Downtown Development

The Downtown Development office facilitates business recruitment, infrastructure development, creates promotions, plans and implements events, supports preservation activities, and serves as a clearinghouse of downtown information. We strive to enhance the appearance, desirability, and vitality of this important economic and social center of our community.

Whether visiting for an afternoon or relocating to Mt. Pleasant, the Downtown district offers you a break from the ordinary. Magnificent shopping, unique cultural attractions, and scenic parks make downtown Mt. Pleasant a great destination. While you're here, enjoy a scavenger hunt and locate the Bronze Legends of Mt. Pleasant.

Boasting over 135 businesses, our vibrant Downtown includes remarkable specialty shops, art galleries, excellent and eclectic dining, bars and bistros, plus year-round special events and activities. We have "big city" amenities while surrounded by small-town service and charm.

Downtown Mt. Pleasant is centrally located in the City of Mt. Pleasant and is bordered by the picturesque Chippewa River. Two of Mt. Pleasant's most scenic parks, Island Park and Nelson Park, are also located downtown offering visitors a local trail system for walking or cycling.

Located just a few blocks north of Central Michigan University's campus and miles directly west of the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, downtown Mt. Pleasant has all you're looking for and more!

Summer 2020 Outdoor Business Activity Information

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the changes in current business operations, the Mt. Pleasant City Commission recently adopted a resolution temporarily authorizing outdoor business activities. These activities include waiving certain standards and fees for outdoor dining, tent and merchandise display permits. Click here to learn more.

Please use the following applications when applying for Outdoor Dining (in the public right-of-way); Outdoor Merchandise Display (in the public right-of-way); and Temporary Outdoor Alcohol Service (on private property) through September 30, 2020.

Outdoor Merchandise Display Application – Summer 2020
Outdoor Merchandise Display Policy – Summer 2020
Outdoor Dining Application – Summer 2020
Outdoor Dining Policy – Summer 2020
For more information, contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org.

Temporary Outdoor Alcohol Service – Summer 2020
For more information, contact Director of Public Safety Paul Lauria at (989) 779-5100 or plauria@mt-pleasant.org.

Click here to access the tent permit application.
For more information, contact Building Official Brian Kench at (989) 779-5301 or bkench@mt-pleasant.org.

General Information/studies about the City's Downtown

Downtown Façade Improvement Program

The Downtown Façade Improvement Program is made up of two separate yet interconnected pieces, intended to encourage preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of the historic resources within the CBD-TIFA District. The two offerings are:

Façade Rendering Services
Façade Easement Purchase and Zero-Interest Payback

Downtown Façade Improvement Program Guidelines