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Dowagiac DDA a Leading Force
During streetscape renovation, Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co. donated the Front Street clock to the city.One of the best resources available to aspiring retail business owners and to existing central business district businesses is the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Created in 1986 by the City of Dowagiac to address what was then a struggling downtown on the brinks of further deterioration, the DDA has since transformed our central business district into a showplace of the region. Streetscape improvement projects, coupled with the private investment of property owners, today provides the perfect setting for our growing niche of unique shops and fine dining.


Markets Prime Retail Sites

Due to the close working relationship the DDA enjoys with downtown property owners, it is able to provide services similar to those of a realtor, but free of charge. When a building is available for lease or sale, property owners turn to the DDA to help them market, show and ultimately lease their storefronts.

Signage is placed within the window, indicating "this prime retail location is available for lease" and directs the retail prospect to the DDA for further information or to schedule a walk-through of the site. Not only does this service lessen the burden on the property owner, out-of-town prospects are assisted by the DDA program director in a prompt fashion, often upon a moment's notice.

To view data and photographs of available downtown properties CLICK HERE.
Eases Communications with the City

The DDA program director also assists individuals as they prepare to open their business, easing communications with fellow city officials, such as the Building Inspector, who issues permits for occupancy, signage and construction.
Provides Facade Funding

Property owners and even tenants can take advantage of the Facade Incentive & Architectural Design Services Program, which provides $1,000 per storefront for either the historic or tasteful renovation of the front facade. An incentive of $1,000 is Vylonis Construction begins the storefront renovation of Perk n' Beans.also paid on a secondary facade, when approximately 90% of the facade faces a major roadway or non-alley. The DDA also funds the creation of an architectural concept drawing, and provides a $500 incentive for work to the rear and sides of the building.

First offered during the late-1980s, the program's success is clearly evident on Front Street, where 95 percent of the storefronts have been renovated to their one-time grandeur.

Today's expanded program is available to:
 
  		• owners of non-historic buildings who pursue tasteful restorations
     
  		• property owners who freshen up previous renovations
     
  		• tenants who have the property owner's written permission to pursue an improvement project

    The Downtown Development Authority also:
     
  		• leads a pro-active campaign for business recruitment, retention and expansion
     
  		• maintains a data base of available properties
     
  		• contracts with the city for the upkeep of landscaping and snow removal
     
  		• oversees the convenient customer parking campaign
    Contact Us Today

    The Downtown Development Authority is located within the historic Dowagiac train depot at 200 Depot Drive. To schedule a walk-through of an available property, or to obtain further information on the central business district and its incentives, contact Vickie Phillipson, DDA program director, at vphillipson@dowagiac.org or call 782-8212.