What’s happening: Residents of Albion have a new place to shop for fresh produce, craft beer, and locally-sourced artisanal foods with the opening of Superior Street Mercantile. The market opened in downtown Albion in late 2021.
Big Albion Plan: Superior Street Mercantile
is the latest win for the “Big Albion Plan,” a downtown revitalization effort from the
Albion Reinvestment Corporation (ARC), who also happen to be owners of the building. The
Big Albion Plan is a concerted effort to revitalize downtown Albion through the renovation of its commercial and residential spaces. The Mercantile itself was privately funded by local entrepreneur Bill Dobbins and a silent investor.
“The challenge in Albion is that there’s an influx of people that want to open businesses here but the buildings are in such disrepair that it’s cost-prohibitive for young entrepreneurs,” says Caroline Hurteau, project manager of the Mercantile. Hurteau’s family, the Dobbins family, are part-owners of the market.
Restoration work: ARC completely renovated the historic building, which was built in 1884. The floors were fixed, the windows replaced, and new electrical and HVAC equipment were installed — among many other renovation projects, says Hurteau. “The only original things left are the walls,” she jokes. What results is a 2,500 sq. ft. specialty market that occupies two storefronts, carries local products, and employs eight Albion residents.
Food desert: While there is a supermarket within the community, Albion is sometimes described as a “food desert,” where residents have to drive 20 to 30 minutes away to meet their grocery shopping needs. The local supermarket, part of a national chain, doesn’t necessarily meet those needs, says Hurteau. The Mercantile aims to help fill that gap.
“We have residents in Albion that rely on public assistance or SNAP benefits. But that doesn’t mean these kids and senior citizens don’t deserve quality food,” Hurteau says. “Those with the means can travel to Jackson but those that don’t have to shop for groceries at the dollar store. We’re committed to having fresh, quality produce on our shelves. We may not have the selection of Meijer, but we’ll have the basics year-round.”
Among its products include grass-fed beef from Ferry Farms in Litchfield, Darkhorse Beer from Marshall, Zingerman’s coffee from Ann Arbor, and baked goods and prepared salads from Albion’s own Foundry Bakehouse and Deli.
Superior Street Mercantile is located at 217 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion.
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