The Review Magazine: July/August 2023

Amongst the variety of projects, the community is also making plans for the Strand Theater, which is the largest commercial property downtown. Located near Rowan Park, the historic building has structural issues. “The biggest opportunity that we have is the potential removal or redevelopment of the Strand Theater site,” Watt said. “Either option would be a game changer for this community. With the help of the Community Foundation and GMED organizations, I am optimistic that we’re going to get it done." The work in Muskegon Heights has already come a long way, but they are just getting started. As the community continues to gain support from various groups, interorganizational meetings have started taking place to make sure that they can create the biggest impact.

Despite challenges along the way—the pandemic and multiple elections and admistrative players—Muskegon Heights kept this project going. It has the united force of its proud citizens and leaders who work hard to continue the momemtum. The investments they have and are continuing to make will propel them into the future that they once only dreamed about. Morgan Schwanky is a content developer for the League. You may contact her at 734-669-6320 or mschwanky@mml.org.

“ We were on the ground in the middle of COVID and met members of the community while social distancing on exploratory walks. And many of those same members kept showing up throughout the process. That was really cool to see. ” -Michael Johnson, Urban Designer, SmithGroup

JULY / AUGUST 2023

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THE REVIEW