Main Street Pontiac is committed to supporting locally based entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, small, affordable, and move-in ready retail space in downtown Pontiac is often out of reach for the community’s local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Main Street Pontiac seeks to bridge this gap by developing and managing 8-10 affordable micro-retail tenant spaces (aka small cottage sheds) in an underutilized site on the north end of downtown.
The project – currently referred to as the Saginaw Green Maker Village – seeks to transform the Saginaw Green Park also known as the Big Yellow Chair Park into a concept similar to Western Market in Muskegon, Michigan. The project will involve a phased approach starting with 5 sheds of approximately 120 sq. ft. each. The sheds would be leased annually through an application process at low cost to food and retail makers of Pontiac-based products. Additional elements would be added to the park setting such as string lights, planters and seating to create a festive and active atmosphere. Various activities would be programmed at the location such as music, and children’s games to create a welcoming community public space downtown Pontiac currently lacks.
The Saginaw Green Maker Village will become a hub of activity year-round and be a vital anchor to the north-end entrepreneurial and maker zone vision for downtown Pontiac.
AND WE WANT YOU TO NAME IT!
Tell us what kinds of amenities you’d like to see in the space, the overall feel and of course, a new name!
DEADLINE FOR REPONSE: JUNE 17
FINAL VOTING TO OPEN: JUNE 18-24
Property Information
Saginaw Green Park, also known as the Big Yellow Chair Park, is maintained by Main Street Pontiac. Main Street Pontiac is Select Level main street organization with Oakland County Main Street and Main Street America. Main Street Pontiac has been awarded a GM on Main Street grant for their Saginaw Green Maker Village project.
The GM on Main Street Grant Program has awarded five $50,000 grants to nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities near GM facilities. Made possible by General Motors, this grant program prioritized applications that were place-making focused, innovative, inclusive, feasible, and replicable or easily scalable for other Main Street programs.
Project Timeline
Phase 1 is planned to open by Fall 2024 and will include 5 retail sheds. Applications for our first round of retail vendors will open soon.
