Mt. Pleasant Awarded $2.79M Grant for New Farmers Market Pavilion and Commercial Kitchen

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been awarded $2.79 million through the Michigan Talent Partnership Program, a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The funding will support the construction of a new, multi-use, state-of-the-art pavilion in Island Park, including a commercial kitchen incubator.

The project will be a major addition to the park’s existing pavilions, which were originally constructed in the 1970s. While the current structures have served the City for decades, they cannot provide the flexible, year-round space needed for community programs, gatherings, and events.

“As communities across the state of Michigan continue to navigate uncertain economic times, this grant from the Michigan Talent Partnership Program will allow the City of Mt. Pleasant to build a new and innovative market space that serves as a resource for the entire Mid‑Michigan region,” said Mayor Boomer Wingard.

The new pavilion will feature a redesigned space and an incubator kitchen, creating a versatile venue for residents and community groups. It will support a wide range of activities from farmers’ markets and concerts to festivals, art fairs, and other social and cultural events, offering residents a welcoming, all-season gathering place.

“This investment positions the new multi-use pavilion as a powerful economic driver for Mt. Pleasant, supporting local farmers and vendors while expanding opportunities for small businesses through a commercial kitchen incubator,” said City of Mt. Pleasant Staff. “By creating a year-round destination that attracts visitors, fuels entrepreneurship, and strengthens the local food economy, the pavilion will help grow jobs, increase downtown activity, and enhance Mt. Pleasant’s ability to attract and retain talent.”

The incubator kitchen addresses a critical gap in local and regional food-business infrastructure. Currently, the nearest shared commercial kitchens are located more than 80 miles from Mt. Pleasant, creating a significant barrier for aspiring food entrepreneurs. By offering licensed kitchen space locally, the project will lower barriers to entry, support small and diverse businesses, and help retain food-based enterprises within the community.

With its optimized location and layout, the new pavilion will also strengthen physical and visual connections between Island Park and Downtown Mt. Pleasant, improving walkability, visibility, and the flow of foot traffic between the market and nearby businesses.

Planning and design work for the project is expected to begin in 2026. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses.

More information about the City of Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market is available at www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting Scheduled for March 11, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 11, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Presentation by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recognizing the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Redevelopment Ready Community certification.

-2018 Community Improvement Awards presentation.

-Consider recommendation for a part-time airport position and budget amendment on the same.

-Consider endorsement of comments to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding wind turbine project.

meet here. Community Rebrand Revealed

Meet here. is a community movement, created by the community and fueled by local pride.

On November 13, the public gathered at the Art Reach Gallery to celebrate the community brand reveal. This project initially began with the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau working on their separate rebrand projects. Both entities had the foresight to combine efforts and invite other partners to become involved, creating a campaign which encompasses the entire community.

The other rebrand partners involved in this process included, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Charter Township of Union, Middle Michigan Development Corporation and Mid Michigan College.

The goals for this project were as follows:

Identifying and owning our community’s sense of place.
A consistent message the entire community is committed to telling.
Making an impact inside and outside our community.
Develop an enduring brand strategy; resulting in new growth opportunities.

To help achieve these goals the community partner agencies selected The Darwin Company, a center for social impact/marketing and advertising firm to lead this process.

Numerous members of the Mt. Pleasant community answered the call to action, and shared their thoughts and insights regarding what our community currently has to offer, and what should be the hopes for the future. This was accomplished through a series of focus groups, interviews and a Town Hall Meeting. Information obtained through these collection methods was analyzed and ultimately developed into a strategic initiative designed to boost tourism, economic development and community spirit.

It became apparent through this research process that people Meet here. for various reasons. Three recurring themes emerged.

Cultural Crossroads: “We are the intersection of every walk and stage of life.”
Relaxed Lifestyle: “Live life with plenty of the hustle, but none of the hassle.”
No Compromises: “Small town feel with big city amenities.”

The Meet here. campaign is versatile and has endless possibilities for residents, businesses, and service organizations to make it their own while still incorporating the community brand.

To find out more about the Meet here. campaign and how you can utilize it visit https://www.mountpleasantwow.com/meet-here/ or visit Facebook – @Meetheremtp. You are also welcome to share your Meet here. experience at #MeetMtP. If you need information regarding how to obtain the Meet here. logo contact Darcy Orlik, Director of Public Relations, City of Mt. Pleasant at dorlik@mt-pleasant.org.