Five Michigan communities recognized for their thriving Main Streets

Winning photos have been announced for the Michigan Main Street Photo Contest

Michigan Main Street's annual photo contest was created to allow communities to showcase their downtown revitalization efforts while highlighting their accomplishments as Main Street communities. Entries were accepted from Nov. 5 through Jan. 18 in five categories: Economic Vitality, Organization, Design, Promotion and Active Downtown. 

In order to be eligible for the photo contest, communities were required to be either a Select or Master Level Main Street Community in the Michigan Main Street program. Administered by MEDC, the program provides technical assistance for communities desiring to develop their own local Main Street program by utilizing the Main Street Approach™ – a common-sense approach to tackling the complex issues of revitalization by capitalizing on downtown’s history and identifying the unique assets of the community itself.

The five winning entries each captured the spirit of the Michigan Main Street program, which supports Michigan communities and their efforts to create high-quality places while building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

ACTIVE DOWNTOWN

Winner – SAULT STE. MARIE

The city of Sault Ste. Marie was the winner of the Active Downtown category, which focused on the overall vibrancy and activity occurring within Main Street Communities. Sault Ste. Marie Main Street/Downtown Development Authority received $1,000 for its winning submission. Sault Ste. Marie is also engaged in MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program, a voluntary, no-cost certification program designed to promote effective redevelopment strategies through a set of best practices, and has partnered with the MEDC Community Development team on additional programs, including the Main 5 Communication Plan, and economic development and marketing strategy .

Photo Credit: Mike Moberley Photography​

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Winner – CHARLEVOIX

The city of Charlevoix was the winner of the Economic Vitality category, which focused on photos that display the vibrancy of the local businesses and the downtown's unique atmosphere. Charlevoix Main Street/Downtown Development Authority received $1,000 for its winning submission. The city of Charlevoix is engaged in MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program, and has partnered with the MEDC Community Development team on multiple community development programs, including ​technical assistance for the Main 5 Communication Plan and overall downtown planning.

Photo Credit: Michael Murphy and Charlevoix Main Street

ORGANIZATION

Winner – WAYLAND​

The city of Wayland was the winner of the Organization category, which focused on Main Street volunteers, organizational fundraising campaigns and Main Street Communities' efforts to increase awareness for their local organizations. Wayland Main Street/Downtown Development Authority received $1,000 for its winning submission. The city of Wayland is engaged in the MEDC's Redevelopment Ready Communities program and has worked with the MEDC Community Development team on multiple community development programs, including retail merchandising and the Façade Restoration Initiative.

Photo Credit: Wayland Main Street​

DESIGN

Winner – PORTLAND

The city of Portland was the winner of the Design category, which focused on downtown public spaces, building rehabilitations, signage and the streetscape. Portland Main Street/Downtown Development Authority received $1,000 for its winning submission. The city of Portland is engaged in the MEDC's Redevelopment Ready Communities program and has partnered with the MEDC on multiple community development programs, including design assistance and small business resources and guidance.

Photo Credit: Timothy Fuller

PROMOTION

Winner – DOWNTOWN LANSING​

Downtown Lansing was the winner of the Promotion category, which focused on Main Street Community events and local downtown image building campaigns. Downtown Lansing, Inc. received $1,000 for its winning submission. The city of Lansing is certified in MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program, and partnered with the MEDC Community Development team to implement wayfinding signs to assist residents and visitors.

Photo Credit: Christopher Nowak Photography

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