DOWNTOWN ALPENA
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vibrant. artsy. growing.

our story

Historic Downtown Alpena is the food, arts, and regional hub of Northeast Michigan, located on the shores of the Thunder Bay River and beautiful Lake Huron. As a major port of the lumber era, Downtown Alpena is home to a significant amount of historic buildings from the turn of the 19th century that have been preserved & renovated over the years.
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Now Downtown Alpena is home to a diverse and vibrant set of nearly 200 businesses, including art galleries, a year-round professional live theater, a winery, the only Marine Sanctuary located on the Great Lakes, and a variety of offices, restaurants, bars, non-profits and shops. Alpena is the second largest city in Northern Michigan, second only to Traverse City, and our downtown is proud to be the commercial and cultural heart of our community.

​If you haven’t taken a stroll through Downtown Alpena in a while, you’ll find that a lot has changed. There are so many new spots of growth, with new retail businesses opening their doors, new restaurants serving delicious meals, year-round festivities and events, and your old favorite shops and spaces waiting ​to welcome you ​with a smile.

​Downtown Alpena is vibrant, artsy​,​ and growing. Come join us!

what's new

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ALLEYWAY TRANSFORMATION

In the next few weeks, the alleyway between 2nd and 3rd Ave in Downtown Alpena will be transformed into a pedestrian-only gathering space. At its meeting on Monday evening, Alpena City Council approved the closure of the alleyway in certain sections between 2nd and 3rd Ave. to automobile traffic beginning July 1 through November 1, 2022 (weather permitting). The alleyway will be closed:

  • Between 3rd Ave. and the back of Hopside Brewery’s patio
  • Between 2nd Ave. and the length of the Center Building

As part of the plan, the City of Alpena will be resurfacing the length of the alleyway and improving some of the drainage throughout. Resurfacing began today (6/22) and is expected to finish within the week.

LEARN ALL ABOUT IT

announcements

upcoming meetings

The Alpena Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors  has a meeting Tuesday, August 9 at 3:00 pm The meeting will take place at City Hall Council Chambers (208 N. First Ave). with the option for the public to join virtually.  You can view the agenda + how to join at the button below.
August 2022 Agenda
The Alpena DDA is excited to announce its mural project, Fresh Waves, recently won a 2021 award for Best Placemaking Project through the Michigan Downtown Association! You can learn more about the project and award by clicking here. 
The 2021 Alpena DDA Annual Report is live! Learn more about projects, programs, and the growth that happened downtown in 2021 by viewing the report here. 

Looking for the latest news from the DDA? Take a look at our most recent press releases!
view press releases

Quick Links 

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Fresh Waves
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Visit the Blog
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Available Properties
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Downtown Dollars
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Grow your Business
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Where to Shop
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Where to Eat
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Things to Do

follow us on Instagram @downtownalpena

tag us in your photos when you visit and we might feature you on our page! #downtownalpena

Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422
Our Downtown
Plan a Visit
Arts & Culture
Food & Drink
Shopping
Events
In the Media
Testimonials
Alpena DDA
About Us
Downtown Dollars
Downtown Street Performers
Facade Grants
Fresh Waves
Social District


Grow Your Business
Available Properties
Business Resources
For Merchants
Recruitment Grant

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  • Our Downtown
    • Testimonials
    • In the Media
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Arts + Culture
    • Food + Drink
    • Shopping >
      • Apparel + Accessories
      • Books
      • Home + Gift
      • Fitness + Outdoor Recreation
      • Specialty Shops
    • Events >
      • Calendar of Events
      • Alpena Ice Festival
      • Restaurant Week
  • Grow Your Business
    • Available Properties
    • For Merchants
  • DDA Info
    • PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXPANSION
    • Programs + Projects >
      • Alpena Downtown Ambassador Program
      • Downtown Beautification
      • Downtown Dollars
      • Downtown Street Performers
      • Facade Grants
      • Fresh Waves Mural Project
      • Retail Recruitment Grant
      • Social District
      • Social Media Boosted Post Matching Program
    • Press
    • Contact Us
  • Parking