JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson Mayor John Horhn said more work is needed at Thalia Mara Hall before the facility can reopen.

Thalia Mara Hall closed in August 2024 after mold and other safety issues were discovered. Horhn said the elevators, the escalator and other safety hazards need to be addressed.

“We’ve got the mitigation that we’ve got to do on further asbestos that we found in the facility. And once we do that, we’ll be able to hang the fire curtain in the facility. There are some plumbing issues and some issues with our bathrooms that have just been discovered. And, we’re addressing those,” the mayor said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

In June 2025, the State Fire Marshal’s Office announced that Thalia Mara Hall met the standards to reopen. According to State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney (R-Miss.), a follow-up inspection was conducted on June 3.

“A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued to the City of Jackson (COJ). A hydrostatic test was conducted on Monday, June 2, 2025, to determine the integrity of pipes and valves in the building. The test was successful. The building elevators and escalators remain out of service pending repair and inspection,” said Chaney.

Jackson officials said a fire curtain was ordered for the facility. Chaney said a condition of the reopening is that a third-party fire watch must be in place until the fire curtain is installed and passes inspection. A fire watch involves having someone monitor the building during events for fire hazards and to alert occupants and emergency services if a fire breaks out.

Horhn said the city is anticipating the reopening of Thalia Mara Hall. He hopes the improvements will be implemented by the end of the year.