GM on Main Street Grant Award of $60,000!!
The Ortonville DDA is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of only five communities nationwide to receive a $60,000 GM on Main Street Grant. Powered by General Motors and Main Street America, the grant program supports innovative projects that improve road safety, encourage walkability, and strengthen downtown commercial districts.
Improving Safety at a Key Downtown Gateway
Grant funding will support The Old Mill Historic Gateway Initiative, an important infrastructure project designed to create a safer and more accessible connection between Ortonville's largest residential neighborhood and its historic downtown.
The project will realign the sidewalk in front of the Old Mill Museum, eliminating an awkward pedestrian pinch point that currently creates challenges for residents and visitors walking through the area. By closing a nearly 200-foot gap in the pedestrian network, the initiative will transform an existing safety concern into a continuous, predictable, and welcoming route for everyone.
The redesigned corridor will include:
- A continuous ADA-compliant pedestrian pathway.
- Improved accessibility for residents and visitors of all abilities.
- A clearly defined roadway edge that enhances visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.
- Safer connections between neighborhoods, the Old Mill Museum, and downtown businesses.
- Reduced pedestrian and vehicle conflict at one of Ortonville's primary community gateways.
Investing in Ortonville's Future
This project represents more than a sidewalk improvement, it is an investment in the future of downtown Ortonville. By creating safer, more connected public spaces, the DDA continues its commitment to making downtown a place where residents, families, and visitors can comfortably walk, explore local businesses, and enjoy the community's historic character.
The Old Mill Historic Gateway Initiative demonstrates how thoughtful design can solve long standing safety challenges while enhancing the overall experience of entering downtown Ortonville.
Thank You
The Ortonville DDA extends its sincere gratitude to General Motors and Main Street America for recognizing the importance of investing in small communities. We are honored to receive this competitive national award and look forward to bringing this transformational project to life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.
