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ANNUAL REPORT

2015–2016

Letter from Katharine Czarnecki, Senior Vice President, Community Development Michigan Economic Development Corporation Dear friends and partners, Since 2003, the Michigan Main Street Center has been a leader in placemaking, providing technical assistance and community development tools that—when combined with local engagement—have helped drive revitalization in downtowns across the state. Placemaking capitalizes on communities’ unique natural and historic assets to create places where people want to live, work, invest and grow. The Michigan Main Street Center supports local communities across Michigan as they implement the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, a community-driven, comprehensive strategy encouraging economic development through historic preservation in ways appropriate for the modern marketplace. Over the past year, Michigan Main Street communities generated more than $47 million in private investment, 100 new businesses and 120 façade improvements. Michigan Main Street is proof that a community-driven approach to placemaking can leverage local assets to support community and economic development. As we celebrate these successes, we look forward to exciting developments in the coming year. The state of Michigan will be the first coordinating program in the nation to roll-out the refreshed Main Street Approach, an update to the Four Point® approach to downtown revitalization pioneered by the National Main Street Center 35 years ago. This exciting opportunity allows Michigan Main Street staff and communities to work with national preservation and revitalization experts as we help our Main Street communities develop, refine and implement downtown development strategies. We are excited to share the stories and successes on the following pages. In the coming year, our team looks forward to building on these accomplishments by working with the amazing volunteers, program staff and community stakeholders who work tirelessly to leverage local assets, build strong relationships, develop local businesses and execute community events in order to build thriving Main Streets across the state. Sincerely, Katharine Czarnecki Senior Vice President, Community Development Michigan Economic Development Corporation 2015–2016 annual report

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MICHIGAN MAIN STREET Main Street, two words that evoke nostalgic feelings and warm memories in many people. That’s proof that place matters, and that main streets exist as places of civic pride and community congregation. They are a reflection of what we love about our towns and our neighbors.

How can we help your community? Michigan Main Street staff provides technical assistance and services to communities at three

levels: Associate, Selected and Master. Each level is designed to assist the community in tackling increasingly sophisticated downtown revitalization efforts. The Michigan Main Street program exists to help communities develop main street districts that attract both residents and businesses, promote commercial investment and spur economic growth.

MASTER LEVEL:

2-year commitment

5-year commitment

SELECTED LEVEL:

1-year commitment

ASSOCIATE LEVEL:

MICHIGAN MAIN STREET LEVELS The Associate Level is the introduction to the Michigan Main Street Program, providing communities with no-cost training in locations across the state. The intent of the Associate Level is to provide communities with a basic understanding and knowledge of the Main Street FourPoint Approachtm and strategies for building awareness and participation in future Main Street efforts. Associate Level training includes:

The Selected Level provides communities with specialized training within their own community. The intent of the Selected Level is to assist communities in implementing the Main Street Four-Point Approachtm to revitalization in existing organization or helping to create new organizations to host the Main Street efforts. The Main Street program will have an active board of directors, providing oversight and direction, four volunteer-driven committees completing projects and a Main Street manager assisting with day-to-day needs. Michigan Main Street staff, along with other professionals, work closely with Selected The Master Level is the most prestigious of the three levels of the Michigan Main Street program and is available to communities only after they have successfully completed five years in the Selected Level program. The intent of the Master Level is to continue assisting communities that have successfully integrated a full Main Street program into their community. This is achieved by continuing to offer Select Level trainings and networking opportunities through MMSC, as well as the opportunity to act as mentors for other Michigan Main Street communities.

MEDC SERVICES

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

MMS to host eight webinars on various topics.  CATeam participation in one site visit per community, which includes a Select Main Street overview presentation to community.  MMS to host both “Associate Trainings: Main Street Basics” and “Main Street in Practice.”

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Attend both Associate trainings. Submit bi-annual progress reports.  Identify MMS steering committee.  Develop and implement communications plan.  Identify or establish local MMS host organization.  Develop and implement fundraising plan. 

Level communities to train their boards and committees, hire a full-time Main Street manager, recruit volunteers and get the program up and running. In addition, at the Selected Level, communities receive over $100,000 worth of specialized trainings designed to help revitalize their downtown or traditional neighborhood commercial district.

awarded annually at the request of the community.  MMS provides services as requested to support organizational development and downtown development programming.  NMSC and MMS to complete year-end assessment to determine annual NMS accreditation.

MEDC SERVICES

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

MMS provides required services to establish baseline knowledge of Main Street, organizational development, and project management  MMS provides application-based services 

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Downtown development programming that supports existing municipal plans and organizational goals that endorse the four points of Main Street: design, economic vitality, promotion, and organization.

MEDC SERVICES

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

MMS provides application-based services awarded annually at the request of the community.  MMS provides services as requested to support organizational development and downtown development programming.  NMSC and MMS to complete yearend assessment to determine NMS accreditation every other year.

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Downtown development programming that supports existing municipal plans and organizational goals that endorse the four points of Main Street: design, economic vitality, promotion, and organization.

2015–2016 annual report

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Michigan Main Street Communities 2016 Sault Ste. Marie

Charlevoix

Boyne City Alpena

Gaylord

REGIONS 1

Upper Peninsula region

2

Northwest region

3

Northeast region

4

West Michigan region

5

Kalkaska

Sebewaing Hart Ithaca Grand Haven

East Central Michigan region Douglas

6 7

East Michigan region South Central region Southwest region

9

Southeast Michigan region

10

Portland

Davison Lapeer

Owosso

Old Town Lansing Linden Downtown Lansing REO Town Lansing Wayland Howell Hopkins Charlotte Williamston Brighton Otsego Inkster Ypsilanti

Benton Harbor

Milan Niles

8

Grayling

Three Rivers Cassopolis

Wayne

Dearborn

Saline

Dundee

Blissfield

Master Level communities

Detroit Metro region

Select Level communities Associate Level communities


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WHO WE ARE

PROGRAM GOALS

MMS PROGRAM

The Michigan Main Street Center’s mission is to support and improve Michigan’s downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by promoting and implementing the Main Street Four-Point Approach® in rural communities and urban neighborhood commercial districts across the state. The program builds partnerships that offer resources and empowers communities to create successful and sustainable Main Street programs reflecting the value of preservation-based economic development.

In the year 2018, the Michigan Main Street program, its communities and team of professionals are recognized state-wide and national leaders in downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization utilizing the Main Street Four-Point Approach®.

The MMS program is recognized nationally for providing advanced, holistic and innovative technical assistance to its ever-growing number of communities. MMS builds awareness about the value of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® and is an integral part of Michigan’s place-based economic development strategy. MMS empowers communities to be successful in their revitalization efforts preserving their traditional commercial districts and promoting their unique assets; reaching local, statewide and national audiences.

LOCAL MAIN STREET PROGRAMS The local MMS programs are comprehensive, driven by local leaders and skilled staff that demonstrate broadbased public and private support and proudly sustain vibrant districts.

MAIN STREET FOUR-POINT APPROACH® ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING Helping existing businesses expand and recruiting new ones to respond to today’s market, the Main Street program helps to convert unused space into productive property, sharpening the competitive climate for business enterprises.

DESIGN Enhancing the downtown’s physical environment by capitalizing on its best assets such as historic buildings, and creating an engaging places through attractive like window displays, inviting and functional streetscapes, and quality building improvements.

PROMOTION The Main Street

Four-Point Approach® is a community-driven, comprehensive strategy encouraging economic development through historic preservation in ways appropriate for today’s marketplace.

The four points focus on:

Developing a positive promotional strategy showcasing the downtown and the unique assets of its businesses through advertising, retail activities, special events, and campaigns to encourage commercial activity and investment in the area.

ORGANIZATION Engaging and managing all resources including volunteers and funding to ensure an even workload and clearly delineated responsibilities. A consistent communications effort on behalf of the program ensures consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders.


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MICHIGAN MAIN STREET

The Michigan

Main Street 2015–16 Annual Report focused on the communities that

2016 PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $47,576,221 Program to date: $232,182,400

are required to report statistics as part of the Select and Master Level. Over the past year, Michigan Main Street communities have continued to generate real

2016 PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $17,725,120 Program to date: $64,836,518

results for their communities by supporting new and existing businesses, planning and funding physical improvements, organizing events and promotions to raise the profile of their downtown district and engaging community members in downtown revitalization. The

2016 VOLUNTEER HOURS: 58,419 Program to date: 556,091

2016 NEW BUSINESSES: 105 Program to date: 1,047

information in this report is self-collected and shared with the Michigan Main Street program by Select and Master communities on a monthly and annual basis.

2016 FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS: 127 Program to date: 1,060


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BLISSFIELD designation year: 2010

www.blissfieldmainstreet.com

HIGHLIGHTS • Enhanced communications, including a redesigned website and targeted branding, helped increase volunteer participation and strengthen relationships with local media, schools and community stakeholders. • The addition of eight permanent planters and the installation of donated park equipment provided new amenities to downtown visitors and community members. • Successful engagement and outreach to local businesses generated over $10,000 in sponsorships to support downtown programs and activities. • New networking and retail events supported existing businesses and demonstrated community commitment to bringing new tenants downtown. Additionally, successful execution of 10 existing community events ensured that community members had a regular reason to come downtown.

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Master Level

Population (2010 Census): 3,291

2016 PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $96,525 Program to date: $4,657,233


2016 NEW BUSINESSES: 3 Program to date: 22

2016 FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS: 4 Program to date: 24


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BOYNE CITY designation year: 2003

www.boynecitymainstreet.com

HIGHLIGHTS

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Master Level


• Recruited several businesses, including two new tap rooms and a microbrewery, achieving long-term community goals to offer these amenities downtown. Additionally, the successful passage of a city ordinance allowing sidewalk dining with 2016 PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $7,678,280 alcohol service enhanced the dining experience for patrons Program to date: $25,701,376 of both new and existing businesses. • The installation of nine new sculptures for the secondannual Walkabout Sculpture Tour brought new visitors downtown; over $25,000 in local donations were raised to support the installation of a permanent downtown sculpture honoring the logging history of the community. • Expanded successful historical walking tours of downtown, adding brochures and a downloadable smartphone app, to create opportunities for visitors to stay downtown and engage with the historic resources that make our community unique. • The addition of a part-time position and relocation of Main Street office space raised visibility and positioned the program for continued success.





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CHARLEVOIX designation year: 2015

www.charlevoixmainstreet.org

HIGHLIGHTS

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• Implemented a dramatic relighting of the street trees in downtown to bring visual excitement in the evenings and create a sense of activity in the darker winter months when downtown traffic generally declines. Over $5,000 was raised by Main Street volunteers to support this project.


• The establishment of a new website, an increased focus on leveraging social media tools and the implementation of common design and language elements led to enhanced marketing for new and existing downtown events.


• Initiated wayfinding planning process, including selection of a firm to develop the plan and engagement of stakeholders around appropriate points of interest for residents and visitors throughout the community.




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GRAND HAVEN designation year: 2005

www.downtowngh.com

HIGHLIGHTS • Strengthened relationship with the city by working with stakeholders to renew the PSD Special Assessment that helps fund the Main Street program and moving the program office to City Hall. • The downtown district was approved by the State of Michigan and National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places providing increased visibility for historic downtown assets and access to federal historic rehabilitation tax credits for eligible properties. • Worked with city, regional and state partners to secure funds for downtown façade improvements, as well as promote and connect small businesses with available resources. • Leveraged volunteers and grant funds to enhance the downtown streetscape with flowers; additionally, banners celebrating the 225th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard raised $5,300 for the Main Street program.

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GRAYLING designation year: 2014

www.downtowngrayling.com

HIGHLIGHTS • The Grayling Main Street Program executive director has been active on state-program steering committees to improve economic viability of Grayling as an attractive community for new developers and investors. • Added a donor appreciation event to enhance communication with existing pledges and donors, while also priming the organization to grow the donor base with a positive track record of good communication and appreciation. • The continued relationship with the Grayling Promotional Association allowed for enhanced beautification efforts in downtown.

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HART designation year: 2010

www.hartmainstreet.org

HIGHLIGHTS • Welcomed new two new businesses into downtown and saw interior and exterior improvements at five existing businesses, including the addition of outdoor dining at longtime Hart institution, Hart Pizza. • The renewal of a back alley, purchase of garbage cans and completion of a mural project enhanced the sense of place downtown for visitors and local residents, while also demonstrating the visible impact the Main Street program has in downtown. • Continued to engage the local business community and enhanced board leadership by adding more MSA business owners as board members.

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HOWELL designation year: 2005

www.downtownhowell.org

HIGHLIGHTS • The newly established Rock the Block festival celebrated its first year and the kick-off of its second year, attracting hundreds of people to downtown Howell on a slow business evening; the beloved Art Project was reintroduced to the community with an all new format after a three-year hiatus, which is taking Howell a step closer to becoming an arts community. • Howell Main Street was proud to celebrate selection as a Great American Main Street semi-finalist! • The establishment of multi-phased communication strategies and a focus on advocacy building over the last two years, have resulted in Howell Main Street being seen as the go-to information source for the greater Howell community.

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DOWNTOWN LANSING designation year: 2012

www.downtownlansing.org

HIGHLIGHTS • Downtown Lansing continues to undergo significant improvement with declining vacancies and a growing residential base; the district attracted both new residents and businesses in the last year. • Installation of a new public art piece, additional planters, an expanded façade lighting program and a sign and sidewalk furniture grant program all contributed to the ongoing elevation of the downtown district as a vibrant destination for visitors and community members. • Installation of signage in vacant storefronts, as well as targeted promotional campaigns and materials, leveraged findings from the downtown market study to highlight downtown opportunities and vibrancy.

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NILES designation year: 2004

www.uncoverniles.com

HIGHLIGHTS • Facilitated the $1.2 million rehabilitation of the former Gallery Building and engaged 13 local artists to complete the Park Yourself in Niles painted bench project. • The Niles Entrepreneurial Culinary Incubator (NECI) saw significant growth with clients working in production, catering and food trucks; client Excalibur Bakery was voted third best bakery in the Michiana region. • Attracted over 20,000 visitors to downtown and raised more than $9,000 for Niles Main Street through the 13th annual Hunter Ice Festival. • Established partnership with Better World Books to create plan for downtown bookstore and co-working space that will generate income for the Main Street program.

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OLD TOWN LANSING designation year: 2006

www.iloveoldtown.org

HIGHLIGHTS • Planned and implemented a new website for the organization highlighting district businesses, networking and special events, organizational achievements and key opportunities in Old Town. • The establishment of cohesive and consistent branding messages enhanced organizational visibility across social media platforms, while also creating opportunities to engage businesses in cross promotions and collective advertising. • Welcomed new businesses to the district, including a coffee shop and brewery, while also keeping established businesses engaged through monthly networking events.

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OTSEGO designation year: 2012

www.otsegomainstreet.org

HIGHLIGHTS • Completion of the M-89 streetscape project not only improved the walkability and sense of place downtown, but provided an important opportunity for the organization to work with city and state partners to plan and implement the project. • Successfully initiated a campaign to install speakers downtown, including securing four bids from companies to install the speakers and a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the project. • Creation of a downtown map highlighting opportunities for new businesses and development in currently vacant spaces, as well as creation of window signs for installation in vacant buildings.

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OWOSSO designation year: 2009

www.owossomainstreet.net

HIGHLIGHTS • Generated record-breaking private investment with large increases in retail businesses and business collaborations in the downtown district; successfully engaged 30 downtown businesses in regular owner meetings facilitated by Owosso Main Street. • Executed successful events that brought 10,000 people downtown, generated increased sales for local businesses and raised over $9,000 in program funds. • The visibility and engagement of the local community in the Main Street organization saw tremendous gains in the past year. From volunteers to business owners, people are focusing on the importance of shopping local, historic preservation and how the authentic sense of place in downtown Owosso generates value for property owners, as well as the community at-large.

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PORTLAND designation year: 2003

www.portlandmainstreet.org

HIGHLIGHTS • The seventh annual Block Party was a huge success, featuring new attractions, BBQ sales and sponsors leading to a 700 percent increase in revenue over the previous year, while other events generated over $7,000 in sponsorships for organization. • Promoted our community with a feature in Michigan Trails Magazine and the installation of a billboard along I-96. • Awarded two $5,000 façade grants, two $1,000 sign grants and provided no-cost design consultations to support property owners in improving the physical appearance of their property.

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SALINE designation year: 2011

www.salinemainstreet.org

HIGHLIGHTS • Engaged structural engineer to evaluate condition of historic buildings and advise on protection of structures during, and after, completion of US-12 construction project. • Created extremely successful Pave it Forward raffle to encourage community members to continue to patronize downtown businesses during US-12 construction; at the mid-point of the construction project, over 10,000 ticket had been given to over 300 individual participants. • Successful downtown events continued to raise the visibility of Saline Main Street — Oktoberfest, Winterfest and Ladies Night Out attracted the largest crowds to date — and the Saline Main Street float again took first place in the annual Saline Christmas parade.

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THREE RIVERS designation year: 2014

www.trdda.net

HIGHLIGHTS • Secured $100,000 grant from St. Joseph County to support interior upfits and conversion of second-floor space to housing units; a portion of funds have been disbursed to support five new businesses and the addition of one new housing unit. • Initiated “100 Friends of Downtown Three Rivers” fundraising campaign, including the design and publication of brochures, marketing the program and initial memberships in the campaign. • The second-annual community clean-up not only engaged over 150 volunteers representing 20 different community organizations, but also spurred several smaller satellite clean-up events across the community.

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2016 PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $135,000 Program to date: $284,317





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WAYLAND designation year: 2010

www.downtownwayland.com

HIGHLIGHTS • Supported the establishment of two new businesses —a fine wine and cheese seller and a brewery — both of which were uses identified by the program as priorities for attracting into the downtown district. • Facilitated successful rehabilitation of multiple downtown facades through the matching façade grant program; renovation of two structures in prominent locations were especially impactful and have created urgency for other property owners to engage in their own rehabilitation projects. Additionally, Michigan Main Street’s Design Services were also highly utilized with four design services completed between May 2015 and July 2016. • Provided multiple trainings and resources to support small businesses, including How to Write a Business Plan, Getting Your Downtown Building Ready to Sell or Lease, and a business recruitment training for volunteers.

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WAYNE designation year: 2014

www.downtownwayne.org

HIGHLIGHTS • Initiated new projects including the downtown Wayne Shopping & Dining Guide, Mother’s Day Chocolate Walk event, and the vacant storefront signage campaign, which improved community perception of downtown and highlighted the potential of the downtown district. • Wayne Main Street has seen efforts to engage business and property owners continue to pay-off with the improvement of three storefronts that utilized services provided by the organization and with monthly merchant meetings led by local business owners. • Enhanced partnership with the City of Wayne by participating in a site visit from the Michigan Vacant Properties Campaign which allowed for a focused discussion around addressing blight and vacancy downtown.

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2016 SELECT LEVEL COMMUNITIES

Milan

The following community was welcomed to the Michigan Main Street program in February 2016 after a successful application and presentation to the Michigan Main Street Advisory Committee:

Milan

Milan 2015–2016 annual report

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Katharine Czarnecki, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Laura Krizov, Michigan State Housing Development Authority Michelle Parkkonen, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Jamie Schriner-Hooper, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan Nancy Finegood, Michigan Historic Preservation Network Jerry Detloff, Michigan Downtown Association Jennifer Rigterink , Michigan Municipal League Bret Rasegan, Oakland County Main Street Andrea Brown, Michigan Association of Planning Jennifer Goulet, ArtServe Michigan Michael B. Kapp, Michigan Department of Transportation Jeff Garrett, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Diane Sheridan, Grand Haven Executive Director


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Dedicated to shared economic success, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation promotes the state’s assets and opportunities that support business investment and community vitality. The MEDC’s business assistance programs and services connect companies with people, resources, partners, and access to capital.

PARTNERS ArtServe Michigan, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, Main Street Oakland County, Michigan Downtown Association, Michigan Association of Planning, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan State Housing Development Authority

www.michiganbusiness.org 3768-161128