(WWJ) - Nine communities across Michigan are receiving grants to revitalize their downtowns.
In a written statement, Governor Whitmer announced the communities that would be receiving the 2024 Main Street Vibracy grants. The cities are Cheboygan, Wayland, Lapeer, Downtown Lansing Inc., Three Rivers, Mexicantown, Grosse Pointe and North End.
“Thriving, attractive downtowns are vital to creating unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s grants for 9 downtowns across Michigan will help these communities grow their economies, support local small businesses, and improve quality of life. Together, we will continue our comprehensive economic development strategy of investing in people, places, and projects. Let’s get this done so anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
There were eight cities in both 2022 and 2023 that were given grants.
Each community will receive $25,000 that will be used for “downtown enhancement and improvement projects,” according to the statement.
Examples of projects include “pop-up shop programs, implementation of a marketing or advertising campaign, physical improvements such as new seating, seasonal infrastructure, signage, or art, and other transformative projects that help create a sense of place and a more vibrant community.”
Each winner is tailoring the use of the grants to meet the needs of the residents and the community.
Cheboygan will use the grant to fund improvements to their Festival Square. These will include “new tables and umbrellas, new flower and tree planters, custom banner installation and installation of artwork.”
“This Main Street Vibrancy Grant will allow us to begin the process of reviving a gathering place in our downtown that has lost its appeal and purpose over time,” said Cheboygan Main Street Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Polly Schneider. “By adding in colorful and accessible seating, along with softening the concrete and steel pavilion with potted trees and flowers, we will demonstrate how tactical urbanism can transform a space quickly, while giving the community back a sense of pride for this gathering space.”
Wayland’s grant will be spent on “Hometown Hype – New welcome sign incorporating new branding, wireless speaker system and a Downtown Hype Team.”
“The MEDC Vibrancy is essential for Wayland and the continued growth of our new branding and confidence,” said Downtown Wayland Executive Director Holli McPherson. “Without the grant dollars, larger projects which make the biggest visual impact would not be possible for downtown Wayland. The goal of this vibrancy project is to bring back the hometown hype with a speaker system, new welcome sign and a Hype program.”
Lapeer is spending the money on promoting downtown as well as increasing brand awareness. The money will be spent on “wayfinding signage installation, decorative banners, community mural and Hype Hound program launch.”
“This vibrancy grant will allow the Lapeer Main Street DDA to move forward immediately with projects that could otherwise take us several years to accomplish,” said Lapeer Main Street/Downtown Development Authority Executive Director James Alt. “That means we’ll be able to build on our momentum and continued excitement around the revitalization of Historic Downtown Lapeer. The wayfinding and directional signage will help direct traffic to destinations in our great downtown while. “Our brand recognition and add a pop of color in the winter months. We will also be creating a local ‘Hype Hound’ program and laying the groundwork for a downtown ambassador program that will engage, and encourage local residents and their dogs to shop and support local businesses.”
Downtown Lansing Inc. will use the funds for “mini-makeovers” for Nubian, Sylvia’s Sudsery, Sweet Encounter Bakery and Café and Summit Comics and Games.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a Michigan Main Street Vibrancy Grant to support retailers in our downtown business district,” said Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of Downtown Lansing Inc. “As we continue to fuel our transformation, these grant funds and the professional service assistance that comes with them will bring added energy and vibrancy to multiple storefronts downtown.”
Three Rivers will be focusing their grant on the holidays. Holiday lighting, decorations and a Christmas tree will be bought.
Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority/Main Street
“Overall, the Winter Night in Lights Project supported by Vibrancy grant dollars will enhance our downtown district by creating a dynamic and attractive destination for residents and visitors throughout the holiday season,” said Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority/Main Street Executive Director Cameron Mains. “Through strategic investments like this towards beautification, events, small businesses, and community engagement, we can transform our downtown into a thriving hub of activity, commerce, and culture for all.”
Mexicantown will be running a marketing and brand awareness campaign. “Locable marketing platform and Mexicantown Main Street marketing campaign, banner installation, branded trash bins, and tourist attraction resources (brochures, maps and digital content)”
“The allocation of the Vibrancy Grant funding for Mexicantown Main Street's marketing platform and brand awareness campaign project signifies a pivotal investment in revitalizing our district,” said Mexicantown-Hubbard Communities Main Street Director, Southwest Detroit Business Association Vice President of Programs and Compliance Brandi Watts. “These funds will allow us to implement a comprehensive marketing strategy, leveraging digital platforms, traditional media, and community engagement initiatives to amplify Mexicantown Main Street's visibility and appeal. Through targeted branding efforts, we will be able to elevate awareness of the Mexicantown Main Street district, showcasing its unique offerings, local businesses, and cultural assets. This heightened visibility will not only attract more visitors, but also foster a sense of pride and belonging among businesses and residents, ultimately strengthening our community fabric. Furthermore, an enhanced marketing platform and campaign will help cultivate a more engaging and functional corridor that encourages engagement, ownership and pride in what our district offers to residents and visitors.”
Grosse Pointe’s grant will be used for “Get to the Pointes - placemaking project with public space activation in three plazas (new seating, refurbished chess tables and games, new planters); public art installations; signage for the Loop social district, and new banners.”
“Being awarded the MEDC’s Main Street Vibrancy Grant is not only a great honor, but something that will allow Main Street Grosse Pointe to showcase the impact that grassroots community efforts can have,” said Main Street Grosse Pointe Executive Director Cindy Willcock. “The “Get to the Pointes” placemaking initiative is a series of small projects that are purposely woven together to have a large impact on The Village, Downtown Grosse Pointe. Enhancing the plaza areas with additional seating options, games and public art, adding new Loop social district signage and street pole banners featuring our new Main Street branding will enhance walkability, provide space for residents and visitors to relax, gather and enjoy and create a sense of belonging and community pride that will be felt for years to come.”
North End will use the grant for their “Light Up Main Street” event, including the winter season lighting of East Grand Boulevard and holiday shopping.
“North End Main Street is so excited to have received a partial Vibrancy Grant for our district,” said Vanguard Community Development Corporation Vice President Economic Development and Main Street Manager Lisa Tucker. “It will be awesome to watch this upcoming holiday winter season! Many Thanks to the MEDC team!”
Saline’s grant will also be used for holiday lighting, as well as their “Cocoa Crawl Event Weekend.”
“Thanks to your generous grant, we will be able to transform our downtown into a holiday wonderland in December, without diverting the city's focus on updating our infrastructure,” said Saline Main Street Executive Director Mary Dettling. “Your support ensures that the magic of the season shines bright, bringing our city together in joy and celebration.”
“We’re pleased to support these communities, who have all worked diligently to enhance the sense of place and vibrancy in their downtowns, engage residents and businesses, and drive economic growth,” said Michelle Parkkonen, Managing Director of Technical Assistance Programs at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Today’s Vibrancy grants reflect our ongoing efforts to create a holistic, people-first approach to economic development here in Michigan, and will help further strengthen the downtowns and commercial districts in these communities while also building unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play.”
“Over the past year, Michigan Main Street communities generated more than $17.4 million in private investment, 144 new businesses and 144 façade and building improvements. For 20 years, Michigan Main Street has been a catalyst for job growth, private investment, and community engagement leading to comprehensive economic development creating more vibrant downtowns and traditional commercial districts in Michigan,” the statement said. “From 2003 through 2023, 1,897 new businesses have been launched, with a total public investment of more than $146 million and total private investment of $424.6 million. In addition, more than 892,700 volunteer hours have been recorded by Michigan Main Street communities in revitalizing downtowns across the state.”
Michigan Main Street is a program that helps communities across the state invest in their downtowns. By investing in downtowns and creating a “sense of place” for residents, the state can grow economically and become more diverse, according to the statement.
Communities at the Select Level of the program receive five years of “intensive technical assistance” from MEDC. Developing strategies to revitalize and attract new residents and business is the focus.
The Master Level follows the Select Level, and it is an additional two year program that allows for more training, networking and mentoring.
There are 22 communities at these two levels currently. The list can be found here.