GRAND HAVEN — Grand Haven is among nine Michigan communities to receive a share of $130,250 in state grants aimed at boosting downtown enhancement and improvement projects.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced June 25 that the funding is part of the state's "Make It in Michigan" economic development strategy, designed to foster attractive places across the state.

The Main Street Vibrancy grant will specifically support the installation of backless benches, new banners, and updated wayfinding signage in downtown Grand Haven. 

These additions are intended to add to the community's broader Vibrant Spaces Initiative, a comprehensive effort to create inclusive, attractive, and functional public spaces, according to a press release.  

Chandi Pape, executive director of Grand Haven Main Street, said the grant will help the city “bring our vision to life in a really tangible way.” 

“With updated signage, we’re creating a more welcoming and connected downtown, encouraging visitors to slow down, explore and experience all we have to offer. It’s also one of our first chances to show off our new branding and share our Love Local message in a bold, visible way,” Pape said in a statement.

“Even more exciting, this project is just the beginning; it will serve as a catalyst to expand these improvements across our entire district and beyond, helping us move forward on one of our key Transformation Strategy goals: building stronger connections.”

Future phases of this initiative include installing accessible seating, tables with chessboards, bike racks and repair stations, improved landscaping, uplighting for trees, and replacing outdated wayfinding with cohesive, easy-to-read maps, markers, and banners. The Vibrancy grant funds represent only a portion of the total cost for these downtown improvements.

Other communities receiving these grants include Rogers City, Lapeer, Old Town — Lansing, Coldwater, Three Rivers, Blissfield, Saline, and North End, a community in Detroit.

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The Main Street Vibrancy Grant Program provides grants of up to $15,000 to select or master-level Michigan Main Street communities for projects that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of their downtown areas.

Whitmer, in a statement, highlighted the importance of such investments statewide. 

"Michigan's future depends on creating vibrant, welcoming places where people want to build their lives," Whitmer said. "With today's investments in nine main streets across the state, we are building up our downtowns to drive local pride, support small businesses, and create more exciting spaces for people to live, work, visit, and play. These Main Street Vibrancy grants will strengthen our communities and help us build a Michigan where everyone can thrive.”  

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.