Downtown light project proposed for Sturgis
STURGIS — A proposed lighting project in downtown Sturgis has been brought back to the forefront.
Sturgis Community Development Specialist Jeff Coney presented details for the proposed project Wednesday to the Sturgis City Commission. A similar downtown lighting project was explored in recent times. Now, there is momentum in funding to complete a project as part of continued community enhancements.
The Sturgis Downtown Development Authority and some interested downtown business owners have been investigating a project to light downtown Sturgis buildings over the last few years.
In investigating the project, the DDA looked into several options to support the project with grant funding, leading to an expansion of the scope of the project around a theme of “The Electric City.” The DDA board used the theme as inspiration while looking for new and different way to highlight downtown Sturgis.
The core of the project encompasses more than 2,900 lineal feet of LED lighting highlighting the skyline of the downtown along Chicago Road; this will be a collaboration with downtown building owners to install the lights. The lighting being sought for use is about $50 per lineal foot.
In addition, several other elements are included in the proposed project, including a new food truck hub just south of Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, with four electrical hook ups, a new outdoor seating area including barrier-free picnic tables, as well as murals.
The creation of an “Electric Alley” behind Five Lakes Coffee is also being considered providing new outdoor seating areas, lighting attractions between the neighboring buildings and a public art installation. The alley is currently unimproved and near the steakhouse and apartment building nearing completion.
Public art that each includes a QR code that will be located at all public art and historical sites throughout the downtown. The QR codes will be linked to the DDA website and an interactive map posted to encourage exploring more than 25 locations in the district.
The proposed project is projected to be funded with grant support and community donations. The Franks Fund is supporting the project with a gift of more than $125,000. The DDA also applied for and has been approved to use the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “Public Spaces, Community Places” match grant, previously used by the city for the splash pad and Bark Park. This program provides a $50,000 grant to communities that are able to raise $50,000 in donations. The DDA is working to solicit interested downtown building owners and businesses to reach this match amount.
About $40,000 was left to raise as of Wednesday, officials said.
Planners said Wednesday they wanted to provide the commission an update on the effort before the match grant was publicly kicked off. The city is not being asked to provide any funding support for the project, but would need to approve use of the alley and parking lot for the food hub.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Downtown light project proposed for Sturgis
