Farmer’s market to expand at new location

By: 
MEGAN LINSKI

City to renovate building for use as farmer’s market. Photo by Jim Lincoln.

A new location with a new name for the Tecumseh Farmer’s Market will make its debut on May 14 when the “Market On Evans” opens on property formerly owned by the Hamblin Company on North Evans Street.

A committee of Downtown Development Authority members has been meeting with Economic Development Director Paula Holtz; Tecumseh Chamber Director and city council member Vicki Philo, City Manager Dan Swallow and Department of Public Works (DPW) Supt. Tim Bock to discuss development of the property for use as a farmer’s market. Market vendor Dara O’Regan joined the committee for a meeting held on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Cleanup of the site began in December by the DPW, which removed concrete foundations and graded the area which covers approximately 247 feet x 116 feet. When weather permits, the DPW will compact and seed the remaining areas to make it a green space.

“We want to remove any debris left over from its former use and make the property aesthetically pleasing,” said Swallow.

The city will be working with the DDA to come up with a final plan for how the site should best be utilized, and what improvements need to be made to the building currently sitting on the property, including removing the south-facing wall, repairing the roof, power washing and painting. Estimated costs are $17,400. Additional improvements may include landscaping, lighting, signage and a mural raising costs to approximately $40,000. Tentatively, the building will be ready for use in 2017 following completion of the project.

A potential crowd funding initiative is beginning to take shape in order to generate more financing for the development of the site through use of the website www.patronicity.com. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) run the Public Spaces Community Places initiative in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan-based crowd-funding platform Patronicity. Communities can submit projects by applying for a Patronicity crowd funding online donation campaign. Projects meeting fundraising goals can receive a matching grant from MEDC/MSHDA of up to $50,000.

According to Swallow, place making projects include projects that create initiatives to create more vibrant downtown areas, as well as gathering spaces to attract new residents. Place making also seeks to inspire college-educated people to move into the community.

In discussion about the market makeup and layout for vendors, the committee is proposing the addition of antiques and collectibles, as well as crafters to the mix of produce and baked goods offered at the Market On Evans. Booth spaces will range from 12 feet x 10 feet to 15 feet x 10 feet.

For reservations for booth space or more information, contact the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce at 423.3740.

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Tecumseh Herald

 

110 E. Logan St.
P.O. Box 218
Tecumseh, MI 49286
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800-832-6443

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