Courtesy photo This is a photo of one of the tiny shops at the Water Street Commons in Alpena. The Alpena Downtown Development Authority is accepting applications for local small businesses to utilize the small buildings this year.

ALPENA — Applications are officially open for businesses to be part of the 2026 seasons at the Water Street Commons in Downtown Alpena. The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking for new and existing businesses who are interested in renting a tiny shop as part of this new collaborative market for the summer, fall, or holiday seasons. Possible businesses include retail shops, tasting rooms, a bakery, food vendors, and other retailers carrying unique or handmade items.

The Water Street Commons, located on the corner of 2nd Ave and Water St in Downtown Alpena, opened in May 2025. Created and managed by the Alpena DDA, the Commons is home to a beverage shed operated by Knaebe’s, five tiny shops, hook-ups for food trucks, and a public seating area that overlooks the river. Previously, the property had been vacant for over ten years, as mixed-use development proved difficult to attract to the site.

“A top priority of the DDA is to activate the riverfront, as the Thunder Bay River is a beautiful and significant asset that runs through the heart of the downtown,” said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. “The first year of the Water Street Commons was a huge success. We were able to welcome seventeen new businesses to our downtown who got a taste of the downtown, grew their customer base, and tested their products–all while showing what is possible on this key riverfront property.”

The DDA is planning to add at least one more tiny shop to the property later this spring, and selected businesses will begin moving in May 2026 with a grand opening Memorial Day weekend. In the application, businesses can also indicate if they want to stay on for the fall season (September- October) and the holiday season (November- December).

“Several businesses from last year are planning on returning this year, and we are excited to see which new businesses are interested in joining,” said Gentry. “This summer, we will also be constructing a small, covered music pavilion on the site and will have live music every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend thanks to the Alpena Street Performers. We also plan to grow the Commons as a holiday destination given the success of last year’s Christmas at the Commons event and variety of unique holiday vendors.”

The shops are 12’x10′ and have power hook-up, insulation, a front porch, and a finished interior. Selected businesses will have mandatory hours each season they must be open to ensure a collaborative and consistent experience for the community. Food trucks can also schedule directly with the DDA for the summer season. Daily rate is $25/day with a $200/maximum per month.

The deadline to apply to lease a tiny shop is Tuesday, March 17. Business applications will be reviewed by the end of March by the DDA.

More information about the project, including business applications can be found on the DDA’s website: https://www.downtownalpenami.com/waterstreetcommons.html

If you have any questions or are a food truck interested in scheduling to be on the site, please contact the DDA directly at downtownalpenami@gmail.com or 989-464-9939.