Behind the Scenes – Hockey Urban Experiment hits Muskegon
Grand Rapids has gained some notoriety the last number of year with a fellow named Rob Bliss coining, and pulling off, some interesting urban experiments. They've had the Zombie Walk, the Pillow Fight, the Tomato Fight, and of course the Airplane Drop at ArtPrize. Along that vein, some folks got thinking about something similar that could be pulled off downtown Muskegon, and voila, the Main Street Hockey Experiment. The Experiment will take place in conjunction with the upcoming Muskegon Snowfest and a Muskegon Lumberjacks game taking place that night. We caught up with Dan Rinsema-Sybenga of Muskegon Main Street to fill us in on the details.
MS: What's the idea with the Main Street Hockey Experiment?
DRS: The idea is to create a memorable, participatory, crowd experience that people with have fun with. The idea is simple, but remember its an experiment. On Saturday, Feb 6, Western Ave between 4th and 5th will be closed to traffic. It will be set up as a block long hockey area. At two o'clock we'll start registration with the help of the Muskegon Skirtz, and folks will be able to enter the playing area, and will be assigned to one of two teams. By three we hope a mass of hockey players will have registered, and we'll drop up to 50 balls on the street for the players to use to score goals on their "opponents" net. The game will go for 60 minutes and we expect a fun, memorable game, to take place.
MS: Is this an ice hockey game?
DRS: Let me be clear. This is NOT an ice hockey game. It will be played, whatever the weather conditions, on the street, with participants wearing shoes or boots, as street hockey is played everywhere. The only thing a player needs to bring is a hockey stick to use during the game.
MS: What feedback have you gotten so far?
DRS: People who have heard are excited. We are spreading the word through social media like Facebook and Twitter, and we are expecting a lot of buzz as the event comes closer. We are thinking it is going to create quite a scene and social media buzz the day of.
MS: What's the reason for trying an event like this?
DRS: We want to be cool too! No, seriously when we have seen these type of events promoted other places they have given folks the ability come and do something fun and completely out of the ordinary in their own community. Also, this event fits Muskegon to a T with our proud hockey heritage, and it is also going to be part of a completely great day downtown Muskegon with Snowfest and the Lumberjacks hockey game going on. You can come down for the Chili Cook-off, play the hockey game, enjoy a beverage at the Snowfest tent, and top it off with a Lumberjacks game all with one trip!
MS: Sounds like fun. Thanks for organizing and we hope this experiment goes well and we see more experiments soon.
DRS: We're hoping so as well. Be sure to sign up to plan on Facebook!.
Check it out on the web
Main Street Hockey Experiment website
Main Street Hockey Experiment YouTube promo
Main Street Hockey Experiment on Facebook
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Ringing in the New Year with a ReLaunch
The Downtown Muskegon Holiday Inn is a huge driver of downtown event and tourist traffic. Built in the 1980’s, through a private-public partnership, the facility became a Holiday Inn in the 90’s and the brand stuck when the current ownership group Muskegon Nights Inc, including general manager Gamal Elkhouly, purchased the hotel in 1998. In 2008 the ownership group faced an important decision when corporate Holiday Inn announced an aggressive make-over/rebranding campaign that would require more than 2 million in renovations to the Muskegon facility. Fortunately for downtown, the owners committed to the plan, and in late 2009 the renovations were completed. Now the hotel is holding a re-launch party to allow the downtown community, and the wider public, to get a first hand look at the changes, so we took the opportunity to get a sneak peek and talk to Mr. Elkhouly about the renovations and future plans.
MS: Wow, the place looks great. As an important Muskegon impression maker, what feeling were you hoping to create for hotel guests, and the local community, with the upgrade?
GE: The entire premise of the system-wide Holiday Inn brand make-over was to move our image from mid-scale to upscale. As we are, for many visitors, Muskegon’s front door, we believe we have accomplished that leap, and that our customers first impression of Muskegon is “Wow, upscale!”.
MS: Could you give us a quick rundown of the areas of the hotel that were improved?
GE: To achieve that upscale feeling we had to modernize pretty much every guest accessible space. Every guest room has been overhauled with upgraded bedding and showers. Our bar/restaurant area got a makeover. Clean, new treatment of the lobby area, a refurbished pool and exercise area, a refresh of the business center, audio visual upgrades in the conference rooms, new signage throughout the facility and customized music and scent selections make our facility upscale to all your senses.
MS: What has the guest/community reaction been so far?
GE: Awesome! The community has been overwhelming in their appreciation for our investment in our emerging tourism economy facility. Guests have given us feedback that validates our attempt to go upscale, which pleases us tremendously.
MS: Tell us the details of the ReLaunch party so all of the downtown supporters can see for themselves the impressive job you’ve done.
GE: We felt a ReLaunch party would be a great way to make sure the Muskegon community has a first hand opportunity to experience our make over. We know many Muskegon residents and businesses host travelers and we want them to feel confident in recommending the Holiday Inn. To that end, we are holding a ReLaunch Party on January 19 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. During this time we’ll be serving light hors d'oeurvres and beverages, playing live music, giving out door prizes, and leading tours of our refreshed facilities. At 5:30 there will be a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new Holiday Inn. All are invited!
MS: Exciting. I know a number of folks are looking forward to seeing all the new additions. Thanks for your investment and your work in keep the Holiday Inn a vibrant part of downtown Muskegon.
GE: You’re most welcome. Look forward to seeing you the 19th.
Check it out on the web
Chronicle article on renovations
Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor Website
Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor on Facebook
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Downtown Community Comes Together
The downtown community is made up of great business/organization participants, residents, patrons, and church goers. You may be surprised by that last one, but it certainly can’t be argued that many who attend a downtown religious community have made significant downtown contributions, and that the communities as a whole have done commendable jobs of maintaining beautiful historic buildings and creating outward looking communities helping the greater Muskegon community. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is one such congregation, and one of its members, Carla Rae Neading, is the organizer of the third Annual New Year’s Eve Day Blood Drive in honor of her husband Steve Neading, exemplifying one way a downtown church and parishioner is bettering Muskegon during this holiday season.
MS: First tell us a bit of your story and how it led to you organizing blood drives?
CRN: My husband Steve became ill in May of 2006, and has been fighting since then. I had always been a blood donor, until Steve's illness stopped me from donating. Then Steve needed a blood transfusion and it all hit home. I knew I had to do all I could to help the Red Cross in the Gift of Life. I contacted Todd Woodard, of the Red Cross to see what I could do to organize a drive myself. I then contacted St. Paul's, my home church to see if the church facilities could be used for this type of activity. I felt I needed a place of comfort and healing for friends and family to feel they where truly helping Steve and I. People were wanting to help us and I wasn't yet ready to express what we were needing, so this was a way I could not only help Steve but also the community at whole .
MS: Quite a story, could you tell us how St. Paul’s has been a partner in these?
CRN: Deacon Lilly Marx helped organize the first event, along with my extended church family. The congregation stepped forward to help in all aspects that a Blood Drive entails. From unloading equipment to canteen services, helping people feel comfortable (as most who came to the first Blood Drive were first time donors) and also keeping me lifted in their prayers. Of course, the Red Cross has been a terrific partner as well.
MS: What is your goal for the upcoming drive and what are the details that downtown supporters who want to participate should be aware of?
CRN: My goal is to provide as many units of Blood as I can to the Red Cross. Our goal is 44 units; it truly is the gift of Life. We try to do all we can for our donors, this year we will be providing homemade soups and bread to all donors. Members of our own Guitar Ensemble will be playing throughout the day. If you like to volunteer Please contact Sally Carmean @ 231-719-9184 or the church @ 231-722-2112, If there is someone who has never been inside St Paul's I am sure we can provide a guided tour through our beautiful faculty, that is sure to warm your heart also.
MS: Why should folks consider donating blood?
CRN: What a feeling it is when you donate to know you have saved 3 lives. When you are on the receiving end of that gift it truly hits home. To end your year knowing you have given the gift of Life is a great way to begin the New Year. If anyone is a first time donor know I will be there all day to help. The first time I donated I was a little scared and once it was over what a feeling I had to know I saved 3 lives with a gift that cost me nothing but a little time.
MS: Well, it’s a real credit to you and Steve that you continue to fight and still take on projects like the upcoming blood drive for the downtown community to participate in, especially around this holiday time.
CRN: Thank you in advance to any and all who participate. Steve and I are blessed to live in this community as it continues to lift us in prayer and push us as we sometimes need a little help to see the light at the end of this journey. God's Blessings.
Check it out on the web
Blood Drive PDF Flier to pass on by Email
Chronicle editorial on Steve and Carla’s story
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Hamilton Make-over
Since 2000, the downtown Muskegon residential market has brightened remarkably, in particular for those looking for apartments. The Amazon, Renaissance Place, 2nd story rentals above Mia & Grace, the Artworks in the former Boilerworks building, and now the Hamilton Apartments have all seen major investment and now present great options for downtown Muskegon living. The latest of these renovations took place over the summer at the Hamilton Apartments. The apartments were purchased earlier this year by David Gregersen and Blake Holtz, who also moved from Saugatuk to the former Hilt home on Muskegon Avenue. We caught up with David to hear about their adjustment to Muskegon and the work they have been up to at the Hamilton Apartments.
MS: How did you get interested in Muskegon while living in Saugatuck?
DG: Blake was born in Muskegon. He introduced me to all the great attributes of this community. I saw the potential.
MS: What came first, the chicken or the egg? No really, did you buy your house, or the Hamilton apartments first?
DG: The apartments were purchased first. We originally planned to live in the 2,000 sq ft owners unit until Mrs. Hilt's home came available on Muskegon Avenue. The location was perfect. We can see the apartment building from our new home.
MS: What have you enjoyed about living downtown Muskegon since you moved in?
DG: Being able to walk to all the great activities, waterfront and restaurants is a convenience I have never experienced before. I am enjoying it.
MS: I know you looked at a number of investments downtown Muskegon before settling on the Hamilton. What made you close the deal there?
DG: We were most impressed in the quality character of the structure. The Hamilton is built like a bomb shelter and it resembles the old Chicago hotels on Michigan Ave.
MS: Tell us a little about the Hamilton Apartments. I know they have a long and storied history.
DG: You probably know more about the history of the building than I do. The Hamilton was completed in 1927. I was told that 5 former mayors of Muskegon lived in the building. Entering from the front terrace you step into a marble/terrazzo lobby and open staircase to the 2nd and 3rd floors. Each apartment has an abundance of windows, hardwood floors textured plaster walls with archways from room to room. The studio apartments are the most intriguing. They are quite large with a living room, compact kitchen and dining room, bath and dressing room that houses a Murphy bed.
MS: And a little about the work you have done there since the summer and your vision for the property.
DG: All of the hardscapes have been replaced with the original building style in mind. In addition all new landscaping with vintage style fencing, new secure exterior doors, restored the marble floors and stairway. New hall carpet, and new entry doors. Many of the units have new cabinetry, countertops, tile floors, appliances and refinished oak floors. The windows will be replaced in the spring. Three studios, a one bedroom and a one bedroom with formal dining room are ready to lease. The rest will be upgraded as the demand requires. The long term goal is to create a warm friendly living environment for people who want an urban lifestyle in building of old world charm and character.
MS: Well, it's exciting to see folks like you and Blake moving to Muskegon and taking on wonderful buildings like the Hamilton. Congratulations and all the best.
DG: Thanks!
Check it out on the web
New Hamilton Apartments website
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes - Downtown for Halloween
Downtown businesses and event organizers love the seasons and Halloween is no different. This year there are no less than 10 Halloween themed events/promotions taking place downtown Muskegon. From pumpkin carving at the Library, to decked out symphony musicians, to a costume parade at the Farmer's Market, to Scarefest at the Harbor Theater; there is not shortage of opportunities to get spooked downtown this Halloween. One event that is sure to spill into the streets is the Monster Pub Crawl, organized by Clear Channel station WMRR. We caught up with Andy O'Riley to get the scoop on this event, so you can make plans to show off your costume downtown this Halloween.
MS: Who’s participating in the crawl this weekend?
AO: Racquet’s, The MAC, Tipsy Toad, Mike's Inn and the Holiday Inn. It is a great collaboration of all the downtown business owners. I think they all agree that events like this will lead to the long-term success of downtown, plus they all get a chance to one-up each other on special events all night.
MS: What promotions are in store for costumed crawlers this weekend?
AO: There will be costume contests all evening long. We try to stagger them out so every spot gets their time to shine with events. Plus, WMRR is offering a $250 prize to participants that complete the "crawl". There are no set start times or places, every bar will have punch cards and when they complete the stops, they can drop them off at the last one with their name and number on it. I gotta tell you too, the costumes last year were outstanding. The great thing too is that every bar offers a little different atmosphere....there is something for everyone. A nice thing too, is the special rate the Holiday Inn is offering to help people stay safe out there and not drink and drive.
MS: This is not the first downtown pub-crawl. What other crawls have been held downtown and what makes downtown a great place for a crawl?
AO: We got the idea rolling on St Patrick's Day a few years ago. We added Halloween and a pre Bike Time event too. We want to make sure these events stay special. The turnout is usually great, and I would hate to see it become the status quo and get lost in the infinite list of things for folks to do. What makes downtown so great? Easy! Location is great. We have a group of merchants that work together to make it successful and best of all, everything is within walking distance, so designate a driver and be a part of it.
MS: Clear Channel has brought other events downtown as well. Let our readers know which events you are a part of and if there are any new exciting concepts on the way.
AO: One of the best events we have been able to bring to downtown is Moosefest for our sister station WMUS. It has grown over the years from an acoustic deal to a full day of top country acts. It is just great to see them have such a nice event. WMRR loves to be a part of the Lumberjacks...we have a pretty good hand in the Warren Miller Film event at the Frauenthal every year and keep your eyes open for MMA action on the night before Thanksgiving at the Walker Arena. King of the Cage returns, and I think we might have been able to adjust the concession prices a little for the difficult times.....cheap beer!! I should remember too Star 108 and their "Work Aholic Women’s Wednesdays". I have seen the Port City Princess having some mighty fine times over the last few years.
MS: Well, thanks for your part in bringing vitality downtown Muskegon!
AO: It is our pleasure! Thanks to Monster Energy drink, all of the downtown bars and restaurants and most of all our listeners that come out to support all of the nightlife downtown. We hope that this year is the best yet for the MONSTER Pub Crawl
Check it out on the web
WMRR Website Crawl Page
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Building on Third Takes a Turn
We’ve reported on Third St progress numerous times over the last years, as property by property, this district is making a comeback. Over the summer one of the last pieces of the puzzle fell into place when Brad Link of Orphanage Tattoos, purchased the attached building to his at 1121 Third St. Brad is a long time Third Street believer and this next venture is sure to solidify that with his new investment. We caught up with Brad to talk about Third St, his current business, and plans for 1121 Third St.
MS: Brad, tell us a little about the history of your involvement and your current business on Third St.
BL: I bought 1125 Third St, the building that houses my current business, the Orphanage, in May 2003 and opened the shop of July that same year. As the building had been a tattoo parlor prior to my purchase the location made a lot of sense, and I was able to open with only some minor renovations. Even just 5 years ago it was amazing how different Third St was. Neighborhood Investment Corporation had just completed their overhaul of 1115 Third St, but other than my business, there were only two other businesses in the district. Now pretty much every storefront is occupied and a lot of improvements have been made to many of the buildings. In addition to owning my business here, I live above my shop, which has also proved extremely helpful in improving the area as you don’t get looked at as someone who is only around during business hours.
MS: Tell us about some of the changes that you have noticed over the years that helped you make a decision to make a new investment.
BL: Well I mentioned the changes to many of the buildings, but in addition to that I really pursued the purchase of 1121 Third as my current property has a shared wall with it, and because the lack of maintenance and the blighted storefront was hurting my property. Over the years a number of customers have commented on how the blight made them less interested in coming to my shop. So when the opportunity came up, I jumped on it.
MS: You came to own 1121 by purchasing it from the Muskegon County Land Bank. How did that work?
BL: The former owner lost the property through tax foreclosure and recently Muskegon County created a Land Bank, which is an entity that can choose to retain ownership of property for resale or redevelopment, rather than putting every single property up for public auction. This process gives the Land Bank more control over the type of buyer they pass the property on to. This spring I was informed the Land Bank had taken the property and as I had been interested in the property even prior to the foreclosure I began discussions with them, and the Land Bank seeing me as a responsible, adjacent property owner, sold me the property.
MS: Looks like you have already gotten down to work on fixing up the building. What improvements are you working on?
BS: As I mentioned, the property had been pretty blighted prior to me taking ownership. The windows had been boarded up, and the entire front retail space was full of junk and crumbling. So I have already cleaned the space up, filling up a number of dumpsters, as well as installed new windows and doors. This week an entire new storefront is being installed, complete with a new window and door system. I probably wouldn’t have considered the new storefront except I was able to take advantage of the City of Muskegon façade program, which will cover half of the cost.
MS: Any firm plans regarding what you might do with the space once you complete the improvements?
BS: I had considered just fixing up the building to the point where it wouldn’t negatively impact my current building, but after some thought I am pursuing the opening of a bicycle sales, rental, and fixit, location. I’m kind of a gearhead and my collection of bikes had already been growing so it seemed kind of a logical step. As I am pretty busy with the tattoo parlor already, I am looking at putting some of my friends to work in the shop. It could be a win-win. The plan is open that next spring when cycling season begins again.
MS: Well, it is great to see small business owners being able to take a chance on investing in property and getting business off the ground on Third St. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.
BS: You’re welcome.
Check it out on the web
Orphanage Tattoo
Muskegon County Land Bank
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Behind the Scenes – Promenade Progress
It’s hard to remember what the Third and Western intersection looked like just two short years ago. To refresh your memory there is a picture to the right. A three way intersection surrounded by mall surface parking lots about sums it up. From that to a restored street grid, to an attractive round-a-bout finished with a 3 story sculpture, to three infill buildings, to public plaza space lining the Third St; the make-over has been tremendous. Though not obvious to most, the plaza space lining Third St, is private property, owned by the commercial condo association that governs the four block area bordered by Third, Morris, First and Clay. The finishing touches on this space are just about complete and Muskegon Main Street caught up with Gary Post, DMDC Condo Association No. 1 President, to hear how this development took place.
MS: Gary, what area does the condo association oversee along Third St, what has been accomplished, and what is underway?
GP: One of the key items identified several years ago by the Imagine Muskegon committee was the importance of creating a strong pedestrian corridor down Third Street – with a goal to eventually connect the downtown to Muskegon Lake at the end of Third Street. The DMDC honored this request and set aside as much as 60’ of additional space along the Third Street right-of-way all the way from Morris to Clay Avenue. This space was designated as General Common Area and fell under the responsibility of the Site Condo Association to develop and maintain. To date we have completed what we refer to as Alcoa Square, which includes the raised stage area and the rain garden immediately outside the Hines Building. We have also completed what we refer to as Sidock Square across Western Avenue and are now working on the Olthoff Stage and the Baker Square portion, which completes the improvements all the way to Clay Avenue.
MS: Well it looks great, and all this space is open to the public?
GP: Yes, all this space is open to the public. In fact, the Condo Association wants to encourage public use of this space as much as possible. We do, however, need to retain some control over the space for appropriate use and scheduling reasons. But, a simple request and brief form are all that’s required to ‘officially’ use this space. Of course, we anticipate regular and frequent ‘unofficial’ use of the space, as well.
MS: How did the condo association fund these improvements?
GP: Although the Condo Association is the fiduciary for the development of the space, we relied primarily on donations solicited by the Chamber and the Community Foundation to fund these improvements. These organizations were able to solicit gifts, large and small, from community-minded benefactors, both corporate and personal, with the largest gift coming from Mike and Kay Olthoff to fund the Olthoff stage, currently under construction. Condo Association dues also were used to round out some of the funding required.
MS: Are there ways that people can still participate to help pay for these improvements?
GP: Certainly! A call to the Chamber or Community Foundation will let people know what they can do to help out. There are major features that people could still underwrite. Also, we are still receiving gifts for pavers and benches that can be inscribed with the donors name and placed permanently on the site.
MS: How does the association envision these spaces being utilized now that they are complete?
GP: The design of the spaces complements the previous work on Western Avenue and the three buildings that border the promenade – the Hines Building, the Sidock Building and the Baker / Michigan Culinary Art Institute. There is a raised area in front of the Hines Building for announcements and news releases of importance to the business community. The Olthoff Stage will provide a great venue for outdoor theater performances, musical performances, street performers, and a host of other possibilities limited only by our community’s creativity. Who knows? Maybe Santa Claus even shows up here for Christmas. There will be outdoor seating and some tables that will complement the outdoor seating areas on the Sidock and Baker Buildings. It should be a great place just for people to come and sit, enjoy a cup of coffee or a pastry from the Sweet Spot, and take in all that downtown has to offer. Finally, we are hoping that pieces of public art, such as the soon to be installed Hackley Bench, donated by Peter Turner, find homes within the space.
MS: Well, thanks for your association’s, and its partners, dedication to public space creation. We are sure public spaces, like those you have created, will draw people downtown and lead to increased downtown vitality.
GP: You are welcome! That’s part of the goal – give people a reason to come downtown and enjoy what’s happening here.
Check it out on the web
Promenade Fundraising Contribution Link
Promenade Construction Cam
Labels: Downtown Muskegon E-News
Grand Rapids has gained some notoriety the last number of year with a fellow named Rob Bliss coining, and pulling off, some interesting urban experiments. They've had the Zombie Walk, the Pillow Fight, the Tomato Fight, and of course the Airplane Drop at ArtPrize. Along that vein, some folks got thinking about something similar that could be pulled off downtown Muskegon, and voila, the Main Street Hockey Experiment. The Experiment will take place in conjunction with the upcoming Muskegon Snowfest and a Muskegon Lumberjacks game taking place that night. We caught up with Dan Rinsema-Sybenga of Muskegon Main Street to fill us in on the details. 
DRS: The idea is to create a memorable, participatory, crowd experience that people with have fun with. The idea is simple, but remember its an experiment. On Saturday, Feb 6, Western Ave between 4th and 5th will be closed to traffic. It will be set up as a block long hockey area. At two o'clock we'll start registration with the help of the Muskegon Skirtz, and folks will be able to enter the playing area, and will be assigned to one of two teams. By three we hope a mass of hockey players will have registered, and we'll drop up to 50 balls on the street for the players to use to score goals on their "opponents" net. The game will go for 60 minutes and we expect a fun, memorable game, to take place. 
DRS: Let me be clear. This is NOT an ice hockey game. It will be played, whatever the weather conditions, on the street, with participants wearing shoes or boots, as street hockey is played everywhere. The only thing a player needs to bring is a hockey stick to use during the game. 
DRS: People who have heard are excited. We are spreading the word through social media like Facebook and Twitter, and we are expecting a lot of buzz as the event comes closer. We are thinking it is going to create quite a scene and social media buzz the day of. 
