Earlier this month, plans that local officials have been brewing for years now finally came fruition, as city leaders revealed their vision for a transformed Division/Commercial streets corridor.

According to preliminary designs drafted by engineering firm Wightman & Associates, the city will be overhauling the appearance of Commercial Street, demolishing several old structures it acquired last year to make room for additional parking spaces and greenery. In addition, the city plans on installing patches of brick road on the street to slow down traffic, making the street more pedestrian friendly, as well installing an island nearby the intersection, improving visibility and ease of entering and exiting the corridor.

The city also is looking to additional green space and public art displays alongside current parking spaces along Division Street.

On top of the demolition of the big grey Goerlich building last year, the new work is meant to improve the appearance of the entryways into downtown, as well as to improve the overall experience of people visiting the corridor.

Certainly, the price of this work won’t be cheap — $1.5 million is the estimate given by City Manager Kevin Anderson. Unlike some other major projects, including the recent demolition, it won’t be eligible for grant funding either, and will be paid for by a loan, Anderson said.

However, judging by the other public projects the city has initiated over the years to improve downtown, we feel this is an expense worth paying.

From the renovation of downtown during the 90s to the construction of the Snow Building in recent years, the city has always taken a pride in making the central business district a key part of its focus. Thanks to its attention, the area serves as a place where people can shop, eat, get a haircut, or even live, thanks to the number of upstairs apartments installed over the years.

Downtown has become a key part of the charm and draw of Dowagiac — and through the city’s efforts, the number of weaknesses it contains are slowly but surely being addressed.

We’re looking forward to seeing the fruit of the city’s efforts in the months to come.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.