Behind the Scenes - The 4-1-1 Bistro-Lounge Opens
A new restaurant named the 4-1-1 Bistro-Lounge has opened in the lower level of the historic Frauenthal Theatre. I met with owner Paul Broussard to talk about what his new restaurant is bringing to downtown.
MS: This space used to be the City Café. What changes have you made in here?
PB: There have been changes made to restaurant’s interior, menu, and atmosphere. The walls of the restaurant now feature art for sale from local and Michigan artists. Right now we are featuring an artist named Lazarus Bain. The 4-1-1 is also providing live entertainment. We are reaching out to local musicians and comedians.
MS: What will make this more successful than the previous restaurant?
PB: We will be trying different things that the previous restaurant didn’t do. We will reach out to the local community and try to make this a more community-oriented establishment. One thing we are doing is allowing non-profits to use this space on Saturday afternoon for fundraising events.
MS: Have you done any advertising?
PB: So far we have done very little. We have done some radio commercials and are included in some local brochures including the Downtown Muskegon brochure.
MS: What made you want to have a restaurant downtown?
PB: It was by chance. I had lunch in the City Café and thought the space was appealing. I asked the owner about doing some events at the restaurant. Instead the owner offered to sell me the business. I had owned a restaurant in Atlanta and after some thought I decided operating a restaurant here would be doable. By that point the City Café had closed. I ended up going through the Community Foundation, which owns this building.
MS: What type of food is the 4-1-1 serving?
PB: We are a bistro-style restaurant with a Creole flair. We serve soup, salads, and sandwiches.
MS: How many people can you seat?
PB: We have a capacity of 137, including the bar.
MS: What types of events will you have here?
PB: We will have different events each night of the week.
Monday night is karaoke.
Tuesday is open mic night.
Wednesday is comedy night.
Thursday is ladies night.
Friday & Saturday nights have live entertainment and dancing.
Also, every first Thursday of the month we will have poetry night.
MS: What are your hours?
PB: Monday-Thursday 11am-midnight
Friday 11am-2am
Saturday 5pm to 2am
Closed Sunday
MS: Thank you for meeting with me and good luck!
Check it out on the web
The 4-1-1 BistroLabels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes - Fricano Event Cnter Opens in the Hartshorn Centre
Ted Fricano has been a part of the downtown Muskegon business community since 2002 when he opened Fricano's Muskegon Lake in the Hartshorn Centre. Last year he purchased the Hartshorn Centre and opened an event center on the same level as his restaurant. We caught up with Ted Fricano so he could tell us about his new event center and all the other things he has going in the Hartshorn Center.
MS: Thank you for meeting with me. Could you please describe what the Fricano Event Center is?
TF: It’s another business venture within Hartshorn Centre. It’s a banquet facility that can seat 500, or a crowd of 800.
MS: Could you please tell me the history of this building?
TF: It was built in the late 1800s as the Hartshorn Curtain Roller Factory. The factory operated until the early 1980s. Later in the 1980s it became the short-lived Lumbertown Mall. In the 1990s it was Waterfront Centre. In 2001, George Bailey and John Bultema purchased the building and renamed it the Hartshorn Centre. Fricano’s Muskegon Lake opened here in 2002. In early 2009, I bought the entire building.
MS: What was the space used for before you created the Event Center?
TF: In the 1990s it was a haphazard banquet room. A call center occupied the space from 2002 to 2007.
MS: What gave you the idea for the Fricano Event Center?
TF: I was interviewed by the Muskegon Chronicle after buying the building. They asked about the plans for the empty call center. I told them that if I couldn’t find another call center to take the space I’d put in a banquet center. Within a week of the article being published I received five phone calls at home from people wanting to know when the banquet center would be ready. By the time the Fricano Event Center was finished we had received over 200 inquiries about it.
MS: What types of events have you hosted? What types can you host?
TF: We’ve had wedding receptions, Chamber events, beer expos, Christmas parties, and will host an Irish Fest the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day.
We can host anything. We can host conventions. We are working with the Holiday Inn to provide lodging while we provide convention space. We are also working with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Another event that we will be starting in the space is a dinner theater.
MS: Why invest in downtown Muskegon?
TF: I built the restaurant here because the building had the gift of nostalgia. Furthermore, two men, George Bailey and John Bultema, were very gracious with the lease terms here. They guided us to success.
I bought the building to protect the restaurant and provide for my family.
MS: So I hear your bar comes from somewhere else?
TF: Yes! The bar comes from Art Smith’s bar in Muskegon Heights. The bar is 80-90 years old and we restored it here.
MS: You bought Hartshorn Centre last year. What are some of the improvements you’ve done to the building?
TF: Since purchasing the building in 2009 I have renovated 20,000 sq ft, or one-third of the entire building. I’m also in the process of completing renovations on an additional 8,000 sq ft of space on the third floor. A new HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) system has been installed. Also, there is new flooring and paint in many parts of the building.
MS: I also understand you’ve started a Jazz Night at Fricano’s. Tell me about that.
TF: Jazz Night is a new event that takes place every Thursday night in the Stewart Hartshorn Suite. Jazz Night features the Shea/Lawrence/Hartman Trio.
The Stewart Hartshorn Suite is another new addition to the building. It is a 75-seat private dining room created in the space of an old storeroom.
MS: Any future plans you’d like to share?
TF: We have an enormous number of events coming to the Event Center. We already have 25 of the Saturdays in 2010 committed!
Besides the Event Center, the third floor of Hartshorn Centre is also undergoing renovations. The floor will have office space for lease from 300 to 6,000 sq ft. The floor will have a 1930s look that revisits a time when Muskegon was more prosperous.
MS: Thank you for your time!
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – A Sneak Peak at Continuity
Next week Continuity, a new shop, will be opening on Third Street in downtown Muskegon. The shop, located at 1115 Third Street, Ste. 3 is being opened by Jennifer Cross. She was able to spare some time to tell me about her new business.
MS: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Could you please describe your new business?
JC: Continuity is a casual eclectic shop featuring unique antiques, nostalgic vintage and one of a kind upcycled goods. The store will carry home décor and furniture. The store will also do consignments.
MS: What gave you the idea to open this kind of business?
JC: A combination of things led me to starting Continuity. I grew up around antiques, I like vintage goods, I’m into the green movement, I wanted to open a unique destination shop downtown, and I wanted to have fun!
MS: Is this your first business?
JC: Yes, but I spent the last five years working for the Chamber of Commerce where we helped so many others start businesses that I felt compelled to start my own.
MS: Why the name Continuity?
JC: Continuity means continuous movement. A lot of these pieces in my store haven’t been changed since they were produced. My store is giving them a chance to continue on to a new life instead of going to a landfill.
MS: How will you differentiate yourself from similar businesses in the area?
JC: There are no businesses like this in Muskegon. My store is not like an antique shop where everything is crammed into whatever space it can fit in. My store has separate vignettes where each piece is specifically laid out.
MS: Why did you decide to open your business Downtown?
JC: To put it simply, there was no other option. Downtowns are places people expect to find unique businesses like mine. I’m a diehard believer in Muskegon, so I wanted my store to be in this downtown.
MS: Why did you choose Third Street for your shop?
JC: It is a very diverse neighborhood. You see all types walking down the street. I also see Third Street becoming a niche vintage area.
MS: Perhaps the most important question is when will your store open?
JC: I will have a soft opening on Tuesday, June 8th. I will have a grand opening later on in June.
MS: What will your store hours be?
JC: Tuesday – Friday from 10:30am to 6pm
Saturday from 10:30am to 4pm
Sunday – Monday the store will be closed
MS: Thank you for meeting with me and good luck!
Check it out on the web
Continuity's Website
Continuity's Facebook
Continuity's Twitter
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes - Heritage Square & The Russell Block Market
One of the major players in the redevelopment of downtown Muskegon is Gary Post. He has already redeveloped the historic Century Club into Hegg’s Gallery. Now he is busy building the Heritage Square Townhomes and attempting to turn the old Daniel’s building into the Russell Block Market. I met with Mr. Post and got an update on this downtown projects.
MS: Thank you for meeting with me Mr. Post. Can you tell me why you decided to focus your developments in downtown Muskegon?
GP: All of us in the Greater Muskegon area are associated with Muskegon. Whether we live in Norton Shores, North Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, or Roosevelt Park the success of our whole area is tied to the success of Muskegon. For the area to prosper it needs a strong core. Downtown Muskegon is that core.
MS: For those who are not familiar, could you please describe the Heritage Square Townhome development?
GP: The Heritage Square Townhomes are rowhouse styled, live-work, condo units, in a renaissance zone development. I think the development is very unique in its architecture, and its living offerings. We have all sorts of housing available downtown, but this development is different from the others. I think it compliments the others and adds something new.
MS: So you are still interested in the having small office or retail space on the first floor of some of the units?
GP: Yes, I am. I run my business out of the office in my townhouse and one of the new owners is having an office put in his new unit. I’ve also been thinking about possibly putting retail space in the corner units.
: You are building two townhouses right now. Do you have buyers for them?
GP: Yes, both are sold. The buyers represent two different groups. One of the new homes is being built for a couple that work near downtown. This new home will put them much closer to their jobs. The other buyer became interested in the development due to the renaissance zone tax savings.
MS: How much interest have you had in the townhouse development?
GP: I’ve had a lot of interest. Everyone is facing challenges in this economy, but we also have a lot going for us and the interest has continued to be strong.
MS: Why do you think you’ve been successful selling townhouses at a time when the housing market is so poor and many houses are for sale in the area?
GP: I think it’s because we have the right product, with the right incentives, at the right time. People who have looked at our model have been impressed with what we’re building here.
MS: Not only are you a downtown developer, but you’re also a downtown resident. How do you like living downtown?
GP: I’ve got the LC Walker, the bike path, the Frauenthal, the YMCA, and more within walking distance. What’s not to like?
MS: You’ve also been working hard to get the Russell Building (formerly Daniel’s) renovated and made into the Russell Block Market. What gave you the idea for the Market?
GP: It goes back a few years to visiting my son in Seattle. They have a place there named Pike Place Market. I have visited many more urban markets since then, but that was the place that first gave me the idea for the Russell Block Market.
MS: Can you briefly describe what the Russell Block Market will be?
GP: The Russell Block Market really incorporates four things:
First, it is a small business incubator. It provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a retail business in downtown Muskegon. The concept piggybacks on the Chamber theme to "Start Today" to create a business. It cultivates the 'Economic Gardening' soil many folks recognize is the way out of the dismal economy we're in. It encourages and supports the entrepreneurial culture necessary to create jobs and retain the 'best and brightest' of our young people.
Second, it is a key element in the restoration of a 'historic' building in the heart of our downtown that many people believe to be an important connection to our past.
Third, the Market will be a critical part of re-establishing retail in our downtown core, which was virtually lost when the downtown mall closed. It will serve as a catalyst to attract other retailers and businesses, as well.
Fourth, the Market will be a significant attraction bringing people and traffic downtown.
MS: From the floors plans on the front of the building it looks like only the basement and first floor will have market space. Will the upper floors also be market space, or will they have another use?
GP: There are several possibilities including more market space, an art center, or office space for lease.
MS: Finally, can you describe how you are trying to pay for a project that banks won't finance?
GP: We have formed a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that is the Market (Russell Block Market, Inc.) to facilitate investment in the project. In addition to personal financing, we anticipate support from the business and philanthropic community. Several grant programs are available to us and we have already made application to a couple of those. Some conventional financing may also be necessary depending on the success of raising the money elsewhere.
Check it out on the web
Heritage Square Townhomes
Russell Block Market
Western Avenue Properties
Labels: Downtown E-News
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Behind the Scenes - Club Envy Opening on Tap
Club Envy’s been in the news a lot recently, but with it’s grand opening around the corner Muskegon Main Street decided to stop by and see how plans are developing. Of course, by way of background Club Envy is the new nightclub that is opening at 441 W. Western Ave on Feb 20, 2010.
MS: Been some progress since I was here a few weeks ago. Are the renovations just about complete?
DN: Yes, we have just about completed all the renovations and are finishing our detail work and starting to clean. We will be continuing to upgrade and renovate as we reinvest in the company. Club Envy will stay fresh and exciting.
MS: Any tweaks to the direction of the entertainment at Club Envy over the last month?
DN: Yes we are definately hashing out all the details and our own ideas, as well as, members of the community and our staff's input. However, overall we have stayed true to our business plan and the vision we had from the beginning. We still will be Muskegon's entertainment venue with live music of all genre's.
MS: Well I know you have a big opening night planned. Let us know about that.
DN: We have our soft opening with friends, family and members of the community on this week. On February 20th we will have our grand opening. We're pretty excited about that night as local rockers of Rothbury fame, Four Finger Five, along with Funktion, and Theo Katzman, will be performing. Four Finger Five has a enthusiastic local following, and is a great band to see for the first time, so we are sure it will be a hit!
MS: Has Four Finger Five given you any insight to the situation at Rothbury?
DN: No. Our conversations with Four Finger Five have focused on their performance at Club Envy.
MS: Shoot, I am sure they have an interesting perspective having performed at both events. Any entertainment that will be coming on the heels of opening night that you would like to tell us about?.
DN: Yes, we have some exciting regional and national acts that we are looking at. We have committed to work with Summer Celebration and their Battle of the bands which will take place April 23 and 24. We are not yet releasing any other information presently but continue to visit Club Envy's webpage for details of upcoming events.
MS: Well we certainly know you’ve invested a lot of yourself into this effort and we’re sure you’re going to find there are a lot of downtown Muskegon fans who like to party. All the best.
DN: Thanks.
Check it out on the web
Club Envy website
Chronicle article profiling Club Envy
WZZM article profiling Club Envy
Chronicle article on Club Envy opening
Club Envy on Facebook
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Hockey Urban Experiment hits Muskegon
Grand Rapids has gained some notoriety the last number of year with a fellow named Rob Bliss coining, and pulling off, some interesting urban experiments. They've had the Zombie Walk, the Pillow Fight, the Tomato Fight, and of course the Airplane Drop at ArtPrize. Along that vein, some folks got thinking about something similar that could be pulled off downtown Muskegon, and voila, the Main Street Hockey Experiment. The Experiment will take place in conjunction with the upcoming Muskegon Snowfest and a Muskegon Lumberjacks game taking place that night. We caught up with Dan Rinsema-Sybenga of Muskegon Main Street to fill us in on the details.
MS: What's the idea with the Main Street Hockey Experiment?
DRS: The idea is to create a memorable, participatory, crowd experience that people with have fun with. The idea is simple, but remember its an experiment. On Saturday, Feb 6, Western Ave between 4th and 5th will be closed to traffic. It will be set up as a block long hockey area. At two o'clock we'll start registration with the help of the Muskegon Skirtz, and folks will be able to enter the playing area, and will be assigned to one of two teams. By three we hope a mass of hockey players will have registered, and we'll drop up to 50 balls on the street for the players to use to score goals on their "opponents" net. The game will go for 60 minutes and we expect a fun, memorable game, to take place.
MS: Is this an ice hockey game?
DRS: Let me be clear. This is NOT an ice hockey game. It will be played, whatever the weather conditions, on the street, with participants wearing shoes or boots, as street hockey is played everywhere. The only thing a player needs to bring is a hockey stick to use during the game.
MS: What feedback have you gotten so far?
DRS: People who have heard are excited. We are spreading the word through social media like Facebook and Twitter, and we are expecting a lot of buzz as the event comes closer. We are thinking it is going to create quite a scene and social media buzz the day of.
MS: What's the reason for trying an event like this?
DRS: We want to be cool too! No, seriously when we have seen these type of events promoted other places they have given folks the ability come and do something fun and completely out of the ordinary in their own community. Also, this event fits Muskegon to a T with our proud hockey heritage, and it is also going to be part of a completely great day downtown Muskegon with Snowfest and the Lumberjacks hockey game going on. You can come down for the Chili Cook-off, play the hockey game, enjoy a beverage at the Snowfest tent, and top it off with a Lumberjacks game all with one trip!
MS: Sounds like fun. Thanks for organizing and we hope this experiment goes well and we see more experiments soon.
DRS: We're hoping so as well. Be sure to sign up to plan on Facebook!.
Check it out on the web
Main Street Hockey Experiment website
Main Street Hockey Experiment YouTube promo
Main Street Hockey Experiment on Facebook
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
MS: How many people can you seat? 
