Tag: Amenities

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives $1 Million MEDC Grant for Town Center Civic Space Project

The City of Mt. Pleasant has recently been awarded a $1 million grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (RAP) program.

This funding will support the Town Center Civic Space Project, a $2,278,462 initiative aimed at revitalizing Town Center located at Broadway and Main Street. Additional funding is provided by the City’s General Fund.

The Town Center Civic Space Project will create a versatile space for public gatherings, events and recreational activities and include the following amenities:

  • Expansive Green Space: A significant increase in green space contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity.
  • Universal Accessibility Design: Ensures easy navigation for all community members.
  • Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
  • Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure: A modernized power system to better support a range of events and activities.
  • Additional Parking Spaces: Gain of (18) total parking lot and on-street parking spaces.
  • Traffic Calming: Removal of the portion of Mosher Street between Main and Broadway Street to increase pedestrian safety.
  • New Accessible Public Restrooms
  • Increased Pedestrian Lighting
  • Site Added Features: Benches, trash cans, bike racks, universally accessible pathways.

“We are thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support of our Town Center Civic Space Project,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “This grant will enable us to create a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable public space which fosters both social interaction and economic development.”

Engineering plans for this project will be completed in the near future, followed by a formal bid process. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated December 2024 completion date.

The State of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, as well as public space improvements associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, and outdoor dining initiatives. The state received $500 million in applications for the $100 million available.