News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The Centennial Building in Alpena sits partially in the sun and shade on Wednesday. The building is one of more than 20 properties that have been identified by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority as vacant or underutilized. The DDA hopes the properties can be developed into new businesses downtown.

ALPENA — The Alpena Downtown Development Authority is exploring ideas on how best to fill vacant or underused commercial areas in downtown Alpena.

More than 20 properties have been considered ripe for development, but considered underutilized right now.

The DDA intends to market the downtown, work with potential developers and current business owners, and even help promote the types of businesses needed in the DDA district.

On Tuesday, the DDA board met and discussed near and long-term goals, and finding tenants for empty or partly-used buildings downtown is high on its list of priorities.

Anne Gentry, DDA executive director, said although there are many businesses thriving downtown, there is room for many more.

She listed some of the locations that are unused or underutilized including the former Fresh Palate location in the Center Building, the former antique mall, the Centennial Building, and others.

“We have a list of the properties and some are currently for lease and others are not currently available,” Gentry said. “There are some properties that there is no movement on, and we would like to know what is going on with them because it is hurting the downtown when people see vacancies and it isn’t always the case that there isn’t someone interested in the space.”

Gentry said there are tools the DDA, Target Alpena, and store agencies, like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, have that can help developers open or revitalize current and future businesses. She said overall, the downtown is very healthy and there are exciting things in the works, like the reconstruction of Culligan Plaza and new restrooms. She said to help the downtown reach the next level, there are certain types of businesses it needs and the DDA wants to play a role in reaching out to developers to invest in those types of ventures.

“We are trying to be strategic in what gaps there are downtown,” Gentry said. “We have talked about an actual bakery, a steakhouse, a lunch cafe, and other things. We are conducting an in-house assessment to list types of businesses we know will be successful.”

Gentry said a long-term plan of the DDA is to promote more development along the riverfront and to incorporate the harbor more closely. She said connecting the property along the Thunder Bay River and the marina opens more doors for growth and opportunities for people to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy the downtown’s arts, culture, and entertainment.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.