Mt. Clemens : Development News

With architectural plans drawn up and the first round of fundraising done, the Macomb Children's Hands-On Museum is closer to opening its doors.

The target date for opening what would be Macomb County's first children's museum -- and a metro Detroit region tourist attraction -- is early 2015, in Mount Clemens.

The project was announced in 2010 and has the support of benefactors Gebran and Suzanne Anton, who donated a two-story downtown building with a rooftop garden and parking.

During a fundraising phase that lasted a little more than a year, nearly $60,000 was raised, almost $20,000 more than the target. As much as $14 million will be needed to build and open it.

Virginia Beach Architects iN Design completed a proposed design. The project leader is William Greaves, who brings a record of designing children's museums and creative art centers around the U.S.

"As Macomb County looks to educate its children, attract and retain an educated workforce, and promote travel and tourism," says Monika Rittner, a board member for the proposed museum, "the establishment of the Macomb Children’s Hands-On Museum is a must for the region to remain competitive in the 21st century."

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Arthur Mullen, spokesperson, and Monika Rittner, board member, Macomb Children's Hands-On Museum

A hair salon joins several other businesses that have moved and expanded in downtown Mount Clemens.

Chaos Studio Salon made the move from a smaller spot just off downtown to a larger space in the center of town.

After seven years in business in the smaler, Jennifer Case says the move was the obvious next step to grow.

The new salon at 116 Macomb Place underwent a renovation that brought in a rustic and feminine feel, mixing reclaimed barn wood and crystal chandeliers.

The salon doubled in size as did everything inside - more shampoo bowls - four instead of two, more styling stations, eight instead of four, and more staff to offer more services.

Case is a Paul Mitchell Salons national color educator with a local following, and she says the new and larger salon should bring in more businesses.

Chaos Studio Salon is the latest downtown Mount Clemens to move into much larger spaces and see business grow, says Michelle Weiss of the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Jennifer Case, owner Chaos Studio Salon, Michelle Weiss, Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority

Hunch Free Digital Marketing has outgrown its downtown Mount Clemens office and is moving into a prominent downtown building that will give the company an office with a funky feel in collaborative work space, while bringing the city a revived historic building.

The firm will occupy the second floor of an early-1800s former law office at 25 North Main St., a throwback of an office with burnt orange carpeting, built-in shelves of dusty law books.

Hunch Free founder and president Jimmy Gwizdala is renovating the building and is excited about the prospects of incorporating the throwback style with sleek, modern additions. He is following the Repurposing Detroit movement in the renovation, reusing whenever possible as he knocks down walls and more.

The renovations are expected to be complete within six months as Hunch Free continues to add to its client base and hire employees.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Jimmy Gwizdala, founder and president, Hunch Free Digital Marketing

Mount Clemens is the latest city to offer pay by phone parking, a service that can make parking - and visiting and shopping and such - easier and more convenient.

The installation of Parkmobile meters means no more coins are necessary - just an app that can be used on iPhones, Androids, Windows 7 and Blackberry smartphones.

The app can be loaded by phone or online, and once registered users can pay to park at meters anywhere through a Parkmobile Mobile Payment Parking Solution account using the app, the internet or a toll-free number. Parkmobile offers other features such as reminders when parking time will expire.

It's all to spare visitors, customers, employees time spent scrounging for coins and paying for parking tickets. Finding parking and keeping meters plugged can be a challenge in downtown Mount Clemens, the site of the busy Macomb County courthouse and the city's central business district.

“The new Parkmobile system is just another innovative step the city of Mount Clemens has taken to assist our visitor with convenient hassle free parking, “said Mount Clemens Mayor Mayor Dempsey says.

Mount Clemens is the seventh Michigan city to go with Parkmobile meters. Dearborn, South Haven, Ferndale, Birmingham, Petoskey and Grand Rapids have all joined Parkmobile as well.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority

The store that Max & Ollie's Vintage Boutique has inhabited over the last six years could be described as quaint or cramped, depending on perspective. But what's clear is that Max & Ollie's new store and its mix of furniture, clothing, tchotchkes is nothing but spacious.

Owner Diane Kubik, who sees herself and her store as part of a revival brought on by an eclectic mix of businesses and creative entrepreneurs, moved her boutique from a mere 300-square-foot space on the edge of downtown to a 1,350 square foot store in a central part of downtown, known as a gathering spot  for concerts and public events.

"We are loving the new place. The expansion turned out to be fabulous for us. There is a lot more foot traffic, not to mention we can offer more treasures and host events. Life in the bigger shop is great," says Kubik, who scouts metro Detroit for standout merchandise. She lives and works in downtown and has built a base of vintage afficianados who buy from her online through her website or Etsy as well as at the store.

The move to 65 Macomb Place is being celebrated with a grand opening today and the expansion is leading to the hiring of employees and a partnership with Detroit Fashion Vault, which will stock its accesories at the store from its own space at 56 Macomb Place.

According to the Mount Clements Downtown Development Authority, "Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique has built a following of regular, loyal customers who rave about the store. Here you will often find a collector of fine antiques perusing fine china and glass next to a young hipster searching for unusual vintage scarves and jewelry. There’s something for everyone in this fun shop, and it’s always a treasure hunt."

Source: Diane Kubik, owner, Max & Ollie's Vintage Boutique and Michelle Weiss, Mount Clemens DDA
Writer: Kim North Shine

One family's devotion to Michigan and their appreciation of the state's food, history, and style has led to the opening of The Mitt in downtown Mount Clemens.

Ken and Tracy Leonard decided to open the restaurant at 143 N. Main Street to pay homage "to all the great things about this beautiful state," he says.

For about four weeks now the restaurant has been in soft opening mode, preparing for a full-scale operations. The Mitt got an unexpected publicity boost when Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stopped in while on the campaign trail.

The Leonards, who have a history of running restaurants, lived in California until 14 years ago after deciding to come back to Michigan raise kids and contribute to the state's economy.

"I was born in raised in Michigan. I really thought that Michigan gets a bad rap. I think it's a great state and we need to get that out there. This is about a sense of pride in our home state," Leonard says.

The Mitt, a bar, restaurant and pizzeria serving under the "From Michigan For Michigan" motto, is decorated in a Michigan motif - think Up North rustic cabin - and serves Michigan comfort food that's 100 percent homemade and 95 percent all Michigan products," Leonard says. He or someone from the staff shop at Eastern Market weekly and work with companies that provide Michigan products.

Besides comfort food that Leonard says is made fresh "the freezer is seldom used," the interior is something to take in: Michigan artists' artwork line the walls and a mural of the Mackinac Bridge spans the length of the restaurant.

The opening has created 35 full-time jobs and Leonard is in the process of hiring more as crowd demands have some employees working overtime, he says.

Opening The Mitt is both a shout out to his birthplace and a call to families who want affordable, good, fresh food," he says.

"A lot of of people chose to pack their bags and leave when times got tough for Michigan," he says. "We stuck it out. We stayed here for the hard times… We think the people that have stayed here did it for the same reason. They believe in Michigan."

Source: Ken Leonard, owner/operator, The Mitt Restaurant and Bar
Writer: Kim North Shine

Art is in the streets, outside libraries, shops, restaurants, city offices, churches, banks, coffee shops, parks and many other outdoor spaces as the Detroit Institute of Arts expands its Inside/Out art project to more metro Detroit communities.

Now in its third year, the project is a way to promote art - all reproductions from the DIA's collection - while creating the reciprocal benefit of drawing visitors to the DIA to see them in person. The DIA has arranged free admission on set Sundays for residents of the communities where the outdoor art is displayed.

There are 80 works can be found in the cities of Clarkston, the Bloomfields, Eastpointe, Roseville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, the Grosse Pointes, Mount Clemens, Southfield, Taylor, Wayne and Wyandotte. Click here for locations.

The Inside/Out project is in third year, and besides installing the pieces of art outdoors it is cluster the works so that they are within walking or biking distance, generating pedestrian traffic through the communities with the open air galleries.

The DIA is working with the communities to plan bicycle and walking tours.

Source: Detroit Institute of Arts
Writer: Kim North Shine

GroupGolfer.com has moved and expanded into a larger, more visible ground floor office space in downtown Mount Clemens.

The company started in July 2010 and has been growing since. It offers Internet deals and discounts on golfing, offering savings to customers and exposure to golf courses, golf product manufacturers and such.

Arthur Mullen, executive director of the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority, says GroupGolfer.com wanted a more creative space for its young IT professionals.

The company had also outgrown its previous space in Mount Clemens and decided to relocate to 57 Macomb Place in the heart of downtown. "They wanted a ground floor presence to be more connected with Mount Clemens’ business community," Mullen says.

He says other knowledge-based businesses have invested in Mount Clemens. HunchFree, a digital marketing firm, moved in late 2010 and Partners in Architecture renovated a historic fire house into their offices last year.

Source: Arthur Mullen, executive director, Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine

Fundraising for a children's hands-on museum in downtown Mount Clemens - a project seen by some as an educational and economic boost  for all of metro Detroit - is ahead of its goals. A soon-to-be released feasibility study shows wide support from the community, including residents, business owners and community organizations.

Specific findings from the study, conducted by consultant Informal Learning Experiences of Washington, DC, will be released on March 14 at the Anton Art Center in downtown Mount Clemens. The public is invited.

The feasibility study on the Macomb Children's Hands-On Museum is a requirement as the museum board moves in to working with major corporate and foundation donors on a capital fundraising campaign.

Up to this point, $47,000 has been raised through the board's First Forty Campaign, which sought 40 donations of $1,000 to pay for the study. It raised $47,000 as many other steps were taken in the last several months to to move the museum closer to reality.

In addition to formalities such as a non profit corporation being formed, a 501C3 tax-exempt status being applied for and a  board of directors being recruited, a location for the museum has been identified.

The board is not ready to announce the exact location, except to say it will be in downtown Mount Clemens and opening day could come in 2014. The exact location and more details will come at the March 14th announcement.

"To be competitive in the 21st Century, Macomb County requires a highly educated and skilled workforce," says Monika Rittner, board president.  "Early childhood learning is essential for this development. This project addresses this issue not only for Macomb County but wider Metro Detroit area.
 
"The Macomb CHM Board believes that the museum will become an important cultural institution for the county while providing fun and interactive learning for kids."

Source: Monika Rittner, president of the board, Macomb Children's Hands-On Museum
Writer: Kim North Shine

Lovers of the Clem, downtown Mount Clemens, are mobilizing -- via the Internet and social media sites, a cash mob to hit local businesses this Saturday.

The cash mob concept, believed to be started about a year ago in Buffalo and Cleveland, says Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority director Arthur Mullen, functions like a flash mob, which uses social media to bring together dancers to perform in a surprise location.

However, cash mobs bring their money and their support to local business in an effort to give a boost to businesses' bottom lines and publicity to the buy local movement.

The object of the Clem's cash mobsters is Tis Country, 55 Macomb Place, a gift shop and boutique of countrified home and personal items. Mobsters will spend at least $10 there and are invited to a post-mob party and $2.50 burgers at Detroit Pub, 76 Macomb Place, where there will also be food and drink specials.

The mob runs from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and anyone is invited.

A second cash mob has been set for March 24, National Cash Mob Action Day, at Gemini Moon, a purveyor of metaphysical and spiritual products and services. The after mob happens at Madison’s Pub.

"Cash mob organizers wanted to create a new way to support and draw attention to independent business owners, Mullen says. "Their goal is to have cash mobs make an actual difference for small business owners during this tough economy."

Source: Arthur Mullen, director Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine

Macomb County is seeking out small business owners and entrepreneurs with business ideas as economic development planners work to support businesses seen as the "bread and butter of our downtowns and commercial corridors."

The county is offering a 12-week "Unlock Your Sales Potential" course at the Velocity business incubator in Sterling Heights, starting Feb. 28. The Michigan Small Business Development and Technology Center is teaching the program at Velocity as local and state economic development planners look for ways to increase small business success.

In Macomb County there are 2,855 small retail establishments responsible for supporting 40,590 jobs.

"Unique and interesting retail shops are the bread and butter of our downtowns and commercial corridors," says Don Morandini, deputy director of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development. "This class is especially for entrepreneurs with a passion for selling what consumers want. We'll help them uncover a deeper understanding of their customer base and provide ideas for keeping their inventory selling."

The benefits of the guidance given by the business development and technology center and courses such as the one coming up are crucial to operating a business, says Debbie Heuchert, owner of Champagne Chocolates in downtown Mount Clemens. She ran the business for 14 years in her basement before opening a store in downtown Mount Clemens eight years ago. She also had a store in Birmingham in 2007.

"This class opened up my eyes on more than just my business. It is an incredible course. It helps you be honest with yourself," says Huechert. "I think it's one of the most important things you can do if you're thinking about a business…I wish I had known about something like this before I started. If I had done my homework…I would have done things differently."

For sign up or to obtain more information, e-mail Denise.Mentzer@MacombCountyMI.gov or call 586-469-5118.

Source: Maria Zardis, Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development; Debbie Heuchert, owner Champagne Chocolates.
Writer: Kim North Shine

The word downtown was tossed around a lot in 2011. Everybody has one or is working on creating one as they pursue the newfound love of things urban. Downtown Development Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, Main Street programs had Main Streets - and their equivalents - throughout metro Detroit putting money into makeovers and facelifts in 2011 as city leaders saw promise in creating places that preserve history, have varied businesses and invite walking, biking, strolling.

The changes were big and small. Together should convey: You want to come here. Decorative, energy-efficient street lights, attractive, theme-appropriate benches, trash-receptacles, pedestrian-safe sidewalks and crosswalks, art installations, benches, historic preservation projects, special events, facade grants, kiosks to direct visitors, even phone apps to get them around town - all wrapped in business recruitment and PR.

Cities with the most real downtowns: Rochester, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Mount Clemens, Dearborn, Plymouth, Northville. The up-and-comers: Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Berkley, Novi, Wyandotte.

Downtown Rochester $1 million streetscape re-do is on
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0818rochesterredo0221.aspx

Downtown Lake Orion gets $2 million streetscape, new microbrewery
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0922lakeorion0225.aspx

Mount Clemens invests more than $250K in way-finding signs
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0915wayfinders0224.aspx

Wyandotte DDA's business improvement grants paying off
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0526plymouthnightlife0211.aspx

Nightlife builds in downtown Plymouth
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0526plymouthnightlife0211.aspx

Ice rink cometh to Auburn Hills heating up plans for downtown
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/icerink0192.aspx

Graduate housing, downtown parking and retail complex coming to Auburn Hills
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/1201ahhousing0234.aspx

Main Street Oakland recognizes top downtown projects
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0310mainstreetoakawards0200.aspx


By Kim North Shine

Streets for everyone. The Michigan Complete Streets initiative gained momentum in 2011 in metro Detroit and around the state as cities enacted changes or made plans to design roads and sidewalks that take pedestrians, cyclists and drivers into account. The Michigan's Complete Streets movement got props for being a role model nationwide. Separately from Complete Streets, cities and various nonprofits worked on the same goal: streets that accommodate all. It's been a process playing out for a few years now so expect to see more bike lanes, new style crosswalks and other changes coming to a town near you.

Michigan is national leaders in street design that serves cars, bikes and pedestrians
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0317micompletestreets0201.aspx

Streetscape grants from Royal Oak's WA3 help unify Woodward Corridor
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/woodwardcorrgrants0194.aspx

Royal Oak's non-motorized transportation plan is out for public feedback
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/1110royaloakwalkride0232.aspx

Walkers, cyclists may like changes coming to Grosse Pointe, Dearborn
http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/0901fedtransgrants0223.aspx

By Kim North Shine

Lisa Taylor wasn't ready or to close the book on her career as a bookstore manager when Borders shut down in April.

So Taylor, a Mount Clemens resident who worked at the Borders store in Utica for 17 years, opened her own bookstore.

Used on New -- the books are used and the store is on New Street in downtown Mount Clemens -- opened in May and since then Taylor has seen there is still a market for books. Not only are there book lovers who see electronic readers as inadequate, but there are readers who want good prices on books. For example, she says, the latest, barely used Janet Evanovich retails for $28 new, or $9 at her store.

"People still like the experience of the bookstore and the book, the tactile, the feel, the smell," says Taylor, who's 43 and started working at Borders at age 25.

"While I was going through the liquidation process at Borders I saw how much people wanted discounted books," Taylor recalls. "They still liked books, they just wanted them at a more affordable price."

Besides not wanting to see the demise of the bookstore, Taylor says she went into business for herself because "I didn't want to grow up. I didn't want to go into the real world."

Taylor says downtown Mount Clemens is a great spot to own a business. "There's always something going on here. There are events...There are festivals all summer long," she says of the city that is the seat of Macomb County and home to its busy courthouse and county offices. "I get the court traffic, the jurors who have time to kill."

Her husband, Dave, who owns Weirdsville in the Clem as well, helps her run the bookstore that they hope has many chapters to go.

Source: Lisa Taylor, owner, Used on New
Writer: Kim North Shine

Retailers in downtown Mount Clemens are jumping on the national retailing trend of sharing space.

For at least the last decade corporate chains, especially restaurants, have shared space -- and costs and customers. Local independent retailers are seeing the wisdom in the trend of joint stores, AKA dual brands, nationally, says Arthur Mullen, the director of the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority.

He sees the Clem and its historic downtown as a "hotbed for joint stores," a business approach that not only saves start-up costs but also brings together businesses that complement one another.

Several businesses have gone into joint operations in the last year, and Mullen expects more to follow suit soon. There's the Bodhi Seed Yoga Studio and the MINDs Eye Bookstore and Wellness Center, which were the first joint stores to open in the summer of 2010. Mio Dio Boutique and TGM Skateboards followed in the fall of 2010.

This past summer the Used on New Bookstore opened with two joint stores -- Weirdsville and Redesigning Women -- all owned by family members.

Kathy & Co., an  established hair salon, brought in Big City Glam to sell accessories in the front of the salon.

"With two or three entrepreneurs pooling their resources, joint stores are inherently less risky to a pair or group of entrepreneurs versus a single owner," Mullen says. "Joint stores may also compliment each other, building and guaranteeing foot traffic for both retailers."

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Arthur Mullen, director, Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority