Main Street Pontiac is committed to lifting up our local entrepreneurs and creating an inclusive and vibrant downtown. To make affordable and move-in ready retail space in downtown Pontiac available for the community’s local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, MSP is developing and managing affordable micro-retail tenant spaces (small cottage sheds). These sheds will live at an underutilized site on the north end of downtown. The space, 111 North Saginaw Street, is known throughout the community as the “Big Yellow Chair Park.”
The project – currently referred to as the Saginaw Street Makers Village – seeks to transform the Big Yellow Chair Park into a concept similar to Western Market in Muskegon, Michigan. The project involves a phased approach starting with 4 sheds of approximately 110 sq. ft. each. The sheds will be leased annually through an application process at low cost to makers of Pontiac-based products. Additional elements will be added to the park setting such as string lights, planters, and seating to create a festive and active atmosphere.
Various activities will be programmed at the location such as music and children’s games to create a welcoming community public space that downtown Pontiac currently lacks.
