MANISTEE, MICH. - If you’ve been around downtown Manistee lately, you’ve probably noticed the heavy equipment, construction signage, and the steady stream of rumors about River Street getting a facelift. No, the City isn’t building a splash pad, and no, it’s not the long-awaited, mythical Menards finally arriving in Manistee. What you’re seeing is the start of a significant, multi-year effort to redesign and improve the River Street streetscape. Through the redesign, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is hoping to create a more functional, safe downtown for visitors and residents. 

To better understand the project, it helps to first understand what a "streetscape" actually is. In simple terms, it’s the built environment that makes up our streets and sidewalks, everything from the pavement and curbs to the benches, lamp posts, planters, and other features that shape how we experience a place. In Manistee, the River Street Streetscape Project spans most of the corridor between US-31 and Spruce Street, where River Street merges with Water Street. Because of its size and complexity, the project is being completed in phases. Phase one is currently underway on the west end of River Street, with future phases gradually moving east until the full corridor is complete.

While the construction may feel sudden, this project has been years in the making. Conversations around improving the downtown streetscape began back in 2018 through a Michigan State University Sustainable Built Environment Initiative, which gathered public input and outlined early design ideas. In 2022, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) continued that work with additional community engagement and a corridor improvement plan developed alongside Fleis & VandenBrink, an engineering firm. More recently, in 2024 and 2025, those ideas were refined into a final design focused on making downtown safer, more functional, and more welcoming for everyone who uses it.

The design itself includes several key elements. One of the most noticeable will be intersection bump-outs, which will shorten crossing distances, slow vehicle traffic, and improve safety for pedestrians. For phase one of the Streetscape project, the west end of River Street will be reimagined as a community plaza, creating a flexible space for community gatherings and improving how traffic flows where River Street meets Water Street. Traffic will still be able to flow through this section of River Street onto Water Street. However, the design will make it significantly easier and safer to close down this section of River Street for community events. Finally, the project also includes the resetting of sunken pavers, adding bumpouts at the River Street and Oak Street intersection, and refurbishing existing lamp posts.

Funding for the project comes from a mix of sources, led by a $756,000 Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Without that support, phase one of the streetscape simply wouldn’t be possible. Additional funding comes from the Manistee Downtown Development Authority, the City of Manistee, and the Manistee County Community Foundation. Because the DDA is able to invest only within the downtown district, this project has long been identified as one of its highest priorities. Together, these investments represent a shared commitment to the future of downtown Manistee and the people it serves.

At its core, this project is about more than just infrastructure. It's about creating a downtown that continues to serve as the heartbeat of the community. A downtown is the heartbeat of a community. Whether in a small coastal town like Manistee or a major city, downtown is where people gather, connect, and form lasting impressions. It’s home to some of our most recognizable and valued places, and it plays a major role in shaping our community’s identity.

River Street sees a high volume of foot traffic from both residents and visitors, and the streetscape plays a big role in how that experience feels. For locals, it creates a safer, more functional, and more enjoyable space to spend time, whether that’s grabbing coffee, attending an event, or simply walking downtown. For visitors, it helps create a welcoming first impression and encourages them to stay longer, explore more, and come back again. The new community plaza, in particular, is meant to serve as a central gathering space, something that builds community pride and creates opportunities for shared experiences. At the same time, improvements to pedestrian safety and overall functionality ensure that the space works well for the people who use it every day.

As a reminder, downtown businesses remain open and accessible throughout construction. Please continue to shop, dine, and support local businesses during these improvements. While construction can be inconvenient, the end result will be well worth it. The streetscape project will make a safer downtown as well as create a space that ensures the community can come together and enjoy the town they call home.

###

Andrew Stafford is the Director of Economic Development at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501 C (6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact the Chamber at 231-723-2575 or communications@manisteechamber.com.