridge, orange dirt now covers the property that once generated power, was a trolley stop in the early 1900s and, most recently, was an ice house. While the original building could not be salvaged, developers are creating a structure that reflects the character of the historic structure.
Nick Condon with de la Tour Holdings, LLC Real Estate Investments+Development said his company is positive about this 8,400 square foot retail center and the impact it will make on the community.
“It will attract new businesses, visitors, and enhance the community’s quality of life and the city’s long-term tax base,” Condon said, noting that the initial investment will exceed $15 million. “We estimate that this 7-acre development will bring 200 construction jobs and over 150 permanent jobs to the area.”
An official groundbreaking was held on November 21, and the buzz in the community is all about what the development will include and when it may be in operation. Condon said phase one site work has begun and construction will begin in the first quarter of 2026. The center will become home to restaurants and other retail establishments that will be of interest to the community.
“The façade will reflect the character of the Old Pascagoula Historic Ice House that once stood on this site for over 100 years,” he added. “It will incorporate the use of original bricks that were salvaged from the Ice House building.”
Other historic aspects being included in the new development include the preserved generators that were once part of the working mechanisms of the operation.
“We have preserved and will incorporate into our development the historic generators that were used in the ice house and railway and power company,” Condon said. He also said any historic artifacts or memorabilia offered to the developer is welcomed and will be incorporated in an appropriate venue within the district.
The developer from neighboring Louisiana is no stranger to the Mississippi Gulf Coast area with other developments locally and also in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. He is anticipating opening the first phase of the retail center in July 2026. He said the mixture of retail shopping, dining options and other consumer services and products will anchor the popularity of the new establishment.
