Hard work, marketing, teamwork in store for dowtown this summer

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HOUGHTON - While the construction woes will be felt this summer by downtown businesses, the city of Houghton will be doing everything in its power to make the effects as painless as possible. To keep the downtown successful, it will take a plethora of things going well, but according to City Manager Scott MacInnes, the city has the necessary tools.

The city has a $10,000 budget for marketing, so they've formed a promotions and special events committee, and have several ideas and events that the downtown area will have the opportunity to take advantage of.

"This is a great chance for us to work together and let people know that, 'Hey, we're downtown,'" MacInnes told the downtown business association during their April 7 meeting.

The city is open to any ideas people can think of to help promote the area, including special events right on Shelden Avenue this summer. Events already planned include a performance by a visiting group from the Calumet Theatre, Bridgefest festivities, an arts festival and an event similar to this past winter's Jibba Jabba.

Business owners also think additional signage will make a big difference in the success of the summer and beyond. Owner of Rhythm, Joe Schwenk, suggested the idea of signs posted on every block letting people know what businesses can be found on that block. Others said signs near Cliff Drive (where the first detour ends) and near the construction sites are musts.

These ideas are all being considered, and MacInnes thinks they will help the city recapture a market of locals and regular visitors throughout the summer.

Downtown will also be helped by a luxury cruise ship visiting the area. The Clelia II will be visiting Houghton twice every other week from July 2 until Sept. 13, bringing in 100 or more tourists for more than 12 hours.

According to MacInnes, all this is happening at a time when downtowns are starting to become more and more popular, something businesses can look forward to now and especially after it's revamped.

"Downtowns are really starting to come back," MacInnes said. "Young professionals are more interested in downtowns than living and working in suburban areas."

Michael H. Babcock can be reached at mbabcock@mininggazette.com.