The Michigan Main Street (MMS) Program supports downtowns and traditional commercial neighborhood districts by promoting and facilitating implementation of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® in communities across the state. Since its inception in 2003, the Michigan Main Street Center has facilitated real results in participating communities by helping build partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders and encouraging historic preservation. The program promotes environmentally-sustainable redevelopment, integrates communities' cultural assets and fosters entrepreneurial development and downtown living.
MICHIGAN MAIN STREET ACCOMPLISHMENTS*
|
|
2003 – 10
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2010 - 11
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Total
|
|
Net new businesses created
|
162
|
48
|
210
|
|
Existing businesses expanded
|
112
|
29
|
141
|
|
Net new full-time employee (FTE/jobs)
|
888.5
|
40
|
928.5
|
|
Total number of façade rehabilitations
|
403
|
127
|
530
|
|
Total building rehabilitation investment
|
$25,094,245.60
|
$1,717,436.00
|
$26,811,681.60
|
|
Total private investment
|
$56,335,692.75
|
$2,045,836.05
|
$58,381,528.80
|
|
Total public investment
|
$29,474,055.00
|
$3,960,929.00
|
$33,434,984.00
|
|
Total private and public
|
$93,395,846.78
|
$6,006,765.05
|
$99,402,611.83
|
For a complete list of projects and successes in each of our Michigan Main Street Communities, view our Annual Report here: MMS_Annual_Report_2009-10
WHY IS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT IMPORTANT
Downtown is a symbol of:
- Community economic health
- Partnership between the private sectore and public sector
- Local quality of life
- Community pride
- Community history
Everyone wants to revitalize their downtown. What specific criteria are used to determine eligibility to become a Main Street community?
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OR TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
- 20 or more contiguous commercial parcels that have been zoned, planned or used as commercial development for 50 or more years
- Primarily zero-lot-line developments
- Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
- Substantial, multi-level historic buildings or a historic district
- Appropriate mix of businesses and services
- Representation by a specific downtown business organization such as a Downtown Development Authority or other non-profit.
Michigan Main Street Program Statement
The Michigan Main Street program’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.
Michigan Main Street Program Goals
In the year 2018, the Michigan Main Street (MMS) 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®.
Communities
MMS Communities stand as role models for local economic vitality and the places people want to live, work, and play. MMS Communities provoke a strong sense of place celebrating their unique culture and heritage. Their preservation ethics and design practices show pride in their historic fabric. Existing businesses are successful and new businesses come to complement the clusters of unique shops and services.
Local Main Street Programs
The local MMS programs are comprehensive, driven by local leaders and skilled staff that demonstrate continued broad-based public-private sector support that proudly sustain their vibrant districts.
MMS Program
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 Approach® and is an integral part of Michigan’s placed-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.
Team
The MMS team is well-trained, energetic and trusted and is viewed as state-wide and national experts in all aspects of the Four-Point Approach®. These MMS professionals deliver proactive and highly-effective levels of service. The team is passionate about revitalization of Michigan communities and committed to the economic and organizational sustainability of MMS programs. Its customer-centric environment encourages collaboration and creativity, while providing a cross-disciplinary approach to revitalization. The MMS team is made up of professionals who believe that their success can only be measured by the success of the communities they serve.
If your community is interested in additional information on the Michigan Main Street program, including how to apply for the program or to have a staff member speak with your community, please call 517-241-1737 or email info@michiganmainstreetcenter.org .
*Michigan Main Street Program years run from July to June of the following year. Charts reflect an annual increase in the number of participating communities. These figures are derived from Michigan Main Street community annual reports.