2025 was yet another busy year for downtown Alpena! We’ve seen lots of new businesses open up, facade work to buildings downtown, park renovations, new and old events and so much more! It was definitely a busy year for downtown Alpena, and I can’t wait to see what comes in 2026!
- Water Street Commons
One of the biggest things to happen down this past year has been the opening of the Water Street Commons! The project started in the spring of 2025 and is a way to provide low-cost, low-risk commercial space for small businesses looking to try out Downtown Alpena, diversify the downtown offerings, and bring more foot traffic to the downtown. It consists of 5 tiny shops, one beverage shed, seating area, and a food truck area. It is located on the site previously owned by Alpena Power Company.
- Facade Work
This year there was a total of 13 downtown buildings that were a part of the facade grant. 400,000 dollars came from the grant received by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and 70,000 dollars came from DDA contribution. All of the projects are to be completed by the spring of 2026 but the Bolenz Block, Alpena Agency, Clem’s Bait & Tackle, Old Polish Corner, and Players Pub & Grub are currently completed and look amazing!
- New Businesses
Throughout 2025 downtown welcomed 10 brand-new businesses! Lulu’s Sweet Shop, Riverside Ice Cream, Sanctuary Dogs, Marithyme, Suncatchers, Rewildings, Elevate Salon, Tastes of Thailand, Bay Athletic Club, Crepe Diem and Water Street Commons- 17 new businesses. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out be sure to visit them in 2026!
- New and Annual Events Downtown
To kick off 2025 the DDA and HPC Credit Union hosted the first ever New Years Eve celebration in downtown Alpena! With live music, a “sunrise” at midnight, drink specials and more it was very successful and has already become an annual event!
The spring brought the DDA’s 3rd Annual Flower Festival! As always there were beautiful floral displays throughout downtown and new events like the Petal Pub Crawl. There was record setting attendance so be sure to come back this spring so we can break records again!
Another record-breaking annual DDA event was Witches Night Out. This year brought many more witches out and continues to be bigger every year! Next year is sure to bring even more witchiness downtown that you’re not going to want to miss!
After the success in 2024, Mangos Tequila Bar and the DDA hosted the 2nd Annual Day of the Dead Celebration! Ofrendas were on display, people were dressed up in their best skeleton and Catrina outfits, the live mariachi band and more!
Another new event in 2025 was the DDA’s Christmas at the Commons event. Despite the cold weather it was a smashing success! People enjoying the mulled wine, hot cocoa, shopping at the tiny shops at the Water St Commons and of course the meet and greet with 3 adorable festive horses! It’s sure to become an annual event!
- Culligan Plaza and Bay View Park
Two of the biggest changes downtown was the renovations done to Culligan Plaza and Bay View Park. Culligan was completely torn down to the dirt and was revamped with a new water feature, heaters, a new parking lot, an area for live music and more!
Bay View Park saw redone basketball and tennis courts and even added pickleball courts. The city is also working on adding a new restroom facility near the bandshell and more.
- Other Downtown Renovations
Another major renovation downtown was the demolition of the old Big Boy restaurant along the Thunder Bay River. The property was purchased in 2024 and was very recently demolished. The current owner has been exploring a redevelopment project that could include housing, retail, and potentially a new restaurant.
The other recent renovation is HPC Credit Union located along the Thunder Bay River. The entire inside of the building is being redone along with a new drive thru on the outside.
Overall, 2025 was yet another fantastic year for downtown Alpena! For updates on anything and everything going on in downtown Alpena in 2026 be sure to check out our website or Facebook page! Happy New Year!
Blog Downtown Alpena 