MEDC MiPlace

05/31/2026

A new public space rooted in history, memory, and community is coming to Detroit’s Northwest Goldberg neighborhood.

The Reflection Park project, supported through our Public Spaces Community Places initiative and powered by Patronicity crowdfunding in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation, will transform an underutilized site into a thoughtfully designed gathering space that honors the past, reflects the present, and inspires the future.

Designed as a place for storytelling and connection, Reflection Park will feature walking paths, seating areas, landscaping, and interpretive elements that highlight the people, places, and cultural history that shape the neighborhood.

If the campaign reaches its $50,000 goal, it will unlock matching support, helping turn community vision into a permanent, welcoming public space for residents and visitors alike.

This is placemaking with purpose: community-driven, history-centered, and built for what comes next.

We are building REFLECTION PARK, a park that will reflect on the past and present of NW Goldberg while providing programs to reflect on the community's future.

05/29/2026

Vacant lots in Detroit’s Northwest Goldberg neighborhood are being transformed into a vibrant community-owned micro-orchard.

Through the ANTOINETTE’S CORNER project, four underutilized lots will become a welcoming green space filled with mature fruit trees, pollinator gardens, raised planting beds, educational programming, and gathering spaces designed to connect neighbors and promote healthy living.

Led by NW Goldberg residents, this project is about building community resilience, increasing access to fresh food, and creating interactive spaces where neighbors can learn, gather, and grow together.

If the campaign reaches its $40,000 crowdfunding goal by July 15, it will unlock matching support from the through our Public Spaces Community Places program, in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League, through the crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

Help plant roots in NW Goldberg by supporting a community micro-orchard that nourishes neighbors, greens the block and bears fruit for years to come!

05/29/2026

Happy ! It’s time to check in with the Michigan Main Street team to see the exciting work happening in downtowns across the state.

Leigh and Laura recently traveled to Downtown Cheboygan to work alongside program staff and volunteer board members on refreshing a transformation plan for the district.

While in town, they also had the chance to attend Cheboygan’s volunteer appreciation celebration at beloved local ice cream shop The Dipper and connect with some of the dedicated people working behind the scenes to help make downtown Cheboygan such a welcoming, vibrant, and thriving place.

Strong downtowns are powered by passionate local leaders, and Cheboygan is full of them!

05/29/2026

Future developers got a firsthand look at what redevelopment takes in Nashville, Michigan.

Hosted by the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance, the Emerging Developer Workshop brought together nearly 25 participants to explore the redevelopment process inside the recently rehabilitated Court-Side Screen Printing & Embroidery building.

The project was supported in part by a $365,000 MEDC Build MI Community grant and now serves as a real-world example of how strategic investment and strong partnerships can bring new life to community spaces.

Attendees connected with experts from MEDC, EGLE, Highpoint Community Bank, SME USA , Driven Design Studio, and Stransen Development Group to learn more about financing, environmental considerations, design, and the realities of bringing redevelopment projects to life.

Building stronger communities starts with building the next generation of developers.

05/28/2026

Residents in Southwest Detroit could be leading the charge toward a greener, safer, and more connected neighborhood.

The Charge Up Detroit Micro-Resilience Hub project will transform neighborhood spaces into a network of community gardens and connected pathways designed by residents, for residents. Led by Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision and the North Toledo Block Club Detroit, the project will improve neighborhood connectivity, expand access to resources, beautify public spaces, and incorporate clean energy solutions through solar power.

As the anchor site of the Southwest Detroit Chargeway, this resident-driven effort demonstrates the power of community-led placemaking to create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods while addressing mobility and traffic safety challenges.

If the campaign reaches its $50,000 crowdfunding goal by June 29, it will unlock matching support from the MEDC through the Public Spaces Community Places program, with support from our partners at the Michigan Municipal League, through the crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

Support building a community space created by residents for residents, with sustainability and safety at its core!

05/27/2026

Partnerships drive progress in across Michigan - just check out what success looks like from region 8 in southwest Michigan!

Recently, the Region 8 team joined Cornerstone Alliance for its Annual Meeting to celebrate a year of momentum across Berrien County, from business growth and redevelopment to transformational public spaces and future-ready industrial sites.

And when we think about it, there's so much to celebrate in R8, a standout project being the Canal Commons in Benton Harbor. Through collaboration between Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County, and community partners, a formerly vacant riverfront parcel has been transformed into an activated public space that will host events and programming beginning this summer, creating new energy and long-term revitalization along the waterfront.

Through our ongoing partnership, we also helped connect local companies to resources like Second Stage Growth Solutions, international trade support, redevelopment assistance, and the Strategic Site Readiness Program to position the Lake Michigan Industrial Park for the next generation of industrial and advanced manufacturing investment.

From bringing developers and funders together to reimagining vacant buildings and underutilized spaces, this work is helping build stronger communities and a more resilient regional economy!

05/26/2026

A long-vacant, fire-damaged building in Downtown Coldwater is back to life, and the community showed up to celebrate!

recently joined local partners and community members for the ribbon cutting of the RAP-supported redevelopment at 22 West Pearl Street, now known as The Bennett Apartments.

Once left vacant after a fire, the historic property has been fully transformed into five residential units and a new commercial space.

The project was led by Grace and Noah Roberts, who worked with the City of Coldwater and state partners to assemble the tools and financing needed to bring this long-anticipated rehab across the finish line.

The celebration featured live music, food trucks, and a strong turnout, a true reflection of the momentum this project is bringing back to downtown.

From vacant to vibrant, this is what redevelopment looks like in action!

05/26/2026

🚨Funding Alert! 🚨 The Save America’s Treasures program has released its latest Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for both the Preservation and Collections categories. Applications are due June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

This federal program, administered by the National Park Service in partnership with IMLS, NEA, and NEH, provides critical support for the preservation of nationally significant historic resources.

Funding is available for two project types:
1. Collections Projects: Support for nationally significant artifacts, documents, artworks, and similar cultural materials.
2. Preservation Projects: Planning and “bricks and mortar” rehabilitation for historic buildings and structures.

Eligible Preservation projects must be:
✅Individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance, or
✅A contributing resource in a National Register district listed at the national level of significance, or
✅Designated as a National Historic Landmark.

This is a great opportunity for Michigan communities, nonprofits, and developers working to reactivate historic assets, strengthen local identity, and support placemaking goals. If you’re exploring a preservation project that may qualify, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office is happy to help you assess eligibility and discuss how this funding could support your broader redevelopment vision. Please reach out with any questions!

Images include Historic Fort Wayne, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. All three preservation projects have previously been awarded funding through Saving America's Treasures grant program. See more SAT funded projects at the interactive map below!

05/23/2026

A long-vacant building in Muskegon Heights is being transformed into a vibrant, universally accessible literacy hub for the community. Through our Public Spaces Community Places initiative, in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, the Read Muskegon campaign is working to bring expanded literacy programming, workforce development, ESL classes, family learning opportunities, and community gathering space to residents across Muskegon County.

If the campaign reaches its $75,000 crowdfunding goal, the project will unlock matching grant support through the PSCP program, plus additional accessibility funding to help ensure the space is welcoming for all!

This is what community-driven revitalization looks like: investing in people, strengthening opportunity, and creating spaces where communities can learn, connect, and thrive.

Transforming a long-vacant building in Muskegon Heights into a vibrant Literacy Center, expanding free programs and strengthening community through literacy.

05/22/2026

Have you heard the news?! Detroit is hosting the next Main Street Now Conference, taking place May 3-5, 2027. 🎉

The annual Main Street Now Conference is the largest gathering of community leaders, civic officals , and industry professionals working at the intersection of economic development, civic infrastructure, and historic preservation in historic Main Street commercial districts. Experts in economic development, historic preservation, and place management will lead dynamic professional development sessions and network‑building activities. Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in immersive learning experiences through mobile workshops and tours hosted by local Main Street communities.

Between sessions, attendees will have the chance to explore the many local Michigan Main Street districts—starting with three districts in the of Detroit: Mexicantown, Live6, and North End. Beyond Detroit, the conference is also nearby 30 Main Street Oakland County communities and five additional Michigan Main Street districts (Hamtramck, Grosse Pointe, Saline, Blissfield, Adrian, and Howell), offering a first‑hand look at the partnerships and placemaking strategies powering vibrancy across the state.

With our partners at Advantage Oakland, we are excited to showcase Main Street at work in communities across Metro Detroit and beyond. More details are coming soon! For now, mark your calendar and get ready to experience Main Street Now in the Motor City—where Michigan’s communities continue to lead with creativity, partnership, and a passion for place.