Culligan Plaza will be closed for the duration of the construction. This will include the adjacent parking lot. Signage and barricades will be present to guide traffic around the construction site, but motorists and pedestrians are advised to seek alternate walking routes and parking areas, the release said.

Alternate parking suggestions include the parking lots on Lockwood Street, which would provide walkable access in the alley adjacent to Black Sheep. This alley is actively being resurfaced to provide better walkability to 2nd Avenue. Additionally, parking is available at the lot behind City Hall, behind Sherwin-Williams, and behind the Armory Building.

Due to the complexity of the project, it is anticipated that construction will take place over several months this summer, the press release said. Note that there may be times when contractors will not be present on site, as the prime contractor is balancing multiple subcontractors’ schedules.

The Culligan Plaza Project will include a new water feature, stage, and fire feature that will all be ADA accessible. In addition, the internal drainage of the reconstructed plaza and adjacent parking lot will have a green filtration system utilizing rain gardens and tree filtration boxes.

Courtesy Image The Alpena Downtown Development Authority's parking plan shows available parking.

Lastly, a new, year-round, downtown public restroom will be constructed adjacent to the DDA building. This project is funded by a Michigan Economic Development Corporation 2023 Public Gathering Space Grant, the First Federal Foundation of Northeastern Michigan, and the City of Alpena General Fund. The project cost is anticipated to be approximately $1.2 million.

Contact City Engineer Steve Shultz at 989-354-1730 or steves@alpena.mi.us or DPW Division Head Shannon Smolinski at 989-354-1781 or shannons@alpena.mi.us with any questions.