What’s happening: A total of nine downtown enhancement and improvement projects throughout Michigan have been selected to share in $200,000 in grants awarded as part of the state’s Michigan Main Street program. Five of those winning projects can be found in the state’s more rural communities, from Three Rivers in the south, stretching north to Cheboygan, and several points throughout.
What won: Among Michigan’s more rural communities to be selected for Main Street Vibrancy grants, supported downtown improvement projects include:
Festival Square improvements in Cheboygan, including new tables and umbrellas, new flower and tree planters, custom banner installation, and installation of artwork;
The Hometown Hype program in Wayland, including a new welcome sign incorporating new branding, wireless speaker system, and a Downtown Hype Team;
Promoting and increasing brand awareness of Lapeer’s historic downtown, including wayfinding signage installation, decorative banners, a community mural, and Hype Hound program launch;
The Winter Night in Lights Project in Three Rivers, including holiday lighting, and Christmas Tree and other holiday decorations installed downtown;
And in downtown Saline, support for holiday lighting and programming for live entertainment during their Cocoa Crawl Event Weekend.
Why it’s important: “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,” says Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority and 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.”
About the program: Each of the winning communities are members of the
Michigan Main Street program, which supports downtown enhancement projects in enrolled communities throughout the state. Those communities enrolled receive access to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and their strategies, tools, and resources for revitalizing historic downtowns and business districts.
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