Growing Better

Photo provided by – The Menominee County Historical Society

What will our community be like post-COVID-19? It's worth considering now because we gain the most when we learn from the past and build on past successes.

Building on what we have, the Menominee City Council voted to support the Menominee Downtown Development Authority's (DDA) proposed extension of the Menominee Downtown District. EH Extra Downtown District to be Extended this initiative will help the Downtown expand a valuable connection to the 26,839 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), which passes through the intersection of 10^{th Ave.} & 10^{th street}. That connection of traffic to downtown is vital because of its potential to attract travelers to Menominee's Historic Waterfront Downtown. When we expose people to our unique combination of water views and preserved architecture, it will support our downtown businesses' growth. Those businesses are the future of the downtown area and, in turn, contribute to a more enjoyable, attractive, and beautiful place for those of us who live in the #MyMarinetteMenominee area.

If only a fraction of those 26,839 daily travelers discover Menominee's Downtown, it will build on a resource we already have. Developing this strength leads us to the betterment of the area. 

In its heyday, Menominee's downtown area was bustling and vibrant. The old Montgomery Ward department store and A&P grocery store brought in shoppers from far and wide. A hotel, women's dress shop, diner, drug store, bank, movie theater, opera house, jewelry store, salon, and other businesses brought in customers from the twin city area and the county as well. Past holiday activities in the downtown area captured some of that nostalgia. Many visitors enjoyed rides in horse-drawn wagons while listening to sleigh bells signaling the start of holiday and shopping activities. Holiday markets, art fairs, concerts, antique car shows, and festivals brought customers to the downtown area as well. This year's pandemic will influence how we celebrate, but it does not prevent us from making plans now for the future. Streetlights with their holiday decorations can still cheer us and brighten our nights as we ponder our plans.

Each one of us has a role in becoming better. Without anyone else's permission, and at little or no extra cost, you and I can support our downtown businesses. Please help them to not only survive but to thrive! Downtown businesses are essential to a vibrant downtown. A vibrant downtown is the heart of a better post-pandemic community.