The role of Turnrow as Greenwood’s third place

May 3, 2024

When I read The Greenwood Commonwealth’s recent article marking the one-year anniversary of Turnrow Book Co.’s unexpected fire, I couldn’t believe it had only been a year. It seems like we have spent more than 365 days without access to the books, paninis, and artwork that once filled the beautiful two-story space at 304 Howard Street.

Remembering Turnrow and the tragedy that occurred there a year ago had me thinking about the vital role that Turnrow played in the life of the Greenwood community. Much more than just a bookstore, a café, and an art gallery, Turnrow had earned a reputation as Greenwood’s communal hub. It was the type of business that city planners and community developers call “third places.”

As the name implies, third places are locations in a community—outside the home (the first place) and workplace (the second place)—where people gather and social connection emerges. Third places are where college students hang out when they are in town for the holidays and where businesspeople meet with their colleagues. Third places are where locals mingle with out-of-towners and share recommendations about what to eat and where to visit.

In many communities, third places take the form of coffee shops, bookstores, and neighborhood pubs. For third places to function well, they need to be open regularly, have an inviting atmosphere, and be welcoming to all. When thinking about third places, Mississippians might picture Square Books in Oxford, Hey Joe’s in Cleveland, or the newly opened Fertile Ground brewery in Jackson’s Belhaven neighborhood.

Turnrow’s status as one of Greenwood’s third places was clear. You couldn’t stop by the bookstore on any given day without seeing a young person sitting at one of the café tables on their laptop. It was the place where retirees met to drink coffee and play cards. I often hosted impromptu meetings at Turnrow when I wanted a casual setting to visit with a colleague. Even more, Turnrow was a cultural destination that brought together diverse groups of people, including book lovers, music enthusiasts, and acclaimed authors. Turnrow hosted events that sparked conversation and encouraged social interaction.

The loss of Turnrow was more than just the loss of a retail store, a lunch spot, and an art gallery. It was the loss of one of Greenwood’s shared community spaces.

In the economic development world, third places play a significant yet often overlooked role in business recruitment. Industries looking for their next home often start by visiting the community’s downtown commercial district. In doing so, they are looking for economic vibrancy and signs of community pride. In today’s economy, where remote work has become more common, quality of place is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining talent. Communities with vibrant third places send a signal of social cohesion and a high quality of life. A thriving third place, like a well-loved bookstore, tells industrial site selectors and entrepreneurs alike that the community is a safe place to invest.

For a town like Greenwood, which thrives on the charm of its local culture, the role of third places is pivotal. But the benefits of reviving Turnrow extend beyond the local community. Third places often act as incubators for entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing a creative environment that allows them to test ideas and make important connections.

About this time last year, Main Street Greenwood organized a crowd-funding effort to support the three businesses displaced by the fire. The fundraiser garnered more than $13,500, which in and of itself shows how much Turnrow meant to the community. In addition, the community has supported the various pop-up events that the three businesses have held over the past year. In fact, the first time that Turnrow Books, Turnrow Café, and Turnrow Art Company held a joint pop-up at The Alluvian Hotel, there was not an empty seat in the house. It seems like everyone in town was eager to support the businesses and their respective owners.

I was encouraged to read in the Commonwealth that Viking Range and Fred Carl, Jr. are close to reaching an agreement about the future ownership of Turnrow’s retail space. Real estate transactions can often be complicated, so it comes as no surprise that it has taken some time to sort out the details. But the fact that the two parties are working together in good faith is a hopeful sign that Greenwood’s beloved bookstore will one day return to its rightful home on Howard Street.

Indeed, we should all hope that Turnrow makes a successful comeback. If and when it does, it will be the result of Mr. Carl’s ongoing commitment to this community. It will also be a testament to Greenwood’s reputation as a place where culture, community, and commerce thrive together.

--
Thomas Gregory is a certified city planner and executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation.