Holiday Headliner Musical Auditions for Annual Tree-Lighting Celebration

The Main Street Monroe/DDA is looking for performers for the Annual Tree-Lighting Celebration on November 19, 2010.  Auditions will be taking place on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 5:30pm at the former Masonic Temple Lodge (8 N. Monroe St., Monroe, MI 48162).  Musicians, Singers, Bands and Theatrical Groups are welcome to audition.  Visit www.monroemainstreet.com/print_media/ for an application and detailed information.  All applications must be received by Monday, September 20, 2010.  Questions can be submitted to director@monroemainstreet.com.  

Site Improvement Program Launched

The MSM/DDA just launched the Site Improvement Program for improvements to properties located within the DDA district.  Qualifying Improvements include: adding or improving parking, demolition/removal of blight and dilapidated buildings and creation of greenspace or landscaping.  Property Owners are eligible to receive a reimbursement of 50% of the cost of materials and labor with a maximum of $10,000.00 per project.  Applications can be submitted immediately.  The current application can be downloaded in the Document Downloads Section (www.monroemainstreet.com/print_media/).

Downtown Monroe Handbook Gets an Update

The MSM/DDA released a revised version of the Downtown Monroe Handbook in July 2010.  This is an excellent resource for current and potential downtown residents, businesses and property owners.  Hard copies are available at 118 East Front Street and electronic copies can be downloaded from our website homepage.  Questions about the handbook can be directed to 734-240-2458 or director@monroemainstreet.com.

Annual Downtown Monroe Parking Permit Now Available

The Downtown Monroe Parking Permit is now available to be purchased by any interested party for $240.00 (expires June 30, 2011).  The permit can be used to park in most downtown public parking lots (some exclusions and not for on-street parking) and negates the need to feed meters or adhere to parking lot time limits.  Rules, Regulations and Applications can be downloaded from http://monroemainstreet.com/print_media/ and are also available at the Clerk's office.

Contact Information for the Downtown Monroe Parking Permit:

Administration & Availability: City of Monroe Clerk’s Office, 734-384-9138

Enforcement: City of Monroe Police Department, 734-243-7521

Research: Main Street Monroe/Downtown Development Authority, 734-240-2458

Request for Proposals

The MSM/DDA is seeking consulting assistance for conceptual design work for the parking area along the south bank of the River Raisin, west of Monroe Street in Downtown Monroe.  The full details are available in the Request for Proposals available for download below.  Questions and notification of intent to submit are due May 19, 2010 and Proposals are due June 4, 2010.  All correspondence should be directed to director@monroemainstreet.com.  

Residential & Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credits Workshop

The City of Monroe Historic District Commission presents:
Residential & Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credits Workshop
Date: February 18, 2010
Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: Monroe Bank & Trust, 10 Washington St., 4th Floor Meeting Room
Cost:  Free
RSVP:  HDC@monroemi.gov or 734-394-9185
Detailed information can be downloaded below:

Downtown Parking Permit Now Available

The Downtown Monroe Parking Permit is now available to be purchased by any interested party for $120.00 (expires June 30, 2010).  The permit can be used to park in most downtown public parking lots (some exclusions and not for on-street parking) and negates the need to feed meters or adhere to parking lot time limits.  Rules, Regulations and Applications can be downloaded from http://monroemainstreet.com/print_media/ and are also available at the Clerk's office.

Contact Information for the Downtown Monroe Parking Permit:

Administration & Availability: City of Monroe Clerk’s Office, 734-384-9138

Enforcement: City of Monroe Police Department, Traffic Bureau, 734-243-7507

Research: Main Street Monroe/Downtown Development Authority, 734-240-2458

Win the Window Contest Winners

Announcing the WINNERS of the Win the Window Contest that took place in Downtown Monroe from November 20th-December 12th at participating businesses:
Grand Prize $1,400.00 window of prizes: Kim Lemanski
Runner Up $50 Downtown Gift Certificate: Jeremiah Thomason
Runner Up $25 Downtown Gift Certificate: Johanna Vondenbenken, Steve Milz, Megan Ringel, Sharon Watkins, Pat Weaver, Charlene Drumm, Amber Weaver and John Hunt
Thanks to all that participated and Congratulations to all of the winners!!!

Historic Color Palette Brochure Now Available

The City of Monroe and Sherwin Williams put togehter a brochure of historic colors to help people with color selection for their home or building.  The brochure is available for download at http://monroemainstreet.com/print_media/.

31st Annual Christmas Tree Festival Registration Now Open

The Monroe County Historical Museum at 126 South Monroe Street is hosting the Annual Christmas Tree Festival again this year.  They are looking for Monroe County organizations that would like to decorate a tree or wreath for the festival.  The deadline to submit an entry form is November 18th.  Details and an entry form can be downloaded below.

Downtown Business Creates Food Bank for Pets

Downtown's Pamela Smith at Finer Arts Photography was featured on 13abc's People Places and Things.  Learn all about it at http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7021388.

Downtown Monroe Handbook Gets Additional Press

The Monroe Evening News features the Downtown Monroe Handbook at http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090813/NEWS01/708139994.  

South Monroe Street Building Being Renovated for Commercial and Residential Space

The MSM/DDA Facade Grant Program is sponsoring the renovation of the old Hobby Shop building located at 317 South Monroe Street.  The Monroe Evening News offers further details at http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090817/NEWS01/708179986/-1/NEWS.  

Downtown Monroe Handbook Now Available as a Downtown Resource

 PRESS RELEASE 

Monroe, MI -- The Main Street Monroe/Downtown Development Authority (MSM/DDA) just released the Downtown Monroe Handbook: a guide for current and potential residents, businesses and property owners.  The handbook takes information from different organizations, ordinances, websites, etc. and creates one central location for information that pertains to Downtown Monroe.  Topics include: a quick reference contact list, demographics, major organizations in the area, the MSM/DDA, parking, city services and operations, businesses, zoning code regulations and ordinances, financial incentives and resources for renovation, condominium designation process, special events and more.  It was developed with feedback from key economic development organizations that play a role in the revitalization, maintenance and growth of Downtown Monroe and its businesses. 

Early reviews are outstanding as people realize how user-friendly the handbook is which provides direct information and gives resources for further assistance.  The Downtown Monroe Handbook is available at the MSM/DDA office (734-240-2458) located at 118 East Front Street and online at www.monroemainstreet.com.

Design Committee Works on a Proposal to Improve the Downtown Riverwalk

Check out the link for coverage of our preliminary plans to make improvements to the Downtown Monroe Riverwalk: http://www.monroenews.com/article/20090705/NEWS01/707059980.

Downtown Bike Racks

Ten new bike racks have been installed in locations throughout downtown.  The new racks provide a secure location for bikers to lock up their bikes while visiting Downtown Monroe.  Much thanks to DTE volunteers for installing the bike racks during the Earth Day Celebration.

Facebook Here We Come

Downtown Monroe now has a page on Facebook.  We have officially joined the social networking world.  Become a fan and get updates and information sent to you about Downtown Monroe.  Follow the link on our homepage to find us on Facebook.

Artists Wanted!

The Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair scheduled for August 8-9, 2009 is looking for artists.  If you are interested in having a booth at the event, find all of the application information in the Media, Printable Downloads section on the left.  Application deadline is July 17, 2009.

Salon Equipment For Sale

Are you looking for facial, manicure or salon furniture and supplies.  Click below to download a list of available equipment at great prices.  A picture of the cabinetry is also available for viewing.

Downtown Monroe Winter Clearance Sale

Several downtown businesses are having a winter clearance sale starting Friday, January 23rd.  The length of the sale varies by business.  A full list of businesses is shown below and on the attached poster.

Book Nook - 42 S. Monroe St.- 2O% off new and used books 
Diamond Designs - 10 E. First St. 
Durocher TV Sales &, Services - 222 S. Monroe St. 
Frenchie's Fine Jewelry, Coins, Stamps, Inc. - 15 E. Front St.-Clearance Jewelry Items 40% to 70% OFF 
Jack's Bicycles - 206 S. Monroe St.-Clearance on all 2008 model bikes 
Jones for Men - 10 E. Front St.-50% off Winter Apparel 
Martin's Shoe House &, Shoe Repair - 43 S. Monroe St.-Entire and Complete Stock on Sale 10% - 50% OFF 
Monroe Thrift Shop - 119 S. Monroe St.-75% off Christmas items and many more 
Monroe White Sewing Center – 12 S. Monroe St.-Clearance on select models of Janome sewing machines 
Our House Games – 19 W. First St.-10% to 25 % off almost everything 
Second Chance Boutique - 50 S. Monroe St.-Hundreds of items $1.00 each 
Sexy Steps - 41 S. Monroe St.-30% - 50% Off Selected Styles 
Health Matters, Herbs &, More - 17 E. Second St.-Free samples of healthy snacks
Monroe Street Gallery - 27 W. Front St. - half off of select artwork.

Monroe Street Gallery Raffle

The Monroe Street Gallery is raffling off a reverse painting.  Raffle tickets cost $1 and there is a limited supply.  For more information, contact the Monroe Street Gallery at 734-243-0231.  A picture of the painting is available for download below.

Flu shots available at a reduced cost

Downtown Wellness Center, located at 49 South Monroe Street in Downtown Monroe is offering flu shots at a reduced rate.  Instead of the regular $25 rate, they are offering them at a cost of $10 to the general public.  They also have the ability to bill Medicare.  Contact the Downtown Wellness Center at 734-243-2478 or downtownwellnesscenter@gmail.com for more information.

Tips on How to be Safe this Holiday Season

The City of Monroe Police Department has put together a few tips to help everyone have a safe and happy holiday season.  The attached document provides advice to consider during this hectic time of year. Have a happy and safe holiday season.

Downtown Monroe Hits the Small Screen

We are running our 30-second commercial (viewable in the Media section of our website) for a second year in a row.  The commercial can be seen on 13ABC and MPACT so keep your eyes open.  We are also airing a 10-second holiday greeting on NBC24 that can be seen throughout the holiday season.  Have a happy holiday and don't forget to shop and buy local.  

Downtown Benches Get Some TLC

Missing a bench?  All of the green benches downtown have been taken in for the winter to get repaired and a fresh coat of paint.  The benches will be put back out once the weather breaks.

Downtown Street Tree Replacement

Starting today, 11 trees from the intersection of East Front and Washington Streets will be removed to make way for new trees.  The current trees have grown past their prime.  The trees will be replaced with a mix of Bowhall Maples and European Hornbeams.  The Hornbeams will be planted this fall and the Maples will be planted in the spring.  Tree grates are also being removed at these locations.

Downtown Monroe Paper Shopping Bags Have Arrived

The MSM/DDA has purchased 9,000 paper shopping bags available for use by DDA district businesses.  Businesses can use them for take-out orders, retail sales, holiday gift bags and more.  The dimensions of the bag are 13"x7"x17" and each business is eligible to receive up to 100 free bags while supplies last.  Bag requests beyond 100 will carry a per bag fee.  A picture is attached to show the design on the bag.  If you are interested in receiving bags, contact the Main Street office at 240-2458.

MSM/DDA Website Calendar

If you haven't yet, check out the new and improved calendar on this website.  The newest feature available is the option for you to input your events.  Simply click "submit event" and enter the information for events taking place within the DDA district or hosted by a DDA district business/organization.  Once approved by staff, the event will be posted on the website for all to see.

Main Street Monroe/Downtown Development Authority Gives Downtown an Electrical Upgrade

PRESS RELEASE