The arts and entertainment district known as The Gallery passed its latest test before a board in Madison, on Tuesday, July 16.
The City of Madison Planning and Zoning Board as well as the Board of Aldermen gave The Gallery a vote of approval to move forward. The Gallery is a privately funded, mixed-use destination that will include entertainment, dining, retail and office space in a designed community space,
Work has begun on the Madison development project, located off Galleria Parkway on 17 acres visible from I-55 North.
A local development group on April 22, announced intentions to build a $60 million arts and entertainment district for Madison. Ground has been broken on the economic development project, and now the city has given its blessing.
“Securing approval for The Gallery: Arts and Entertainment District marks a major milestone not only for Bellamare Development but for the entire community,” Chad Phillips, Senior VP, President of Bellamare Development Services, Bellamare Development, told the Clarion Ledger. “This project represents a bold vision to transform a major commercial thoroughfare, into a vibrant hub for culture, creativity, and commerce. We’re honored to help shape a destination where people can live, work, and be inspired — and we’re grateful to city leadership and the community for believing in this vision. The real work begins now, and we’re excited to bring this district to life.”
Located off Galleria Parkway on 17 acres visible from I-55 North, The Gallery is a privately funded, mixed-use destination that will include entertainment, dining, retail and office space in a designed community space.
“For years, Madison residents have voiced a clear desire: more local entertainment, more family-friendly spaces, more opportunities to gather,” Phillips said. “The Gallery is designed with Madison families in mind — to elevate everyday life and offer something truly special, right here at home.”
At the heart of the project is Spinners, a 120,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor family entertainment center featuring bowling, skating and other games. While there is another Spinners location in Florence, Phillips told the Clarion Ledger the new location is much different and larger in scale.
At the heart of the project is Spinners, a 120,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor family entertainment center featuring bowling, skating and other games.
Royal Street in Madison
Just steps away from the entertainment venue will be what will be called Royal Street. It will be a French-inspired, New Orleans-style walkable area lined with local restaurants, boutique retail and upstairs office space.
The focus, according to Phillips, is to support small businesses and create an environment that feels “charming and modern.”
Phillips said Bellamare is already in negotiations with multiple restaurant groups to bring dining options to Royal Street and will be prepared to announce those in the upcoming months.
“It marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we’re excited to share that the first two buildings on Royal Street are already pre-leased with an incredible mix of restaurants, retail and office space,” Phillips said. “We can’t wait to reveal the standout businesses and concepts that will soon call The Gallery home.”
The development is being designed and engineered by Mississippi-based partners, including WBA Architecture and MP Design Group.
Groundbreaking is expected by fall 2025, with construction beginning shortly after. The project is privately funded, with no taxpayer dollars being used.
Phillips said he expects much of the work will be complete by the Fall 2026.
The 17 acres visible from I-55 North are part of 70 acres total that Bellamare owns along that tract. What comes next for the property is still to be decided.
“This process will be dictated by what will be needed and the people of Madison tell us they want,” Phillips said. “People riding down I-55 are going to begin seeing work done very soon. This project is ready to go, and I am excited for what this brings to Madison. Our focus all along is a family friendly environment that works for both kids and parents.”
Bellamare came to an agreement with the city in October 2024 and have been working on the details ever since.
Here is one of the preliminary plat drawing submitted to the City of Madison Planning and Zoning Board on July 15 for the The Gallery, which is a mixed-use destination that will include entertainment, dining, retail and office space in a designed community space,
Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Madison approves $60 million entertainment complex The Gallery
Chad Phillips, arts and entertainment, Bellamare Development, office space, Clarion Ledger, Madison, Madison residents, entertainment, Madison development project, family entertainment center, entertainment venue
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