Downtown Muskegon Blog

Behind the Scenes – Promenade Progress

It’s all covered with snow now, but next year the Third Street Promenade, along Third St between Clay and Morris, will continue its metamorphosis into some great public space alongside three recently/to be soon completed buildings right in the vicinity of the round-a-bout. Upon completion the promenade will feature stages, benches, fountains, and interactive art, that will complement the arts, entertainment and retail activities taking place downtown Muskegon. The Community Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce are spearheading a private fundraising effort to help with initial site development costs. Bob Chapla, Vice President of Development at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, sat down to talk about the initiative and how you can partner in it.

MS: What has been going on in terms of physical development of the Third Street Promenade?

BC: Work has wrapped up on the piece of the Third Street Promenade that is directly next to the new Hines Building. A rain garden, a small stage, benches, a trash receptacle and the continuation of the decorative concrete pattern throughout downtown have been completed. Still in progress is work on the initial piece of the Promenade between Western and Clay in front of the new Sidock building..

MS: The improvements are being funding through fundraising done in part by the Community Foundation. What is the fundraising strategy?

BC: There are many opportunities for people to join us in building Muskegon’s newest public space and at many different levels. There are a number of specific “naming opportunities” that include the Promenade itself, plazas, stages, a fountain, kiosks, art partner, and a rain garden. We have created many different levels of support with the thought that this will provide an opportunity for all of us to participate in building this space. We have received a significant lead gift from Mike and Kay Olthoff. As long standing Muskegon supporters the Olthoff’s have made another commitment to seeing that the new downtown includes places for all to gather.

MS: I have seen some ads in the Chronicle about the project?

BC: We started running ads last week and will continue running them through the end of the year offering the opportunity for anyone to become a paver, bench or planter partner. For $250 you can purchase a paver (brick) and for a $1,000 either a bench or planter. When purchasing any one of these you can then have your name inscribed, or the name of a loved one, or your family or kids, or whomever you want to be remembered. Maybe instead of trying to find just the right gift for an impossible person on your holiday list, we hope that people will see the purchase of one of these items as a great alternative. The best part is that it is easy … just cut out ad … and mail or fax it back to us … you don’t even have to go out into the snow. This is a great way for your name to be permanently connected with the rebirth of a downtown Muskegon.

MS: What’s the goal from here?

BC: We plan to have the money raised prior to the start of construction of the remainder of the promenade next spring. The goal for completion of the promenade itself is next fall, just prior to the grand opening of the Culinary Institute of Michigan. A lot of people have been waiting for their chance to get involved and we think these naming opportunities offer many different levels for people to get connected

MS: Very exciting. Well I know you will be busy in spite of the lack of action on the actual site over the winter. Best of luck in this exciting endeavor to involve the community in the rebuilding of downtown Muskegon.

BC: Thanks.

Check it out on the web

Third Street Promenade on the web

Muskegon Chronicle Promenade ad

posted by Dan & Sarah @ 11:17 AM