NEWS & UPDATES

MAY 2025

NEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES

Please join us in welcoming Linabella, Pure Manistee Gifts, and The Nautical Nook who have officially opened their doors in Downtown Manistee this past quarter!

MANISTEE DDA PUBLIC HEARING

The Manistee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will hold a Public Hearing at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, as part of its regular monthly meeting. The meeting will be held at the West Shore Community College Manistee Downtown Education Center, Classroom B (400 River Street, Manistee MI, 49660). 


The purpose of the hearing is to approve the 2025-2026 annual budget for the DDA. This is the final step in the DDA budget process, as the DDA created and submitted its budget to the City Council for deliberation and the City Council approved the DDA budget as part of their budgeting process. The public is invited to attend the DDA meeting on June 11th, and there will be public comment for those who wish to comment on the DDA budget for the next fiscal year.

STREETSCAPE UPDATE: RAP GRANT RECEIVED!

After applying earlier this year, Manistee DDA received $756,825 from the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program!


Manistee, among 26 other applicants, was selected out of 81 candidates across the state of Michigan for these funds. This is a BIG win towards kicking off the first phase of the Streetscape Project.


Thank you to Bill Gambill (City of Manistee), Sammie Lukaskiewicz (Manistee County Tourism Authority), Lucas Richardson (Spicer Group), Andrew Stafford (Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce), and the entire DDA Streetscape committee for their role in securing these funds. This is what collaboration looks like!

RIVERWALK UPDATES

ADA accessible entrances to the Riverwalk are well underway! To stay up-to-date, the City of Manistee provides updates on their construction projects on their website.


Do you have questions about the renovations that have and are taking place along the Riverwalk? City Manager, Bill Gambill, will be present at the next Downtown Business Connection meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 8:30 AM at 400 River Street to answer any questions.

FACADE GRANT NOW ROLLING

Moving forward, applications for the Facade Grant will now be accepted on a rolling basis!


Now, commercial property owners in the Manistee Downtown District interested in receiving financial assistance towards exterior rehabilitation/renovation projects can submit an application anytime in the year!


For more information or questions, please email director@manisteedowntown.com.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Tight Lines for Troops


This weekend is Tight Lines for Troops, the annual fishing tournament for Michigan veterans!


The tournament officially starts Saturday, May 16 at 6:30 AM at Manistee Pier Heads and ends at 12:30 PM at Manistee Iron Works. Please grab a USA flag, head to the pier, and show your support for our veterans!

Manistee National Forest Festival: Parade Applications & Event Submission Form

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Manistee National Forest Festival... and YOU are invited to get involved!


Businesses across Manistee are encouraged to start thinking now about fun events you will hold during this 5-day festival; fill out the Event Submission Form to be included on the festival website (and the easily-shareable brochure if you submit your event by June 6).


You are also invited to consider your entry to the Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4th. Let's get into the spirit of the forest this year: floats of all kinds are STRONGLY encouraged. The deadline to apply is June 20.

Northview Seniors Visit Downtown Manistee


On August 19th, 20th, and 21st, we are excited to welcome ~116 Northview Senior Citizens from Grand Rapids, MI to Downtown Manistee! A portion of the citizens will visit on each of the individual days. Each day, guests will arive via bus and spend time exploring downtown from about 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.


We encourage you to have your store open and ready to greet these visitors as they experience everything Downtown Manistee has to offer!

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS CONNECTION MEETINGS

We invite and welcome everyone to participate in the monthly Downtown Business meetings which are held in person, typically on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 AM, located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.


NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, May 20 at 8:30 AM


City Manager, Bill Gambill, will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have involving the renovations taking place on the Riverwalk.

DDA BOARD MEETINGS & PUBLIC HEARING

The Downtown Development Authority Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 AM, located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.


PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING AGENDAS

March 12, 2025

April 9, 2025

May 14, 2025


UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

June 11, 2025

July 9, 2025

August 13, 2025

The 'Stee SOCIAL DISTRICT

Open 7 days a week

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM


PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

  1. The Outsider
  2. Fricano's Manistee River
  3. North Channel Brewing Co.
  4. The Ramsdell Inn & TJ's Pub
  5. The Historic Vogue Theatre
  6. Taco 'Bout It Mexican Bar
  7. The Golden Stag
  8. Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar
  9. Third Life Brewing

Please be following the social district rules so that we can all enjoy the district safely.

View the Social District Rules & FAQs here.


PLEASE NOTE: All State of Michigan and City of Manistee laws apply, including but not limited to those prohibiting public intoxication, impaired driving, and serving alcohol to minors.



If you need more Social District stickers, please contact Nicole Kaminski at Programs@ManisteeChamber.com

RIVER STREET PARKING

Just a friendly reminder that River Street parking is limited to two (2) hours.



There are plenty of parking options within a short distance. Read the Full Ordinance HERE.


Please see the parking map HERE for all downtown spots available.

Thank you to the Manistee DPW and to Jim Pawlowski!

The spring planters and baskets are being put up and Downtown Manistee is looking ready for summer.


Does your storefront have a planter?

Don't forget to keep an eye on your greenery. Help DPW keep our downtown looking beautiful by watering your planters!

Manistee Downtown Development Authority ManisteeDowntown.com
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