Over the next year, five properties in Downtown Alpena will be getting façade transformations with grant support from the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The projects will take place throughout the DDA district, including the recently expanded area, and will include tearing off aluminum siding, restoring brickwork, restoring historic storefront windows, and other restoration activities. The five projects will be receiving a total of $223,795 in grant funding through the DDA. Each property owner is contributing at minimum 50% cash match to their project. Total investment across the projects is estimated to surpass $600,000, a combination of private and public investment.

The Alpena DDA received a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in October 2023 to regrant to downtown properties to complete transformational façade renovation projects. Each property owner must contribute at minimum a 50% cash match. The DDA is contributing $70,000 of its own funds as local match to support the projects. A second round of funding is available for properties within the DDA district; applications are due on May 24, 2024.

“We are grateful to these property and business owners who choose to invest in Downtown Alpena,” said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. “These projects will transform the appearance of key buildings throughout the district, and many of them wouldn’t happen without the MEDC and DDA’s funding support.”

Learn about the five projects below:

626 N Second Ave (Old Polish Corner): Restore brickwork, add in and expand first-story windows to the restaurant, and repaint the building. Located on the historic North Second Ave. corridor, which was traditionally a Polish neighborhood, the 1800’s building is home to Polish & American restaurant with a full bar.

113 S 9^th Ave (Players Pub & Grub): Reside entire building, install new windows and doors, expand and update the front porch for outdoor seating, update roofline on 9^th Ave., and install new back entrance. The original building dates back to 1897, and over the years has been home to the New Richielieu Hotel, Parkview hotel, PAt’s Place, Scotty’s Bar and Tavern, and Seguin’s Bar. Player’s was purchased in 2019, and this dive bar, located off the Chisholm St. corridor, also offers sushi, bento boxes, and a full menu of bar food.

110, 108, 106 Third Ave and 135, 133, 131 W Chisholm St (Bolenz Jewelry, Ashney Properties, Reflections Salon, Legal Services): Remove all metal siding, restore historic brick façade underneath, add decorative molding and new trim. This building, built in the early 1900’s, is believed to have brick underneath the metal facade that was added in the mid-century period. This sprawling block that wraps around 3rd Ave. will have an epic makeover when the brick is restored underneath.

“I am very grateful to be awarded this grant money and partner with the DDA,” said Chris LeFave, owner of the property. “I look forward to working with local contractors to do improvements to our building downtown. We have seen some dramatic improvements to some of these old buildings in the last few years and we want to keep the momentum going.”

835 W Chisholm St: Restore brickwork, repaint building, add in and expand storefront windows and brickwork detailing to match the historic appearance. As one of the oldest buildings along the Chisholm St. corridor, this building is getting an update to reflect its historic appearance. There are no plans for a business to open in the front at the moment, as the building is getting a significant rehab.

311 W Chisholm St: Update the building’s siding, add new windows, new entryway, decorative gable on main entrance, and new façade lighting. This building is right next to Latitudes Tavern and currently has apartments upstairs. With new owners, this building is getting a full rehab and hopefully will be coming for rent once the project is complete.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the Alpena DDA on the Chisholm St facade renovation project,” said Thomas Storey of Thunder Bay Residential. “Programs like this one create opportunities to breathe new life into aging buildings and are a valuable tool to reinvest in our greater downtown. I’m appreciative of the efforts of all involved who worked hard to secure the additional MEDC grant funding for our community and make projects like this possible.”

The Alpena DDA has run its local Façade Improvement Grant Program since the early 2000’s, which has offered grants up to $10,000 per façade (with 50% property owner cash match). The DDA has invested over $140,000 of its funds into façade renovation projects throughout the district, supporting recent projects like the PIF Cider taproom (205 W Chisholm St) and Red Brick Tap & Barrel (109-111 River St). With the new grant from the MEDC, properties located within the DDA district have been able to apply for up to 50% in grant support.

Those interested in applying for grant funding or investing in Downtown Alpena should contact the DDA at 989-356-6422 or anneg@alpena.mi.us