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!
2021 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 November 15, 2021.
- Outdoor Dining Application
- Outdoor Dining Policy
- Outdoor Merchandise Display Application
- Outdoor Merchandise Display Policy
For more information on outdoor dining and merchandising, contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@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
- Bronze Legends - Original Lost and Found Bronze Art in Public Places
- City of Mt. Pleasant Downtown Parking Study (2005)
- Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Appendix
- Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan
- Downtown Mt. Pleasant National Register of Historic Places Application
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 Policies and Applications
Related Links