COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Main Street was honored recently at this year’s Michigan Downtown Association’s annual meeting in Birmingham.
During the organization’s seventh annual Downtown Awards, Coldwater’s Main Street was presented with an award for Best Public and Private Partnership for the relocation and expansion of the Children’s Museum of Branch County.
During the Michigan Downtown Association’s Annual Meeting earlier this month, Courtney Dirschell accepted an award on behalf of Coldwater Main Street for Best Public Private Partnership Project for the Relocation and Expansion of the Children’s Museum of Branch County to Downtown Coldwater.
To make the relocation of the Children’s Museum possible, nearly 7,000 square feet of interior space had to be renovated in the former Taylor’s Stationers building which had been empty since the spring of 2016.
The Coldwater Downtown Development Authority Board approved a sales agreement almost four years ago to purchase the building for $107,500 as they became the local agent of the empty building.
The Coldwater City Council provided a $350,000 loan to finance the renovation project while Coldwater Main Street committed $50,000 of its own fund balance to the effort.
Main Street Director Audrey Tappenden said, “The award for best Public and Private Partnership Project is a perfect fit. Without the loan from City Council, community donors, and the commitment from the Children’s Museum, this revitalization project would not have happened. Our public and private partners cannot be thanked enough for bringing this vision to life.”
Children’s Museum Executive Director Shana Grife added, “We love being part of downtown Coldwater and are grateful that we have a great partner to work with us on this project”.
Each year, the M.D.A. recognizes communities across the state for outstanding marketing and promotional strategies, economic development projects, and placemaking initiatives.
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