Plaza project, restroom construction could begin next year
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ALPENA -- A renovation of Culligan Plaza and construction of new downtown restrooms could begin early next year.
For the last handful of years, the plaza has needed renovations to replace failing infrastructure around the fountain and to make sure it is in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
Alpena City Manager Rachel Smolinski and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the city has received a nearly $1 million Community Development Block Grant, which will be combined with other local donations and a match from city government to cover the estimated $1.2 million cost of the project.
Alpena must pay a 10% percent cash match of $118,555. A $20,000 grant from the Alpena County Youth and Recreation Committee was added to the kitty. A $100,000 donation from the First Federal of Northern Michigan Legacy Foundation -- which was the foundation's largest award to date -- helped round out the funding.
The new plaza will feature a stage, a downward-sloping creek, a gas fire pit, and many other amenities. It will be a place where people can enjoy live entertainment, relax and enjoy a snack, or take pictures of the community Christmas tree, which will be set up each year on the stage.
The current fountain will be removed, as will the wall that separates the plaza from the adjacent parking lot.
Smolinski said city staff, local partners, and residents were all critical in making sure the new design for the plaza was something the community would enjoy and be proud of.
"I can't express how excited we are to bring the Culligan Plaza renovation project to fruition for the Alpena community," Smolinski said. "We asked the community what they wanted for this space in the heart of their downtown, and the new design is a true reflection of all that feedback. The project will replace aging and outdated infrastructure with a vibrant, accessible, and engaging public space for the community to enjoy year-round. In addition, we will add much-needed public restrooms to the downtown and include improvements to the adjacent parking area."
The proposed project didn't come together without a few hiccups.
Last year, a preliminary design rendering was released that drew the ire of some residents and several local artists who disapproved of the layout, features, and lack of involvement of those outside of city government. The city formed a committee and residents were included into the mix and the current design was created and released to the public in February. Much of the furor from the first design faded and support for the updated plan increased.
Anne Gentry, Alpena Downtown Development Authority executive director, said the plaza is pivotal to the success of downtown and a place that has been utilized a lot, especially the last few years. She said the new plaza will provide more space, better aesthetics, and a more modern appeal.
"The plaza is the heart of downtown and a place that hosts a lot of events, so, to see it be renovated is really exciting," Gentry said. "The current design is outdated and the update will, I think, be much more user-friendly. I think more people will find it enjoyable to sit in."
The downtown area and locations near the harbor and Bay View Park have long needed restrooms. Alpena also received state funding to help pay for a new bathroom facility to be built near the Kiwanis Kiddie Park and the band shell at Bay View Park.
It is not uncommon for people visiting downtown to enter a store and ask to use a bathroom. Once the new facilities are complete, people will have easy, clean, and safe access to take care of their business.
Alpena Mayor Pro-tempore Cindy Johnson, who has helped care for Culligan Plaza for years, said having bathrooms in the heart of downtown is critical for businesses and people enjoying the downtown.
"This is huge and a game-changer," she said. "The business owners know not having restrooms is a problem, so I bet they are thrilled. This is great for families with children and for when there are events downtown. I can't tell you how huge this is."
The Culligan Plaza property was purchased by Alpena in 1978 from the Richards family for $165,000. The Culligan Building, located on the site at the time of purchase, was demolished in 1979. The plaza was last revamped in the early 1980s with assistance from the Alpena Downtown Development Corp., which raised more than $25,000 for the renovation. The plaza was named Culligan Plaza in memory of Patrick Culligan.