This year has already been full of announcements and changes downtown.

Decorative Panels International, located on 86 acres adjacent to the heart of downtown with Lake Huron frontage, closed abruptly. The Bluebird Boutique closed its doors. Galley Sweet Shop was purchased and relocated. The Pita Wagon announced it is for sale. Buildings like the Huntington Bank site and offices at 111 S. Second Ave. stand for rent or sale.

And then, this week, the Fresh Palate announced its closure at the end of the month, leaving a gap — an immense opportunity — in the heart of our downtown.

When I first moved back to Alpena after college (what I thought would be a temporary move), I was surprised by what I found when I experienced the community as an adult.

When I was in high school, my interactions with downtown revolved around going to work at the Royal Knight Cinema. Cabin Creek Coffee had just opened its doors. The Black Sheep, Thunder Bay Winery, and Downtown Scoops would be just a few years in the future.

And then, a hip sandwich counter opened in the Center Building. At that point, there was no liquor license, no live music, no alleyway parties, no beer festivals.

Seven years later, when I moved back to Alpena, I was surprised by what I found. Austin Brothers had just opened its brewery. The Nucleus Lounge also just opened, offering a full dinner menu, craft cocktails, and live jazz.

As my time in Alpena grew, changes kept coming downtown. A beer festival. A film festival. Shakespeare performances. Live music. Craft beer in a Miller Lite town! Old buildings getting new life. Old, established organizations getting new life.

My sphere expanded as I began my current role, and I was surprised to meet so many young professionals relocating or returning to this corner of the world. Family Enterprise, Higgins Family Chiropractic, the library, Thunder Bay Theatre, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary — all attracting young professionals who had decided to move here for jobs and new opportunities.

That was not the Alpena I expected to find.

Over the years, various business and property owners have paved the way for future growth and shown us a vision — a possibility — of what Alpena can be. A place where young professionals can make a life, grow their careers, or carve their path. A place that can have a downtown filled with unique restaurants, shops, and businesses.

Fresh Palate was one of those places that set the tone for the direction our downtown is going.

If we want our community to grow, it is essential we foster businesses, organizations, and events that enhance our area’s quality of life. Young professionals, recently retired baby boomers, families, and tourists, all look for the same things when deciding where to visit or where to make their next move. Are there cool places to go? Are there unique places to eat and drink? Are there fun things to do year-round? Is there an active sense of community?

The closure of businesses like the Fresh Palate — which added a significant amount to the area’s quality of life and the downtown’s vibrancy — leaves a large hole in our community. Its closure reminds us that our downtown is a living, breathing ecosystem.

Despite all the growth we have seen in the last few years (or even the last 10 years), the ecosystem is still fragile. Unlike Detroit or Traverse City or Marquette, we haven’t reached the point where those vacancies are immediately filled with the next entrepreneur waiting to take its place.

Downtown is only as strong as the community that supports and invests in it.

Over the years, downtown has had its ups and downs. Currently, there is positive momentum from established businesses and new businesses alike, but it will take those who are willing to rise to the challenge to meet it.

What role might you have to play? Will you support the next business that opens its doors? Will you foster the next entrepreneur, lending your time, resources, or experiences to help him or her thrive?

Will you be that next entrepreneur?

Spring is on its way, and we hope this new chapter is filled with new growth, too.