The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is the driving force
behind many of the City improvements that we see and enjoy.
Finished projects include the Reed City Police Department (left). The station, adjacent to the City Hall, was funded by the Downtown Development authority and built by Gerber Construction of Reed City.
City Hall Renovations, Upton Avenue streetscape, new
sidewalks for Chestnut Street and the
Fire
Station. In addition, the DDA has recently donated funding to Dr. Don
Gogolin and his associates to landscape the "Crossroads" of the White Pine and Pere Marquette trails, and additional
funding to maintain the flowers and landscaping in our park
system.
Take a look at our beautiful park system.
On
another important project, the DDA partnered with
Yoplait
to construct the dedicated sewer line that runs from Yoplait
to the wastewater treatment plant, as well as the holding
tanks. The microbes from Yoplait are not (as one would think)
beneficial for the wastewater treatment plant. In order to
maintain the efficient treatment of the wastewater from Reed
City, Yoplait constructed this dedicated system at a cost
of $2.25 million, and the DDA participates in the cost of
the project on an ongoing annual basis. The sewer line has
been given to the City.
One of the important advantages
of the DDA to the City and its residents is a greater flexibility
to do major projects than the City Council because of legal
restrictions placed on the Council by law. The DDA is not
restricted by the bid process and, because of its original
structuring, has funding available that would otherwise have
gone to the County government.
The DDA's Latest Project – A New Depot for Reed City!
Reed City is stepping up to the tourism plate in fine fashion.
We are at the "Crossroads" of the White Pine and Pere Marquette trails and
are the heart of the premier rails-to-trails system in western Michigan. Our Downtown
Development Authority, working with the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce and the City,
has made a commitment to recreate the depot with this impressive new building and
landscaping. The project will include some grant money from the State of Michigan.
With this bold step, we are not only opening the doors to greatly enhanced tourism
for Reed City but for all area communities that share the trail system. In addition,
this project will provide a great boost for the downtown Reed City businesses on a
year-around basis. The Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club has asked to use the facility
as their home base for meetings and snowmobile events that will draw from throughout
the northern Michigan area. They are the group responsible for maintaining and signing
the trail throughout this area and many of their ideas have been incorporated into this
plan. We expect that many other area groups will be involved in helping this important
project reach fruition.
The twenty-foot-tall octagonal center of the building boasts a cupola and weathervane
and will be used as a community meeting room with kitchen area. One wing will house
the Chamber and DDA offices and the other wing will be a covered picnic area with a
fireplace and 24-hour restrooms for trail users. Doors from the meeting room will
open to the picnic area for events held during the warmer months. The kiosk area,
which simulates an old-fashioned depot water tower, will house tourism information
and maps of the city, parks and trails. Outside of the covered picnic area there will
be park-like setting with a bonfire pit, staging area and parking. Both architect Gary
Gerber and and landscape architect/site designer Marlies Manning are focusing on the
historical and functional aspects of the project in their design. The building will be
constructed by Gerber Construction of Reed City. In addition, new signage will direct
trail users to the Depot, parks, trails and other downtown amenities.
