In 2003, Portland was chosen as one of only four cities to participate in Michigan’s first Main Street program. Why Portland? The Main Street selection team did not simply look at Portland’s application and its enthusiastic presentation. Our commitment to the downtown’s future and our history of sound, insightful economic development proved to the selection team that we have what it takes to be a Main Street Community! And the residents have expressed their vision, loud and clear! They want a walkable community, small-town charm, and a thriving downtown.
Just think about what Portland has accomplished: we received a $20,000 grant for a professional market study; we received a $275,000 grant to help downtown property owners develop loft apartments; we received a $500,000 grant to extend the Rivertrail, build a pedestrian bridge linking the downtown to a beautiful band shell on the river, and reclaim an old industrial site where a beautiful riverfront condominium project is in the works; we received a $750,000 grant to loop our Rivertrail around the City and another grant to improve the recreational facilities at Bogue Flats; the DDA has given thousands of dollars in grants to property owners to help them improve their building façades; and the DDA built a new City Hall, and the library has built a 10,000 square foot addition. Both these projects are in the heart of downtown Portland and show confidence in the City’s future.
In addition to all of this, and as proof of our continued progress, Portland was chosen as one of Michigan’s first “Cool Cities” last year. As a result, we received a $100,000 “catalyst grant” to help build an elevated boardwalk along the river behind the businesses on the first block of Kent Street. The State has come through with nearly all of the remaining funds needed to build this boardwalk, and the City plans to break ground in the spring. Because of its Cool City status, Portland and its residents, businesses, and organizations are also on the top of the list for other grants, services, loans, and tax incentives available through the State of Michigan. In fact, the City received $30,000 to allow the Portland Community Arts Council proceed with its plans to create an arts center. When completed, this project will take a deteriorating piece of property on the banks of the Grand River and turn it into an artistic haven for the entire community and its visitors to enjoy.
The Main Street program gives downtown Portland three years of hands-on, individualized consulting services from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the federal Main Street program, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan State Housing Authority, and a number of other resources. Architects have already drawn plans for façade improvements on six historic buildings, and three more buildings will receive these free services over the next year.
Just watch our downtown grow. There's no stopping us now!