'College town' push more than just UM-Flint
New businesses quickly opening in downtown as city greets dorms
Bryant Harland
Issue date: 8/26/08 Section: Local News
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Approximately $112 million is expected to be spent on renovations, new stores, and other constructions around downtown, such as construction of a new Wade Trim Building, parking ramp renovations, construction of a Witherbee's Market, and many other projects slated to be completed by 2010.
"We are currently talking to several business owners about coming downtown, but we can't divulge any information at this point," said Scott Whipple, project manager at "What's Up Downtown," an effort to increase awareness of development projects in Flint.
Whipple expressed a hopeful outlook in regard to UM-Flint's own major project, the new student dorms.
"I think it will be great because there will be 300 more warm bodies walking around downtown, and it's going to make people feel good about downtown, but it will also provide a market."
Downtown Flint's outlook is equally hopeful for the student housing project.
"It's a good idea, they've been working on it for a long time...it will bring out a good image [for Flint]," said Julie Prince, three-year co-owner of the Brown Sugar Cafe on Saginaw Street. "We're trying to turn it around, and I think that is a positive image we need."
Reactions also included a hope that the new students will help to stimulate business in downtown and create a more positive image for Flint.
"We're hoping to increase our hours to accommodate the students," said Nadine Cook, 13-year partner at Churchill's Food & Spirits on Saginaw Street. "This [student housing] is a prime opportunity to make Flint a college town."
With various remodeling projects and the addition of students living downtown, the image of Flint is beginning to change.
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