Developer Wayne Jackson has added another children’s attraction to the agenda of his forthcoming Jackson Court development project, which will be built next year behind the Red Zone on Hwy. 17 in Richmond Hill.
Leaping Lizards, a 5,000 square-foot themed restaurant targeted for kids ages 1-7, is projected to open next to the already inked 9,000 square-foot laser tag facility.
Jackson said Leaping Lizards will be the second restaurant of its kind as there is one already in Rincon.
It is owned by the same people, who are looking to build several more in the region in the future. The layout will feature a dining room, a party room, an arcade with "non-violent video games" and a "fun room with huge inflatables in it."
Jackson said many other businesses have expressed interest in Jackson Court with more announcements to follow. The only other sure thing is Woodlands Bank, one of the backers of this project, who will have a branch at one end of the complex.
The other businesses will most likely feature a variety of food shops, but Jackson said he is open to any other type of business that would fit nicely in the children-oriented plaza.
Jackson spoke of a large tract of land next to the project, owned by fellow developer Johnny Carnes.
Jackson said he may partner with Carnes, who also owns the land for Jackson Court, to develop that tract as well. Jackson said a roller rink or bowling alley are two possibilities currently being considered for the tract. His development team is currently conducting a study on whether or not a bowling alley will work for this area.
Whatever the final results may be, Jackson said he plans on constructing "top-notch state-of-the-art facilities" for these projects in order to both draw folks from other areas and to keep locals from choosing similar out of town destinations. The plaza itself will be built with a Ford-era themed exterior.
If you would like to pitch an idea for Jackson Court or even participate in Jackson’s next advisory meeting, which takes place the end of July, Jackson encourages you to call him at 756-4045.