Historic Building in Elberta Set for Community Transformation
LANSING, Mich. – The Elberta Mercantile building, once a cornerstone of local commerce, is on the brink of a major transformation. With plans for it to become a vibrant community center, the project, spearheaded by the Elberta Labor Heritage Center and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), promises to reinvigorate the area. This initiative kicks off with a crowdfunding campaign on the Patronicity platform.
If the project reaches its $14,000 fundraising target by June 13, it will unlock a matching grant under MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For those interested in contributing, more information is available at patronicity.com/elberta.
“The Elberta Heritage Center is not only creating a vibrant gathering place in the village but will give new life to a once thriving downtown space,” stated Paula Holtz, MEDC Regional Development Managing Director. Through adaptive reuse and preservation, the project aims to revive the mercantile as a lively hub for local storytelling, education, and culture.
The Elberta Labor Heritage Center envisions the building as a celebration of the town’s rich history, from its roots in commercial fishing and railroads to modern community events. The transformation will provide a flexible space for workshops, markets, and cultural events, featuring local art and historical exhibits.
Funds from the campaign will complete the building’s renovation, allowing it to open as a public space with regular hours and special event times. The center will offer a diverse range of programs including historical tours, guest speakers, and collaborations with local schools and organizations.
“The MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places grant match program is giving the Elberta Heritage Center and WUWU Community Radio the boost we need to transform an under-utilized downtown building into a place where history, creativity, and connection can thrive,” said David Beaton, Elberta Heritage Center Founder and Board Chairman. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and resilience in Elberta.
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaboration between the MEDC, Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, enabling communities to fund projects through grassroots involvement. The initiative supports community development with matching grants, having aided over 424 projects since its inception in 2014.
“The Elberta Heritage Center will not only breathe new life into a building that was vacant, but also create a lasting, positive impact on the community,” expressed Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. This project stands as a testament to community-driven development and cultural enrichment.
Since the launch of the Public Spaces Community Places initiative, the MEDC has contributed over $14.7 million in matching funds, fostering community improvement projects with a remarkable 97 percent success rate.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
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