MANISTEE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT 2026 PRIORITIES

The Manistee Downtown Development Authority’s primary priority is supporting the continued revitalization and economic strength of downtown Manistee.



The DDA’s 2026–2027 focus is the River Street Streetscape redesign, while continuing to support downtown businesses through facade improvements, placemaking, and business development initiatives.

Facade Restoration Grant:

Own a property or business in the Manistee Downtown District? Apply for a Manistee DDA Façade Grant, which helps fund exterior renovations and restorations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; any time is a great time to enhance your downtown property!

Plan Ahead: Business Funding Available

As planning continues for the upcoming MDOT 2027 - 2028 US-31 Construction Project, now is the time for businesses to start thinking ahead about ways to prepare and strengthen their operations. Funding support may be available to help address key needs and position your business for what’s ahead.

If your Manistee County business needs help to fill gaps, from signage to equipment, renovations or more, a fund managed by Venture North Funding and Development may be what you need.

To learn more, contact Steve Brower at steve@venturenorthfunding.org or 231-499-3854.

Downtown Dads Day - Saturday, June 20

• Get creative with your in-store experience

• Offer specials, giveaways, samples, or activities

• Create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for shoppers to enjoy



• Encourage guests to explore, shop, and stay awhile



To participate: email director@manisteedowntown.com

Deadline for participation is Friday, May 29th at 5:00PM

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 5).

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 19.

MDOT 2027 - 2028

US-31 Construction Project

Project Timeline:

• Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027 and is expected to be fully completed by Fall 2028.

• 2027: Work will occur on the portion from Stronach Road to River Street.

• 2028: Work will occur on the portion from the US-31 bridge near River Street to the M-55 intersection, divided into two phases.

• Phase 1: The half closer to M-55



• Phase 2: The half closer to River Street

For up-to-date information, visit ManisteeChamber.com

Business Feedback Requested: US-31 Project Preparation

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking feedback from businesses regarding the upcoming US-31 construction project (2027–2028) to better understand how this work may impact your business and how support can be provided.

Feedback can be shared by contacting Kaylie Jensen, Engagement Specialist with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, at engagement@manisteechamber.com.

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, June 16, 8:30 AM

DDA BOARD MEETINGS

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 MINUTES:

March 11, 2026

April 8, 2026

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS:

June 10, 2026

July 8, 2026 - Annual Meeting

August 12, 2026

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. Manistee Wine Studio
4. TJ's Pub
5. The Vogue Theatre
6. Don Tequila Mexican Restaurant
7. Taco 'Bout It Mexican Fusion
8. The Golden Stag
9. Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar
10. Scooby's Snack Shack
11. 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 are interesting in learning more about the Social District, please contact director@manisteedowntown.com

REMINDER: DOWNTOWN PARKING

Just a friendly reminder that on-street parallel parking in Downtown Manistee is intended for customers visiting local shops, restaurants, and businesses. To help keep these convenient spaces available for visitors, we encourage downtown business owners and employees to utilize municipal parking lots for longer-term parking needs, including work shifts and meetings.

Thank you for helping keep downtown accessible, welcoming, and easy to enjoy for everyone!

90th Manistee National Forest Festival Anniversary T-Shirts

Celebrate 90 years of the Manistee National Forest Festival with a limited-edition anniversary t-shirt! Available in Desert Pink, Light Blue, and Natural, these commemorative tees are available by pre-order only through June 4, 2026.

Pick-Up Information:

• June 24, 2026 | 9 AM – 5 PM

• West Shore Community College -

Downtown Education Center

400 River Street, Manistee, MI 49660

*Shipping available for an additional cost