Showcased within a Victorian setting and miles away from high-pressure malls, historic downtown Dowagiac is enjoying a great new spirit of confidence and revitalization.

The modern-day renaissance, which began in 1990, continues to transform The Grand Old City into the showplace of the region. Michigan Monthly Magazine calls our central business district "one of the three best small downtowns in the state." We think you'll agree, Dowagiac offers retailers a prime location for their new or growing business.

Through public-private partnerships, Dowagiac has invested more than $15-million in the revitalization of its central business district. From our distinctive turn-of-the-century architecture to the personal, friendly service of our family-run businesses, preservation of our past is part of today's traditions.

Created in 1986, the city's Downtown Development Authority has enjoyed much success from the start. Streetscape and other improvement projects during the 1990s:

		created a pedestrian-friendly shopping district
		introduced such amenities as Victorian-styled lampposts, park benches, bricked walkways and ornamental landscaping
		provided facade incentives to building owners, many of whom have restored their turn-of-the-century storefronts to their one-time grandeur
		improved and expanded public parking
		enhanced the downtown rail corridor to serve the future of high-speed train travel from Detroit to Chicago
		renovated our historic train depot
		created a downtown park that serves as the perfect location for outdoor entertainment

The renaissance that followed continues to draw the welcomed attention of local residents, regional shoppers, and new and expanding retailers. As a result, for the first time in its history, our central business district is on the path to achieving a zero-vacancy rate.