“SAGINAW: A changing face with an ever improving landscape”
Written by Bob Van Deventer, President/CEO, Saginaw Chamber of Commerce
The city of Saginaw has been undergoing a ‘facelift’ for the past several years. I recently had a longtime Saginaw resident friend come back to Saginaw for a visit. He has been away from Saginaw for over 10 years. He couldn’t get over the transformation of the improved look of downtown Saginaw. He was amazed at the First Merit Bank Event Park, the renovations to the Dow Event Center, the demolition of the old hotel and International Center that paved the way for the First Merit Park. We drove South on Washington Avenue to see the new buildings that house Michigan Cardio Vascular, Garber Management, and the new office buildings on both sides of Washington Avenue. He was surprised by the wonderful renovation of the Eddy and Bancroft buildings resulting in nearly 100% occupancy rates for new renters. And, on the nights that the beautiful Temple Theatre hosts events, the downtown entertainment district is magnificent.
The ‘facelift’ is continuing in the City, but it is more than superficial. It is a cooperation of government, public sector, and private sector leadership that continues to improve the landscape of ‘Riverfront Saginaw’. In addition to private sector investment that has made many of these projects possible, there is a volunteer group known as Riverfront Saginaw that is creating a new identity for the City. The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce has been playing a very strong role in helping move this organization forward.
Riverfront Saginaw Mission: Riverfront Saginaw is a nonprofit planning and development organization, supporting the physical maintenance and revitalization the geographic district known as ‘Riverfront Saginaw’, while working to enhance public awareness, appreciation and use of the district.
Riverfront Saginaw Strategic Goals:
- Prioritize and invest in economic development projects
- Increase residential lease space in the district
- Increase breakfast and lunch restaurant options in the district
- Increase entertainment venue options in the district
- Increase commercial lease/purchase options for service industry businesses
- Increase visitors and plan for increased entertainment events to showcase Riverfront Saginaw
- Determine future parking needs for residential and commercial
- Build brand awareness and reputation to determined public audiences
- Develop overall communications plan to promote the successes of the district
There is a true revitalization taking place in Riverfront Saginaw. You need to come and see.
About the Author
Robert Van Deventer is the President and CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. Bob has been a member of the Great Lakes Bay Regional business community since the inception of his career in 1974. He has worked in all three communities in the region (Bay, Midland, Saginaw) prior to his position as President/CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber, and has served as a community volunteer and as a committee and/or board member for many non-profit organizations throughout the region. Bob and his wife Debbie have been residents of the Saginaw area since 1974. They have two children, and two grandchildren.
You can reach Robert via email at [email protected]
