MUSKEGON, Mich. — Midtown Muskegon will get a face lift this fall with a $5000,000 project to widen sidewalks. That work is part of the city's ongoing effort to make the city more walkable, focusing this effort on the Third Street corridor.
The wider sidewalks will allow Midtown restaurants to add outdoor seating.
"Which is actually a huge benefit for an area like this," said Jamie Pesch, Muskegon City Planner.
The work should create a better environment for pedestrians without sacrificing traffic lanes or street parking.
Midtown is technically part of the city's downtown district. However in recent years it's quickly becoming a unique destination for shoppers and diners.
Three blocks of Third Street will see full reconstruction with new lighting, landscaping, and benches.
"Making it a more inviting place to open your business and a more inviting place for people to walk and come and visit," Pesch said.
Jackson-based Consumers Energy donated $200,000 to the project. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County is also pledging funds.
"It's a great place to incubate and maintain your locally grown businesses," said Stephen Gawron, Muskegon Mayor.
Third Coast Vinyl owner Paul Pretzer loves the plans for the street and sidewalk just outside his store.
"It's just going to reinforce that residential shopping district feel," Pretzer said.
When the work finish, city leaders believe it will make vacant buildings on Third Street more attractive to investors.
"There are a couple of places still open," Pretzer said."We are hoping we get some more people in here."
The work will begin this fall.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter