ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The popularity of social districts continues to grow across the U.P. The City of Escanaba could be the next municipality to establish one.
Escanaba’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is asking the City Council to approve the creation of a social district, which is a designated outdoor area where patrons can enjoy alcoholic beverages from approved businesses.
“The idea of being able to provide seating outside without having to be what I call ‘caged in’ certainly is appealing,” DDA Director Craig Woerpel said. “Then, the ability to take the alcoholic beverage and walk up and down the longest small town downtown in Michigan certainly has a lot of benefits to it.”
The social district would stretch across Ludington Street, starting at 14th Street and ending at the Municipal Marina, with select side streets included. The Marina and Municipal Dock would serve as common areas for the city’s growing event scene.
“We’re hoping that we can get it in place before a new event on June 28,” said Woerpel. “We’re going to have the Escanaba Log Jam Festival. It’s going to be a big music festival right here on Ludington Street, along with some lumberjack and timber activities that celebrate our timber history here in Escanaba.”
Thirteen downtown businesses and organizations qualify to be part of the proposed social district.
“They have to be licensed by the State and approved by Escanaba to be able to do it,” Woerpel explained. “Those that we have talked with are very excited about this opportunity.”
The DDA believes a social district would have a positive impact on the businesses that choose to participate and on Downtown Escanaba as a whole.
“This is just another way to reimagine how we use our downtown through the music festivals, different events, and activities that allow a place for people to gather and celebrate our community,” Woerpel said.
The City Council will vote on the DDA’s proposal on Thursday, February 6. Click here to see the full social district map.
