Myriad changes in the community of Allegan in Michigan’s Great Southwest have dramatically changed the landscape in that city over the past couple of years, but none so much as the dynamic upgrades to Allegan’s Riverfront Park.
The redevelopment of the riverfront, which has included a performance stage, splash pad, community fire pit, kayak & canoe launch, a pedestrian plaza and a zip line installed by RCI Adventure Products of Allegan, has become a true source of community pride and a catalyst for additional activity throughout the community.
The redevelopment of the community’s riverfront sparked a renewed interest in investments into the downtown area. Both local and out of town investors have continued to identify opportunities in the Allegan community as it has begun to show its potential. As a result, vacant buildings are being rehabilitated, jobs are being created, and new tax revenues are being generated for future investments.
The City of Allegan recently took the opportunity to thank the various project partners at a community tour, highlighting several projects that are currently in the planning process, continuing the momentum currently underway. Partners in the riverfront redevelopment initiative included:
- The Michigan Economic Development Corporation
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
- Perrigo Company
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
On hand representing the U.S. Department of Agriculture was Jason Allen, State Rural Development Director for Michigan, who says, “What we have seen here today shows the vitality and resiliency of our country’s rural communities,” adding, “The USDA is proud to have had the opportunity to be a partner of the Allegan community.”
With the success of the riverfront project, and the energy it created in the community, city staff and consultants from Abonmarche gave the partners a preview of several new projects that are in the pre-development planning stages – and those projects are sure to further transform Allegan’s community into an economic powerhouse in rural West Michigan. Those in attendance were shown concepts for the redevelopment of the infrastructure and streetscapes in the downtown area as well as a plan to unlock the potential of the Mill District area.
Allegan Mayor Traci Perrigo says, “The goal is to create a vibrant downtown area that will further establish the City of Allegan as a center of commerce for our area, as well as a Mill District that creates a destination and attraction for persons drawn to an active lifestyle,” adding, “In order to do so, the city plans to makes investments that leverage additional state, federal, and private sector investments, making our community more attractive to both current and potential residents.”
Design work is underway on the first phase of downtown improvements with construction expected to begin in late 2020 or early 2021.
