Grand Haven wants input to revitalize historic Centertown district with new vision plan

GRAND HAVEN — For more than a century, the Centertown district in Grand Haven has served as a gateway to the heart of the city. 

Now, city officials are asking residents to help decide what the next chapter of that slice of town will look like.

The city announced Thursday the launch of a comprehensive update to the Centertown Vision Plan, a strategic roadmap first established in 2014. The initiative seeks to modernize the district’s development goals, ensuring the area remains responsive to the evolving needs of local businesses and residents, according to a press release.

Read More: Grand Haven launches initiative to reimagine its Centertown

The public phase of the project kicks off Friday, Jan. 16, with a community open house designed to gather "boots-on-the-ground" perspectives on how the district should look, feel, and function in the coming decades.

"Centertown is a special gateway to Grand Haven," said Chandi Pape, Main Street director. "One of our Downtown Development Authority goals is to improve connectivity through thoughtful placemaking efforts that create links between key areas, foster community interaction, and strengthen the overall flow between districts."

Storied past, strategic future

Centertown’s roots stretch back to the 1890s. Originally a mix of neighborhood services such as cobblers and grocers interspersed with lumber mills and basket-weaving factories, the district has transformed into a popular commercial corridor. 

The update process, which begins this winter and extends through early summer, aims to balance that historic character with modern infrastructure and economic demands.

City officials are looking for feedback on "placemaking" — a multi-faceted approach to the planning and design of public spaces that capitalizes on a local community's assets to promote people's health, happiness and wellbeing.

Public engagement opportunities

The city has scheduled a two-part open house for Jan. 16 at 707 Centertown, 707 Washington Ave., to maximize participation:

• 3:30-5 p.m.: A family-friendly session open to all ages.
• 5-7 p.m.: A session held in conjunction with the "Wine About Winter" event, intended for participants aged 21 and older.

For those unable to attend in person, the city is launching an online survey that will remain open from Jan. 16 through Feb. 6. Information regarding the survey and the broader planning process is available at the project’s dedicated portal.

"We are excited to have this updated vision plan process lay the groundwork for the future," Pape said.

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