Alternative Slideshow
Downtown Collaboration:
Built in 1930 as a replica of "the Temple of Love" in Marie Antoinette’s garden at Versailles, France, the now named, Brooks Memorial Fountain, has become the symbol of the people and values within the Marshall community. Threatened with being shut down due to exorbative restoration costs, Marshall residents banded together in epic proportion and in nine (9) months raised $247,000 necessary for repairs.
Downtown Facade Rehabilitation Project:
Just when downtown Clare was truly in need of a boost – in came Coffee Talk 505 with spectacular facade rehabilitation - on scale of Chicago or New York’s finest coffee houses. With more than $80,000 in private investment and creating six (6) new jobs, the positive economic benefit and the visual improvement right on main street can be felt all over downtown Clare.
Downtown Green Project/Large Scale:
With a LEED certified Platinum core/shell and Platinum certified commercial interiors, the Mutual Building is quintessentially the world’s first “Double Platinum” LEED certified building. From recycled regionally-manufactured materials, and state-of-the-art energy efficient plumbing and lighting, this building boasts ecological excellence unmatched.
Downtown Green Project/Small Scale:
This spectacular boutique style, 56-room hotel in downtown Holland emotes an understated, urban sophistication. Combine that with the exemplary status of being the only LEED Certified Gold hotel in the Mid-West, CityFlats offers the most in eco-conscious luxury.
Downtown Innovation:
It was the original idea of one business owner, committed to raising money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer fund that got other business owners to help dress downtown Howell head-to-toe in pink for an unprecedented celebration. This first ever, one night event sold more than 1,000 tickets allowing entrance to over 40 participating downtown businesses for unique special offers and events. The Downtown Howell Pink Party raised more than $30,000 and immeasurable community pride.
Downtown Redevelopment:
The Cedar Street School, built in 1918, had sat empty and left to decay since 1980. This 20,000 square foot space is now home to an arthritis clinic, physical rehabilitation office, fitness center and medical billing company using environmentally friendly improvements like a white roof and geothermal heating and cooling, this level of restoration and economic development now stands as a model in redevelopment.
Main Street Four Points/Organization:
The Clare Main Street Organization Committee and an unbelievable, 420 Clare High School students teamed up to thank the many businesses and community groups that have supported Clare Public Schools and the Clare community over the years. From planting trees to reading to senior citizens and everything in between, the community banded together for one banner day to really make downtown Clare shine!
Main Street Four Points/Promotion:
In five (5) short years, the Hunter Ice Festival has grown into a nationally recognized Ice Carving Festival, transforming more than 26 tons of ice into one-of-a-kind art. With below zero temperatures in January the festival still brought over 7,000 people in three (3) days to downtown Niles. More than $100,000 of revenue was added to local businesses during what once was their slowest month, making this festival a true point of pride for the community.
Main Street Four Points/Economic Restructuring:
Grand Haven Main Street’s Economic Restructuring committee formed a Business Recruitment and Retention Committee who first focused intensive training for existing businesses in the area of customer service, finances, marketing, etc. With a solid foundation of healthy downtown businesses, the second step was for volunteers to thoughtfully recruit eight (8) potential businesses in three (3) months. To date, the number of new businesses in continues to grow.
Michigan Main Street Manager of the Year:
Since 2006, Diane Larkin has continued to grow the Marshall Main Street program, implementing a once dormant rental rehabilitation program, finding ways for the annual Marshall Blues Fest to be profitable and keeping a strong foundation with the implementation of the Main Street Four Point Approach ™. Diane’s ability to connect people and keep them striving for more help make her the outstanding 2009 Michigan Main Street Manager of the Year.
Robert Busby Volunteer of the Year:
The Calumet Main Street Program would be hard-pressed to find a volunteer as hard-working, organized, and passionately committed as Joan LaRoche. Some of Joan’s many positive contributions include developing the Main Street website, creating the newsletter, organizing fundraisers as well as countless hours as a volunteer, committee member and now Board Chair. A role model for others, Joan is simply a friend to all in the Main Street program and the Calumet community.
Michigan Main Street Program of the Year:
Always moving forward, the nationally-accredited Howell Main Street program demonstrates a solid approach and continued success utilizing the Main Street Four Point Approach™. With a thoughtful approach to business retention and recruitment, façade and sign restoration, and the willingness to take on new events, Howell Main Street serves as a model to all Michigan Main Street Programs and is proudly awarded the 2009 Program of the Year.
Award Winners 2009
