Clinton couple quietly makes a huge impact in Olde Towne

By Katherine R. Dougan

Tim and Alisha Parkman of Clinton consider themselves to be ordinary people that just do what they see needs to be done. However, residents and visitors to Clinton see the impact of the couple’s investment in the community every day, probably without even realizing it.

The Parkmans have made investments in the community “in areas that I think are important,” Tim said.

“Tim is a spark of fire in areas that he thinks are important,” Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher said. “If we could follow that example; it’s an easy example to follow.”

“Tim wanted to help with the vision,” said Fisher. “He sees the value of preserving a downtown area, particularly the original and real Olde Towne. He’s using his assets for that purpose, and the city as a whole will benefit for years and years to come.”

303 Jefferson Street

The Parkmans purchased the 303 Jefferson Street building about ten years ago. The building was condemned and used for storage when they purchased it, Tim said. 

“I was intrigued by the area, by the brick streets. Alisha grew up in Clinton, and I grew up in West Jackson. I think it’s a charming area.”

The property also appealed to the couple, because “we have a love and passion for horses,” Tim said. “That building was a livery stable during the Civil War era.” The livery stable was owned and operated by Capt. William Lewis. Later, the building housed a bicycle shop and then an automobile service station operated by the Ratliff brothers.

The Parkmans basically reconstructed the building, then decided the city could use a good community restaurant with Southern food during the day, and steak, fish, shrimp and seafood at night. The restaurant has been successfully operating and serving the needs of Clintonians since then.

The Bank Pizza Shack

“We started the concept; we started from scratch,” Tim said. “We ended up with the old Deposit Guaranty Bank building (original location of The Bank of Clinton). I had the idea of coming in with a pizza and ice cream place and calling it The Bank.” 

Ryan Patrick, the owner of Pizza Shack, approached Tim, because he was interested in opening a Pizza Shack location in Olde Towne Clinton. His menu was exactly what Tim and Alisha were looking for, and Patrick loved the name of The Bank so much that he adapted it for his restaurant.

The location of The Bank Pizza Shack is in the original location of The Bank of Clinton, which had the address of 202A West Leake Street. This building is easily identifiable by the exterior header bricks above the awning, which form a rectangular pattern, and the word “BANK” in relief above. The Bank of Clinton later moved to the corner building at 200 West Leake Street.

“We’re not in the production business in terms of rental income. We were cautious in our approach and wanted to bring some stable concepts to the area in property we control,” Tim said.

The Vault Salon

A new project, which is set to open this month (February 2021) is The Vault Salon, which is opening at 200 West Leake Street. The actual old vault of The Bank of Clinton will be the shampoo room of the salon. 

“There are other bank machines there as well, and she’s (owner of The Vault Salon) going with that theme,” Tim said.

The Parkmans are dedicated to preservation of the history of the buildings they have renovated in the community, and they carefully select the businesses that will go into their properties. 

“We have no franchises; whatever we do, we’re tied into the history that carries the story of our city’s culture and history.”

110 and 112 Leake Street

The purchase of 110 and 112 Leake Street properties are the Parkmans’ most recent Olde Towne investments.

“We’re in the process of applications, which were sent to the Department of Archives and History (January 11). We have to do certain things to please the historic society,” Tim explained.

“Hopefully, within sixty days, we will be in the process of renovation of those buildings. We want to preserve and make people aware of the history of that building [112 Leake Street], which was Chilton’s Mercantile Store in 1875. Sen. Charles Caldwell was lured into the basement speakeasy tavern in the building during a riot in Clinton and was assassinated,” Tim explained.

According to information in the National Park Service/National Registry of Historic places form for the City of Clinton, the building at 112 Leake Street is thought to date from about 1870. By about 1880, the building was the location of a general merchandise store owned by James Daniel Coleman (1850-1903). After Coleman’s death in 1903, the building was purchased by Robert H. Johnston, Sr. (1876-1937), who operated a general merchandise store at the location for many years.

The Parkmans will not only focus on preserving the history of the properties, but also plan to bring food and a venue for musical entertainment, such as local singer-songwriters or small group entertainment, to the buildings. 

“We don’t have that in Clinton; and it would be a great place to do that.”

In addition to the properties the Parkmans own in Olde Towne Clinton, Tim owns and operates TPI Insurance, also in Clinton. 

He started in the insurance business in 1986, growing his career to the extent that he did more than thirty different business startups, including quite a few in the Clinton area, including landfills, ADS solid waste company, E3 Environmental, and other properties.

He describes himself as always having an entrepreneurial spirit, sometimes taking some risks. 

“All but one of my businesses I’ve been involved in is successful,” he said.

Tim said he imagined and hoped for success in business, but didn’t expect it to turn out quite as well as it has. He credits his wife, Alisha, with his success. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are without her.”

“He really is not a ‘look-at-me’ kind of guy. He wants to do good things and see Clinton grow and develop,” Fisher said. “Successful cities have philanthropic people and companies that help it grow and develop. I hope Tim’s example will encourage all of us to volunteer and donate to projects of interest. He is making generational investments in the Olde Towne area.”

In addition to many awards and recognition over the years for the Parkmans, in 2020, TPI was recognized as the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year.

The Parkmans have lived in Clinton since 1997; Alisha has lived in Clinton her whole life. The couple married in 1995 and moved to Clinton when they had their first child, Sydney, who is now 23. She is a biochemistry major who studied in Austin but is transferring to Mississippi State. Marley, 21, has attended Mississippi State. She has transferred to Mississippi College and is coming back home the first of March. Alisha worked as a registered nurse prior to having children. They are members of Morrison Heights Baptist Church.