Hello, and thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. We have exciting news to share! Main Street Park Alliance has selected our design firm - VIRIDIS Design Group based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Of four bids received, VIRIDIS was unanimously selected by the MSPA design committee. VIRIDIS demonstrated the most in-depth research into the project and community, and provided an impressive portfolio of work and references.
What will the park design process look like?
Engagement in a transparent and open process that allows significant input and multiple feedback loops between the VIRIDIS Team, MSPA, the City, stakeholders, and general public.
Consideration of diverse points of view to develop a plan that addresses needs and concerns in order to enhance the human experience
Improvements that promote good urbanism with a focus of flexible space development and preservation of iconic, character-defining features.
Maximize aesthetic appeal and environmental stewardship while minimizing maintenance requirements and impact to existing infrastructure and services.
Delivery of informed, creative, and vibrant design solutions that are a catalyst to generate excitement, raise awareness, and help guide future investments.
Development of realistic cost estimates for implementation and preventative maintenance for the park space.
Anticipation of construction needs to reduce circulation and economic impacts on the surrounding business community and downtown residents.
Photo courtesy Main Street Park Alliance - Viridis & MSPA Team
What is happening behind the scenes at MSPA while the design process kicks off?
A Signed Development Agreement: MSPA and the City of Chelsea signed a development agreement. MSPA will oversee the park's development to transfer property ownership to the City of Chelsea for $1.00 upon completion of the public park. This milestone creates a path forward that will enable further park development, including:
Creating a public-private partnership commitment between MSPA and the City of Chelsea will resolve a longstanding problematic property within the City limits.
The signed Development Agreement was integral to MSPA's recent award of a $1 million grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to address the environmental remediation on the site. To learn more, here is the link to the EGLE Press Release.
The project is anticipated to begin construction in early 2024, with an expected completion date of fall 2025. The estimated cost for the park's completion is $6.7 million, which does not include building restoration.
Purchase of 500 S. Main: MSPA is finalizing the property purchase from Magellan Development Corporation. After environmental testing and discovery, the purchase price was renegotiated allowing previously allocated budget to be used for environmental remediation and park construction.
The Response Activity Plan (ResAp) is ready for submission to EGLE: The environmental remediation work plan is complete, and efforts to improve the property will begin before the end of 2023. Joe Ziolkowski, MSPA board member and lead developer, shared the following environment update, "We have thoroughly tested the site and have shared all test results with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy, the City of Chelsea, and the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. We have completed our Phase 1 & 2 Environmental reports and will be submitting our environmental Response Activity Plan to EGLE for their approval and anticipate hearing back within 180 days."
What Are Others Saying About Main Street Park?
The support of community stakeholders is critical to our success. We have been blessed with relationships like Chelsea Milling Company Jiffy Mixes. In a letter to the City and Council Members, Howdy Holmes, CEO and Chairman of the Board, shared, "As a business owner and contributor to Chelsea, I am incredibly excited about the positive impact this park will have on our community. The Alliance has put together a community centered redevelopment for that abandoned property. Not only will be be prominently located in downtown Chelsea, but it is also adjacent to our business district, which will have an immediate impact on our downtown business district. Its proximity to our schools, senior centers, and neighborhoods is perfect."
From the beginning of this project, our ability to "Imagine The Possibilities" has been a powerful driver, a North Star. As the park design phase unfolds, we are soliciting your help in defining the vision. To that end, click here to share your ideas about what you want to see in the park.
Rose Deis shared her vision of the park,
"I would like to have a treehouse that has a slide with a climbing wall and some steps and a ladder too!"
The Main Street Park project is for the community
by the community!
Join us. We need your help. Contribute to our vision, we are seeking small gifts that demonstrate community support.
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. Encourage them to reach out to the Chelsea City Council Members and share your excitement for Main Street Park!
To create an intergenerational community park for Chelsea. Through the power of grassroot volunteerism, we will revitalize this downtown property for a better human experience.
If you have any comments, questions, concerns, feedback or want to support the project with time, expertise or a financial contribution, please email us at info@mainstreetpark.org. Visit our website by clicking on the link below to learn more.
Please note, images, drawings, and videos of the future park are conceptual. The final plans will be dictated by environmental findings, public input, funding, city regulations, etc.
