Over the past 10 years, more than $100 million has been invested in the redevelopment of downtown Flint. Uptown Reinvestment Corporation and Uptown Developments have worked together to transform the area from a series of boarded up buildings to a thriving downtown business district – one where people are living, working, eating, spending money and contributing to the region’s economic recovery.
On June 21, the next chapter of the downtown renaissance begins. The Flint Farmers’ Market will open doors at its new location; and it will be a great day. Market Director Dick Ramsdell, Market Manager Karianne Martus and countless others have been working hard to ensure that the market is ready for business. There will be great new amenities such as a commercial test kitchen, community room, more space for parking and 100 vendors. In addition, there will be lots of activities including live bands, a Photo Booth, a variety of youth activities, arts & crafts, cooking demonstrations and an interactive exhibit from the Flint Children’s Museum. I truly hope you will make time to celebrate the next chapter of one of Flint’s greatest assets.
Did you know that the Market will be part of an exciting new Health & Wellness District in downtown Flint? Once completed, the District will have a major role in advancing the health of our citizens and the revitalization of our local economy. The $30 million health and wellness project will transform four city blocks and includes:
- Renovation of the former 97,000 square foot Flint Journal building for Michigan State University’s Public Health program;
- The relocation of the Flint Farmers’ Market to downtown,
- The Genesys PACE Center and demolition of Genesee Towers to make way for new development.
The Health & Wellness District is the centerpiece of the “eds & meds” strategy. Education partnering with our local medical centers will not only result in innovative programs but bring tremendous energy to a growing downtown.
Work on all fronts is progressing well and soon we will have more people working, living and patronizing businesses in downtown Flint, national researchers focusing on public health issues that affect Flint and a Center that will bring more comprehensive care for the growing elderly population in Genesee County.
The momentum continues. Do you feel it?
Tim