NATCHEZ — With many people expected to be in downtown Natchez for a series of Nov. 11 events, the town will also show off the possibilities of several vacant properties.

Alcorn State University Special Assistant to the President for Community and Economic Development Ruth Nichols said the Possibilities Tour in Natchez would show off downtown’s vacant buildings and for the first time, several Vidalia properties would be listed, in an attempt to turn deserted spaces into dynamic places. The event is from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.

“There are opportunities in the buildings in the city,” Nichols said. “One of those opportunities might be an idea in your mind right now that can become a reality just from looking at these buildings.”

Some examples of successes during past Possibilities Tours include Downtown Karla Brown, NEST and Natchez Brewing Company. Of NEST, Nichols said several years ago John Grady Burns was visiting home and decided to check out the tour.

“He had been thinking about opening up a business in his hometown, and he saw the building and thought right then, he would come back and open his business in that building,” Nichols said. “Two years later, he did.

“This year we have some really awesome buildings on tour that could be turned into just about anything, a gift shop, small soda shop even an apartment or downtown living space. That would put people in walking distance of a whole lot of wonderful things downtown.”

Nichols said the day they are hosting the event would be a busy day in downtown Natchez. The annual chili cook-off, Angels on the Bluff, Second Saturday, Antiques Forum and the farmers’ market are scheduled for that day.

“There are many good reasons to visit downtown that day, and this is one of them,” she said.

The buildings will not be empty when people check them out, Nichols said. An artist, singer or another creative talent would be in the buildings showing off their talents. Nichols said people could also potentially buy from the artists.

For buildings that do not have creative talents, Nichols said Concordia Parish Economic Development Director Heather Malone had the idea to put puppies in the buildings through a partnership with the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

“That would be a great draw for people to come to enjoy,” Nichols said. “It may turn out good for the puppies, too, as some may get adopted. It could make it a win-win-win situation.”

The Possibilities Tour will also show off several Vidalia properties, she said.

“We thought it would be a good year to expand it,” Nichols said. “The first year it will just be a small amount of buildings, but I think it will grow.  Any empty building we help fill up in the Miss-Lou area will be a good thing for the economy and both communities.

“That river bridge is just one mile between us. People are going both ways all day long.”

Nichols said the downtown merchants would be open that Saturday.

“The chamber has done a good job working with downtown businesses to try to get them organized, supporting each other and doing special things to promote downtown,” Nichols said. “We have an awesome group. The shop owners will probably have some specials going on to try to bring people into their shops. Plus, it will be a good time to start doing your Christmas shopping.”

Nichols said the tour is also good for local Realtors.

“It gives those Realtors a free open house for their buildings,” Nichols said. “It brings a lot of excitement and more people to see their buildings.”

Other communities around the state have even asked about potentially piggy backing on the idea. Nichols said Greenville and Ocean Springs would be doing something like this in the future, and Laurel has also looked into it.

“It has just kind of caught on,” Nichols said. “After that first year, (Natchez Inc. Executive Director) Chandler (Russ) walked by and said we are going to have to make it an annual thing. It has become an event you don’t want to miss.”

Alcorn State University and Natchez Inc. partner to put on the event.

Properties in Natchez include several properties on Main and Franklin Streets. In Vidalia, options include a property on the corner of Texas and Oak Streets, several properties on Carter Street and a few suites within the Concordia Square Shopping Center.

Nichols said maps of the various property would be available that day at the Natchez Inc. office.