Third & Western Renaissance

The catalyst project creates a gathering place at the corner of Third and Western by implementing three components: facade improvements for buildings owned by Western Avenue Properties, a public art composition commissioned by the Muskegon Museum of Art (owned and operated by Muskegon Public Schools), and a wireless Internet hotspot initiated by Muskegon Main Street.

The combination of improvements created by these three project elements is significant enough to tip the intersection to cool and adds to the investment already being leveraged at this intersection to create a new downtown Muskegon.

Highlights:

• Baker College's Culinary Institute of Michigan is now located in the project area. The Institute is a 40,000-square-foot facility in downtown Muskegon, with a full-service restaurant and pastry and coffee shop. The facility opened in September 2009, with more than 300 students signed up for fall classes.
• The project increased the number of businesses in the area and brought in more private development.
• The Muskegon Athletic Club opened in October 2008. 
• There is a newly completed office building for Sidock Group, Inc. – an engineering and architectural firm. 
• A new project, HighPoint Flats, involves the rehabilitation of the Hackley Bank Building, an eight-story structure constructed in 1916. A new two-story addition to the building, which is located at 285 Western, also will be constructed. Seventy condos ranging from studios to 2,300 square feet will sell for $89,000 to more than $299,000.
• The new streetscape is completed. Enhancements include bike racks and increased walkability.