Back in the early 1900s, a trolley was a common sight on the streets of Downtown Flint. And now, it’s back! The Downtown Flint Trolley made its inaugural run on January 12, offering free rides to residents, visitors, college students and anyone who wants to get around town a little more quickly. Downtown resident and volunteer, Kathleen Gazall, cut the ribbon at the debut event held at the Dryden Building. “I had always wanted a trolley in Downtown,” says Gazall. “We are very fortunate to have the funding and to have so many people work so hard to make it happen.”
Signs by Crannie was busy today installing the new sign at the iconic Capitol Theatre in Downtown Flint, as part of an ongoing $30+ million building restoration project.
Downtown Flint is bustling with activity! New restaurants are popping up, buildings are being renovated, and businesses are thriving. Busy professionals grab a hot cup of Joe to-go at one of the coffee shops as they hustle to work, while college students hurry off to class. Visitors from all over descend upon the Flint Farmers’ Market with its wide array of luscious fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, tasty treats and fabulous eateries. The swell of activity and revitalization in Downtown Flint has also brought a surge of people who choose to live in one of the new loft or luxury apartments that have become available in the last few years.
The Flint Downtown Development Authority is dedicated to the economic development and historical preservation of Flint’s Downtown area; but perhaps the most fun, behind-the-scenes work they do, is decorating for the holiday season. Gerard Burnash, the Flint DDA’s Executive Director for six years, loves lights, and he has taken pride in the sprucing up Downtown and surrounding areas.
To conclude My City Magazine’s three-part series on entrepreneurial opportunities in the Flint area, we think it’s important to address what an effective leader should be like. Luckily, there is a place that will help anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit develop effective leadership habits.
Oaklin Mixon, Founder and CEO of GoodBoy Clothing, is ecstatic. In his current store headquarters located in Buckham Alley, he can hardly contain his excitement as he tells My City Magazine about the process of starting his business two years ago.
Through the U.S. Small Business Association and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) has provided assistance to small businesses for over 38 years. Hosted by Kettering University, the I-69 Trade Corridor Regional Office serves seven counties; according to Marsha Lyttle, however, Flint is currently the “land of opportunity.”
In this three-part series, My City will explore the viability of the options Greater Flint residents have when it comes to getting started with a business, or even growing an existing one. Looking at the Michigan Small Business Center, the eTEAM, Leadership NOW, and Co+Work, readers will find that everything in Flint is connected – everything supports everything.
A sunny day in June is perfect for exploring Downtown Flint! Fuel up with a creamy latte and a toasted bagel sandwich at Café Rhema, where you will find comfy seating and lively conversation. Next, head on down Court Street to Totem Books and browse their wide selection of art, books, music and more. Strolling by the Flint Farmers’ Market, the explosion of colorful flowers and fresh produce will tantalize your senses. Art lovers may want to meander over to the Flint Institute of Arts to see some amazing art collections and artifacts.
Once upon a time, two book lovers shared one vision: to establish a bookstore that provides an open space for people to read, discover, and be inspired. And Reader … they did it. The visually appealing, independently-owned Totem Books is a bright spot amid the chaos of everyday life – “a safe haven,” as general manager, Teresa Chase, describes it.
