'Round Again Building After Construction Complete.

The Village of Sparta Downtown Development Authority offers a $10,000 matching grants to eligible properties for Property Enhancement Projects. These projects include façade improvements, parking & landscaping improvements and more. The $10,000 matching grant has specific guidelines and goals that are amended each year and are available online. Applications are accepted until June 1 of each year. The grants are designed to assist a property owner make major improvements to a building that will enhance the commercial district.

 Questions regarding the Property Enhancement Program should be forwarded to Elizabeth Gorski- Morse, DDA Director.

2010 Property Enhancement Grant Application

2010 Property Enhancement Grant Guidelines

The Village of Sparta DDA is pleased to begin the forth year of Property Enhancement Grants to property owners in the DDA District.

'Round Again Building under construction in 2008.

Round Again Palace Livery Building under construction. After meeting with the DDA Property Enhancement Committee to review the guidelines for the grant, the committee awarded the project to Round Again palace Livery. Throughout construction, the Palace Livery building was brought back to its original glory by removing a 1950’s addition and restoring the original brick facade. The original stone sign is still part of the exterior stone facade that was found during construction and refurbished over the doorway.

Completed Projects with DDA approved grant funds:

 Downtown Sparta Blueprint 2009 (PDF)

The Blueprint Plan includes input and collaboration from:

Community Organization Leaders

Downtown Business Owners

Retail Trade Area Surveys

Customer Focus Groups

Employee Focus Groups

Sparta Downtown Development Authority

Sparta Chamber of Commerce

Village Council Members

Sparta Township Representatives

Sparta Residents

Community Meeting Attendees

Market Analysis

Lets work together to implement the 5 year action plan and make Downtown Sparta truly “What a Neighborhood Should Be”.

The Downtown Development Authority, Chamber of COmmerce, Village of Sparta is currently in the process of adopting the plan into the Master Plan and as the Guide for Downtown Development.

Downtown Sparta Construction Clip by www.positivelymichigan.net

Downtown Business Coupons: Detour to Downtown Sparta!

Visit the Downtown Businesses to great Construction Sales & Specials!  Click Detour Ads to find the savings!

June 6: Downtown Sparta Customer Appreciation Event!

Downtown Sparta is feeling the excitement of progress in the 2009 Streetscape construction that is currently underway.  Throughout all the street detours, large dirt piles, and loud equipment, the downtown businesses are all grateful for the loyal customers that continue to visit their shops everyday.  Even with all the inconveniences of the construction, the business owners are excited to see the changes happening everyday in Downtown Sparta.  To show their appreciation to their customers, downtown Sparta businesses are hosting a Downtown Sparta Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, June 6 from 10 am to Noon.  Businesses will be handing out coupons, free food and games, and chances to win prizes! 

Between now and June 6, visit local downtown businesses as part of the Detour to Downtown Sparta Shines 2009 Event! 

 Thank you for continuing to support Downtown Sparta businesses during the major construction project.  Local businesses stimulate our local economy, provide local employment, and support local service organizations.  Next time you are shopping, remember to Shop Local, Shop Sparta!

Be a Sparta Spy… Ask your Merchant’s Why!

 Your Mission, should you choose to accept: become a Sparta Spy.  Visit a downtown Sparta merchant and pick up a Decoding Device.  Within the device there are puzzles to solve. Once solved, you will visit the Merchant Location that the answer directs you. Once you’re through the doors of the Merchant Location, ask for the “Stamp Keeper”.  They will acknowledge the completion of your mission.  You must have your Decoding Device with you so they can verify the completion of your Mission.  Continue this through the month of May until all Codes are solved and verified.  To certify you are officially a Sparta Spy, take your Decoding Device and trade it in for a drawing ticket at Sparta Township Carnegie Library or to Sparta Village Hall. 

 Tickets will be drawn on Saturday, June 6 for prizes during the Downtown Sparta Customer Appreciation Event.  The Sparta Spy Mission is to encourage the community to visit the downtown businesses during the construction, see the progress, and celebrate downtown Sparta! 

BE A SPARTA STREETSCAPE SPY Booklet! ! (Legal Size Paper fits best)

Photos of Downtown Sparta Construction:

Dollar N More keeping a positive attitude by participating with the project

Downtown Sparta Crosswalks poured at Union & Division

The process of building pedestrian friendly crosswalks

Downtown Sparta Businesses Staying Positive during Construction!

 Through the orange barrels, closed sidewalks, and LARGE piles of gravel, the Downtown Sparta Businesses can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and are keeping a positive attitude through it all. Dollar N More owner Phil Potter uses the construction project to show that a big pile of dirt isn’t holding their business back. Instead, Dollar N More is taking the opportunity to showcase his products and his good humor about the project. People are stopping by the store to see what the display means and to congratulate him on the creativity and positive attitude about the project. The sign that says, “New Downtown Landscaping Courtesy of Dollar N More…Located behind this pile of dirt!” refers to the colorful flags, flowers, and wind chimes artfully placed on the large pile of dirt. Construction can be difficult on businesses as customers may find alternate locations to shop during the construction or simply avoid the area all together. Downtown Sparta Businesses are working together to let their customers know they appreciate their continued business during the construction season and appreciate their support. “We’re all in it together”, is the attitude of these businesses who are excited for the end result of the project, expected in early July. Take a moment to visit downtown Sparta to see the construction equipment and progress of the project.  

Other Media Releases:

Sparta Streetscape Awarded Federal Grant

Sprucing Up Sparta

Shaping up Downtown Sparta

Business Information:

Sparta Streetscape Tool Kit 2009 (condensed) for local businesses to understand the construction timeline

Thanks to a matching federal Transportation Enhancement Grant administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation, Downtown Sparta will begin a Streetscape Project in April. This project is an initiative of the Downtown Development Authority in partnership with the Village of Sparta. Sparta is one of only seven municipalities in Michigan to receive the grant in 2009. With $376,500 in Transportation Enhancement Grant funds, the improvements include pedestrian safety measures including brick crosswalks and lighting, benches, trees, shrubs, and landscaping in an effort to slow traffic down. Project limits are on Division Avenue from State Street to the Nash Creek Bridge and along N. Union. Additional funding is through Kent County, Sparta DDA, and the Village of Sparta.

For a few years, the DDA and Village have been budgeting funds in anticipation of this project, which means taxes will not be increased and special assessments will not happen for this project. The DDA captures a percentage of tax dollars from the taxing jurisdictions on specific DDA parcels as passed by State Legislation to work on development projects. The project is anticipated for competition in early July.

]]> http://spartachamber.com/coc/2009/02/27/sparta-streetscape-project-awarded-federal-grant/feed/ 0 http://spartachamber.com/coc/2009/02/26/terrific-news-for-a-local-business/ http://spartachamber.com/coc/2009/02/26/terrific-news-for-a-local-business/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:55:24 +0000 DDA http://spartachamber.com/coc/?p=403

All About Learning Project in a Classroom.

All About Learning Inc, partners with schools in over 30 states to provide academic enrichment programs focusing on science technology engineering and math. The focus on these specific areas is in part because US students have traditionally fallen behind students in other countries in these areas of study.

The award process started with 235 nominated companies, and several rounds of applying and company verifications, All About Learning Inc. was chosen as one of the “50 Companies to Watch” awardees in Michigan. The awards are abased on several different categories in businesses including management philosophies, unique business qualities, and innovations. The award is to recognize the vital role companies of this size play in the economy. The foundation behind the award, the Edward Lowe Foundation, champions the entrepreneurial spirit by working with entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.EdwardLowe.org.

How did Stackpole grow his business to achieve this award? Stackpole says the secret is that “We keep the business simple, and it helps the business grow. The success has come from learning how to spread our business across the country” though they remain headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, and website at www.michiganlearning.com. “We are honored to receive this award and will be attending a black tie affair and having dinner with the governor in April.” Looking forward to the future, Stackpole says, “we have continued interest in expanding our seemingly recession proof business. We are open to speaking with interested investors in the community.”

Some of the major changes are due in part to the Village of Sparta Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Property Enhancement Grant program for exterior enhancements to commercial buildings within the DDA District. The program has generated over $250,000 of investment from business owners into the exterior of their buildings over the past two years. The investment from property owners in their buildings is important for the vitality of Sparta business and the enhancements are having a major effect on the image of Sparta.

Round Again, the downtown business at 213 E. Division, has become a historical focal point for downtown Sparta after the completion of the DDA grant program in 2007. By taking the architectural history into account, the property owners, Howard and Joan Lettinga, decided to restore the exterior to its original size as built in 1907. By removing a 1940’s addition, the Lettinga’s found the original building sign in the façade of the building as the doorway header reading “N.A. Shaw Palace Livery 1907”. As a building that has served many different businesses over the years, including a Drayage Business (the hauling of a load by a low built cart by horses), a Livery Barn, Fields Transfer Line, a farm implement business, a John Deere equipment repair operation, a beauty shop, real estate office, accounting business, and photo shop, the building was finally purchased in 1984 as a consignment/ resale business by the Lettinga’s. As 2007 marked the hundredth year for the historic building in downtown Sparta, the Lettinga’s celebrated by restoring the building to its historic exterior and continuing the legacy of the historical building in downtown Sparta.

Another example of the DDA grant program is the major exterior improvements on the building at 530 S. State Street that currently houses Spectrum Health, Mel Trotter, LA Insurance, and the Secretary of State. Through the DDA Grant Program, the 530 S. State Street building underwent major façade improvements that included adding new façade materials, raised the height of the front façade to hide equipment, and correlated the businesses on the property. The improvements are remarkable and the project has made major improvements to the South State Street corridor.

Maxine’s Family Restaurant, at 370 N. State Street, is another example of success for the DDA Grant Program. Through major façade improvements, parking lot enhancements, streetscape improvements, and landscaping work, the business has made a major impact on the North State Street corridor and improve the exterior of the visual appeal of the restaurant. Maxine’s Family Restaurant has changed their image and look through the DDA Grant Program. The before and after photos show the extreme results of the project undertaken in 2008.

Interested in the 2009 DDA Property Enhancement Grant program? Businesses must meet grant guidelines and meet with the Property Enhancement Grant committee before applications are accepted. Grant guidelines are online under Assisting Businesses at www.spartami.org.

With the increase in gas prices today, driving from downtown Sparta to the Alpine shopping district, let alone to “The Mall”, may be more expensive than you imagined… big time. The distance from Downtown Sparta to Interstate 96 is 15 miles (Thank you Mapquest).

This means that after driving 15 miles to your destination and then 15 miles back to Sparta, you’ve just added 30 miles to your gauge. With a vehicle that gets 20 miles per gallon, that is 1.5 gallons of gasoline round trip, and it makes you feel the crunch at the pump. You can do the mental math on this one: although this month gas is down to 3.00 per gallon, a “quick” round trip jaunt to Alpine will cost you $4.50 in fuel expenses. Remember when gas was nearly $4.50 a gallon?

AAA Breaks it down
When you break it down even further, according to the 2007 AAA annual study “Your Driving Costs”, experts found that motorists pay an average of 62.1 cents per mile after taking into account gas, oil, maintenance and tires, as well as insurance, depreciation, financing charges, license, title and registration. (The make and model of the vehicle would have a direct impact on the cents paid per mile as well.)

Here are the estimated numbers for a 2003 vehicle:
62.1 cents per mile x 30 miles from Sparta to Alpine and back = 1,863 cents ($18.63)

$18.63! Nearly $20 for a round trip “just” down to Alpine and back.

Time is Money
And what about your time spent? For going 30 miles at an average of 55 mph you spend almost 33 minutes on the road. That is, if there isn’t construction, an accident, or rush hour delays, either.

Now let’s say a big box store on Alpine is having a sale. You see an ad for a great item that is on sale for $10.00 after a mail-in rebate. Maybe you could find it in Sparta for $20 regular price. After all is said and done, if you run down to Alpine to pick up your one item, you would have paid $28.63 because of travel expenses (not to mention postage for that rebate and your precious time you would have spent on the road, polluting the air)! You could have saved $8.63 by just shopping locally, purchasing the same item yet spending in Sparta.

Ask yourself if you are really saving enough to venture down to Alpine or Grand Rapids after a “deal” next time, if you could find the same items here in Sparta.

Thinking Local
Need an even bigger reward for shopping locally than merely saving money and lots of time? Simply put, that much MORE of the money you spend locally stays local. It is a great way to support the local businesses that sponsor community events, whose name you see on your kids’ Little League Team tee’s, and who buy the raffle tickets for your school fundraiser.

Here is a list of top reasons to “Spend in Sparta”:

• Significantly more money re-circulates. When you purchase at local businesses, more money is kept in the community because local businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and local growers.
• Non-profits organizations receive greater support from local businesses
• Environmental impact is reduced
• Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
• Most new jobs are provided by local businesses.
• Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. The workplace, pay, and benefits tend to be better as the owners live in the same community as their employees.
• Local business owners invest in community.
• Local businesses owned by people who live in this community are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community’s future.
• Competition and diversity leads to more consumer choices.
• A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. Research shows that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

While considering Holiday Shopping this season, give a second thought to our local businesses here in Sparta to see if there isn’t something you can find on everyone’s gift list that will support our community and our local businesses. And be sure to take another look in Downtown Sparta for your everyday needs– this may be something you can’t afford to ignore! (Sources: www.localfirst.com, www.mapquest.com, and www.aaaexchange.com )

- posted by Elizabeth Gorski, DDA Director and Gabi Amaya-Baron

The Downtown Streetscape Construction Project is set to begin April 1, 2009 and last through the beginning of July 2009 from State Street to Prospect on Division Avenue.;

To find our more details about the project, please join us at the open house between:

6:00 and 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008
at the Sparta Civic Center • 75 N Union • Sparta, MI 49345

Stop by to see what the excitement is about in downtown Sparta!