Downtown Monroe Michigan Development Authority

06/23/2026

Mark your calendars - you won't want to miss this ❤️🤍💙

Monroe is getting ready to celebrate America’s 250th!

City Hall is proudly dressed for the occasion as we prepare for Hometown Heritage: Monroe's America 250 Celebration on Wednesday, July 8.

This event will bring our community together to reflect on our nation’s history, and celebrate 250 years as a nation. From the reading of the Declaration of Independence to family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, the City Market, and a spectacular drone show at dusk, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

As one of Michigan’s oldest communities, Monroe has played a unique role in the American story. Monroe's America 250 Celebration is an opportunity to honor that heritage while creating new memories with friends, family, and neighbors.

🎶 Live Music: U.S. Air Force Band 'Roots in Blue' and Rick Whited Duo
🛍️ City Market courtesy of Monroe County Michigan Events
🚚 Food Trucks
📜 Declaration of Independence Community Reading
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities
✨ Drone Show at Dusk courtesy of Monroe County Michigan Events
…and much more!

Mark your calendar, bring a lawn chair, and join us downtown as we celebrate 250 years of American history.

More details: https://www.monroemi.gov/news/what_s_new/america_250_celebration

06/18/2026

🏗️ DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: Former Monroe Optical Building

A building that has sat vacant in the heart of Downtown Monroe for years is getting a new lease on life.

The former Monroe Optical Building, located on Front Street, is set to be transformed into a mixed-use development featuring new residential units above a ground-floor commercial space that will be home to Glow Fish Studios.

The project is the result of years of work by the Downtown Development Authority. After acquiring the property in 2023, the DDA took steps to stabilize the building, remove barriers to redevelopment, and position the site for future investment.

Once complete, the redevelopment will return a long-vacant property to productive use, and add new residents to downtown!

Construction is expected to begin this summer.

Stay tuned 👀

06/16/2026

📣 DDA MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 17, at 8:30AM in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
🔗https://www.downtownmonroemi.com/about_the_dda/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php

06/10/2026

If you don't have plans this afternoon, now you do! 😎 Grab your sunscreen and get ready to shop the Monroe Summer City Market!

Today!!
Remember Washington St shuts down at 12:00. Vendors can start setup at 1:00.

06/04/2026

☀️ Soak Up Summer in Downtown Monroe ☀️

Looking for a fresh new look this summer? Stop by Monroe House Of Beauty, located at 222 N. Monroe Street in the heart of downtown!

Founded by longtime Monroe County stylist Jennifer Lieb, Monroe House of Beauty offers a welcoming space where beauty and community come together. Whether you're looking for a fresh cut, vibrant color, blonding services, extensions, styling, facial waxing, or the perfect look for a special occasion, their talented team is ready to help you look and feel your best.

More than just a salon, Monroe House of Beauty prides itself on being a space where people can feel confident and comfortable being themselves.

📍 222 N. Monroe Street
☎️ 734-309-3628
💇 Color • Cut • Style

Show some love to this downtown small business and book your next appointment today! ❤️

06/03/2026

🏗️ Big news for Downtown Monroe!

A long-vacant building at 111 E. Front Street is getting a new life thanks to a $250,000 grant from the State of Michigan's Building MI Communities (BMC) program. This funding will assist with the cost of construction.

The project, led by ST Project Management Agency LLC, will transform the property into a mixed-use development featuring first-floor commercial space, two upper-story residential units, restored historic elements, updated utilities and a new mural overlooking Altrusa Park.

Investments like this are critical to the future of downtowns. Bringing vacant buildings back to life creates new places to live, work and shop, and strengthens the local economy while preserving the character that makes Downtown Monroe unique.

The City of Monroe, Michigan was one of three communities awarded funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's placemaking programs.

Read more ▶ https://tinyurl.com/2tvrcaxn

05/22/2026

✨ The BIG Program is BACK in Downtown Monroe! ✨

A strong downtown doesn’t happen by accident, it takes BIG investment, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce the return of the Building Investment Grant (BIG) Program!

This reimbursement-based grant is designed to help downtown building owners and business tenants breathe new life to their spaces while preserving the character that makes the downtown district so special.

From eye-catching exterior upgrades to essential building improvements, the BIG Program can help support:
• Historic façade restoration (brickwork, windows, cornices & more)
• New or updated signage and awnings
• Roof replacement and exterior repairs
• ADA accessibility improvements (doors, ramps, approaches)
• Removal of hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos
• Interior systems tied to rehab projects (HVAC, electrical, fire suppression)
• Design and architectural services (up to 10% of project cost)

▶ Application Windows
September 1, 2026 - November 1, 2026
April 1, 2027 - June 1, 2027.

An application link and more information will be posted soon.

05/18/2026

📣 DDA MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at 8:30AM in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3vcuxwx6

04/29/2026

📣 DDA SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 8:30AM in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
▶️ https://www.downtownmonroemi.com/about_the_dda/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php