OLD IS NEW!

The nationwide renaissance of small downtowns hasn't been lost on East Jordan's quaint central business district where an influx of visionaries have discovered the promise of this small town on Lake Charlevoix.

Main Street's new "Up North" streetscape combined with fresh new restaurants and retail shops, and the sprucing up of existing storefronts, has reinvigorated the heart of the city and beyond.

The largest renovation to hit Main and Mill Streets in decades is a 14, 000 square foot overhaul of the historical Porter Building and adjacent Votruba Building which have anchored the downtown's entrance for more than a century.

Owners and developers, Floyd and Todd Wright Builders of Boyne City and Charlevoix State Bank plan to return the two-story, turn-of-the-century buildings' brick facades as close as possible to their original splendor - including reinstalling the 1899 emblem which once graced the site. The building will soon be listed with the National Historic Register.

Since two-thirds of the buildings' space stood vacant for 20 years, with much falling into severe disrepair, initial restorations will include replacing an entire wall and the ground floor as well as restoring much of the second floor offices to their original look using the existing carved woodwork.

"It was just a very spontaneous coming together of ourselves, Charlevoix State Bank, and Charlevoix Area Hospital ( a future tenant), combined with the interest level and the cooperation of East Jordan people and the Downtown Development Authority," said one of the project's builders, Floyd Wright, of the decision to undertake the project. "There was just sort of an enthusiasm that developed over a matter of two weeks and kept going from there."

Tenants slated to fill the space upon completion include partner Charlevoix State Bank with a drive-up window; Charlevoix Area Hospital with a physical rehabilitation center; the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce; and a pharmacy. An additional 2,000 square feet will be available for lease on the first floor and 3,000 square feet on the second. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2003.

Come watch the project's progress and slip inside any number of our charming shops and eateries while you are in the downtown area. Friendly and helpful staff are ready with food, gifts, clothing and much more to suit your tastes.

East Jordan is the last waterfront community on Lake Charlevoix to undergo a renaissance and now is a great time for entrepreneurs, investors or existing business owners to get in on affordable opportunities in the downtown. Call the Chamber at 231-536-7351 for further information.

A Message from the City Administrator...

East Jordan continues to be a community on the move. Businesses continue to expand or locate in our "Up North" downtown. Two historic buildings long vacant are in the process of being renovated as a public private partnership using historic tax credits. Private investores are also rehabilitating two other historic buildings. Come visit our downtown and see the renaissance in action. Inquiries regarding the Air Industrial Park are picking up as everyone discovers all East Jordan has to offer.

The schools, Chamber and City continue to work together as a strong team for the betterment of the total East Jordan community.

Camping, boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, snowmobiling, and skiing make East Jordan your four-season vacation area. Enjoy all the beauty which is the East Jordan community.

Please visit all our friendly businesses and experience personal service like you remember.

David White
City Administrator 231-536-3381

A Note from the Economic Development Coordinator...

In addition to its highly favorable natural environment of lakes, rivers, and rolling countryside, East Jordan enjoys a balanced economy including nature-based tourism, retail and services, and manufacturing and processing. The community continuously prepares itself for the future such as the new class A industrial park and the Downtown Renaissance effort, street and utility improvements, new parks and recreation facilities and constant upgrading of the school system, rated one of the best in Michigan.

We invite you to consider East Jordan for a new or expanded business location. Our economic development team is a partnership of the Chamber of Commerce, the City of East Jordan, the Downtown Development Authority, the school system and private business. Incentives are available to assist in new location or expansion projects.

Please contact my office or the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce for additional information about doing business in East Jordan.

Rod Benson
Economic Development Coordinator
East Jordan Economic Development Office 231-536-3381

City of East Jordan

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