By Rick Charmoli
CADILLAC — One block centrally located in downtown Cadillac could look very different in the coming years.
In fact, the change has already begun.
Recent additions of new development such as Baker College student housing, the Clam Lake Beer Co. and the After 26 Café show the area around the block of Mitchell Street, Harris Street, Lake Cadillac and Cass Street is evolving. A recent grant awarded to the city is hoping to build on that momentum.
In November, the Michigan Municipal League announced that Cadillac was one of eight cities selected to receive technical assistance with key economic development projects. Those projects included an effort to revitalize the block downtown. On Thursday, the first meeting was held to discuss those plans.
Cadillac Community Development Director Jerry Adams said about 30 people representing area businesses and property owners as well as other stakeholders from the city, Cadillac DDA, Cadilac Area Visitors Bureau attended. The session focused on the identification of the physical aspects of the study area considered desirable as well as those in need of change.
Examples of desired features included the range of business services; close proximity of public parking to local businesses; the onset of new development such as the Baker College Apartments, Clam Lake Beer Co. and the After 26 Café; the city park; and the Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion and pavilion site.
Some of the features or aspects of downtown in need of change or improvement included the need for improved circulation systems — or routes of travel — for pedestrians and cyclists; the burying of overhead power lines along Elk Avenue; a greater concentration of retail development in the downtown to make shopping more attractive and enjoyable; and traffic calming on Mitchell Street.
The group also identified possible future improvements for the study area in the coming years. Examples included the closure of Lake Street between Harris and Cass streets allowing for the connection of the city park with the Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion; construction of an open-air events shelter to house the farm market and other activities; development of market rate apartments; and, the development of a White Pine Trailhead.
“A goal of the project is to develop an overall physical design plan for the project area incorporating proposed land uses, parking and vehicular circulation improvements, pedestrian circulation, possible event’s shelter and other public features, landscaping, etc,” Adams said. “The design team has visited and completed a photographic profile of the area and has obtained a host of information and studies previously completed by or for the city and DDA.”
Sometime in February or March, the team will conduct an on-site design exercise where a series of “before” and “after” graphics will be presented for public input. The graphics will offer a range of ideas regarding improvements to the study area.
This will be followed in May or June by a formal community presentation of the selected or preferred design concept. A final report, with the design concept or concepts, will be submitted in July or August.
During the early stages of the project, Adams said the design team also will conduct a series of interviews with a number of agencies, stakeholders and others to obtain input on the future of downtown Cadillac.
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