Cheboygan.

 

Downtown Development Authority

History

2011 Arts & Crafts Show

The Cheboygan Downtown Development Authority is a twelve member board composed of business owners, managers and Downtown Cheboygan residents.

Formed in 1986, the DDA's main purpose is to improve the functional quality as well as the aesthetics of Cheboygan's Downtown while preserving its character.

The DDA is funded through the capture of Cheboygan tax dollars otherwise designated to the County of Cheboygan, the Cheboygan Public Library, and the City of Cheboygan.

The Cheboygan DDA Board of Directors consists of the Mayor and 11 board members.

Cheboygan Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors

Projects

Past DDA projects include renovation and parking improvements throughout the downtown area and providing property improvement incentives. At times the DDA has purchased properties within the district to insure a viable thriving business community and will consider continuing to do so as the need arises. Project highlights:

Bank Clock.

Streetscape

A new downtown streetscape was completed which included the burying of electrical cables and the addition of new decorative lamp posts. The planting of trees was also an addition within the streetscape.  In 2009, a Main Street reconstruction project was completed including new curb, gutters and sidewalk, storm sewer and water main system replacements and upgrades, and upgraded traffic signals.

Downtown Enhancement Plan

A grant was received from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to participate in the Blueprints for Michigan Downtowns program in 2003. The funding, along with a matching dollar amount of $15,000 from the DDA, permitted HyettPalma, a national downtown consulting firm, to formulate a downtown economic development action plan.

The plan, otherwise known as the Cheboygan Downtown Blueprint, was designed to further strengthen Downtown Cheboygan and guide its future development. Under the plan, a series of high profile, high impact projects were recommended to be implemented as quickly as possible to create community support for Downtown's further economic and physical enhancement. The plan also indicated specific enhancements directed toward: public and building improvements, business development, housing, and management.

Downtown awarded $667,000!
The Cheboygan DDA was one of seven recipients of the Vibrant Small Cities Initiative, Governor Granholm's effort to create vibrant communities across the state.  "Creating vibrant communities attractive to businesses, residents and visitors is an essential part of our plan to transform Michigan's economy," Gov. Granholm said.  "This initiative is making downtowns in our small communities great places for individuals and families to live, earn and learn."

The DDA used $500,250 of the grant money toward the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Cheboygan River, connecting Major City Park and Washington Park.  The DDA utilized the remaining funds to conduct a marketing study and the purchase of wayfinding signage.  

Ottawa Park

Ottawa Park

The DDA has partnered with the Cheboygan Area Arts Council in funding Ottawa Park – a hands on community art park. The park was once home to the Ottawa Hotel, which was deeded to the DDA. Attempts were made to sell the property, but to no avail. A beautification volunteer group "dressed" the lot by the planting of day lillies; however, the vacant lot remained empty.

Ottawa Park

In 2005, the Cheboygan Area Arts Council received a grant to fund an arts park on the property. This grant, along with the DDA's commitment of providing the funding for the landscaping, has breathed new life into the vacant space within Downtown Cheboygan.
 

 

Downtown Events

The Downtown Cheboygan Blueprint revealed that an aggressive marketing campaign for Downtown Cheboygan be implemented. Through the Downtown Enhancement department, it was determined that the best way to educate residents and visitors alike about Downtown Cheboygan was to host a major event. To give Downtown Cheboygan the biggest "bang", the DDA funded two major events during Cheboygan's peak summer season.

Cheboygan Street Fair

Downtown Cheboygan's Summer Street Fair proves to be an event that caters to the local community as well as the visitors to the Cheboygan area. 

 

 

The Downtown Music Festival echoes throughout all of Downtown! This two-day event brings diverse bands to Downtown Cheboygan from across the country.

Building Façade Improvement Grant Program
A grant program is offered by the DDA for reimbursement of costs associated with design of building front and rear façade improvements in the City of Cheboygan's downtown area as recommended and described in the Blueprint. The DDA allocates $4,000 each budget year (July 1—June 30) toward this grant program and money will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The DDA will reimburse up to $1,000 toward costs associated with design relative to building front improvement approved in conjunction with guidelines, which have been adopted by the DDA. A building owner may apply to the DDA under the Building Façade Rehabilitation Program.

The Historic Resources Commission will act as a review and recommending body and also offer technical assistance to the applicant. The DDA shall review the plans of the applicant and recommendation of the Historic Resources Commission before considering approval or disapproval of an application under the DDA Building Façade Rehabilitation Program.

Michigan Cool City

Cool City Blueprint Community

Cheboygan is one of 32 Michigan Cool City communities! The "cool" designation gives Cheboygan access to additional marketing tools to promote revitalization efforts throughout downtown. Cheboygan received signs depicting the Cool City Neighborhood logo to display throughout the city in early 2006.

 

For additional information, Contact Us.