We are looking for six small businesses and diverse food trucks to join our downtown this summer as vendors at our new project located on the river in the heart of downtown.
The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking for businesses to lease out our new tiny shops on the Alpena Power Site (located at the corner of Second Ave and Water St) along the Thunder Bay River in Downtown Alpena. The site will have space for food trucks, a public outdoor seating area, and small sheds that are available for rent by small businesses on a seasonal basis. Starting in Summer 2025, the DDA will have five 10’ x 12’ sheds and one 12’ x 24’ beverage shed for rent. The DDA plans to add more sheds in future years depending on interest.
Interested small businesses-- retail, food, drink, and art-- should submit an application by May 2, 2025 to express interest as a summer, fall, or holiday vendor. Anticipated opening date is Memorial Day Weekend. Selected businesses for summer rentals will be notified by May 9, 2025. Food trucks should reach out directly to the DDA to be scheduled at 989-356-6422 or [email protected]
Interested small businesses-- retail, food, drink, and art-- should submit an application by May 2, 2025 to express interest as a summer, fall, or holiday vendor. Anticipated opening date is Memorial Day Weekend. Selected businesses for summer rentals will be notified by May 9, 2025. Food trucks should reach out directly to the DDA to be scheduled at 989-356-6422 or [email protected]
Project Details
Please read all these details before submitting your application.
Project Goals
We are looking for businesses who align with the following goals we have for the project:
Shed Details
We have 5 finished sheds available that are 10’ x 12’. There is 1 beverage shed that will be in the food truck area that is 24’ x 12’. Each shed is equipped with two outlets. Sheds do not have running water. Sheds are insulated. Tenants may bring a fan, AC unit, or space heater. Tenants may not paint the interior of sheds or replace flooring. Tenants are responsible for bringing any shelving. Signage will be provided for each vendor by the DDA.
Eligible Businesses
The DDA strives to have a balanced mix of food, drink, and retail businesses on the site. Downtown businesses may apply for a shed; however, preference goes to businesses selling products not currently available for purchase within the DDA district.
Market Dates
You may request any or all of these seasons for rent in 2025:
Pop-Up Rentals
We also will have pop-up space available for vendors who want to rent a shed on a daily basis, as space allows. If you are interested in this option, please indicate so in the application and which date(s) you are interested in. Pop-up rental is based on availability of sheds; preference goes to businesses who can commit to the full season.
Hours & Rental Rates
See below for our targeted hours for each season. We strive for a collaborative environment with shared committed of consistent hours to serve our community. Once businesses are selected and open, these hours may be subject to change based on community and vendor feedback.
Summer Market $1700 ($1500 rent + $150 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $2650 ($2300 base rent + $200 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 23) through Labor Day (Monday, September 1)
Daily from 11 am- 6 pm
Fall Market $950 ($800 rent + $100 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $1250 ($1000 base rent + $200 electric + $50 marketing fee)
September & October
Hours to be confirmed
Holiday Market $650 ($500 rent + $100 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $1250 ($1000 base rent + $200 electric + 50 marketing fee)
Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 28) through New Year’s Eve
Hours to be confirmed
Food Trucks
Food trucks may set up in the food truck court on a daily or weekly basis. Food trucks must be scheduled in advance with the DDA. Food trucks must follow the set hours for each day (at minimum) as specified above. (For example, if you set up for a Saturday in July, you must remain open at least 11 am- 6 pm). Food trucks are encouraged to remain open beyond those hours to accommodate customer demand. Power will be provided to each food truck. Daily rental rate is $25/day with a $200/month maximum. If you are interested in setting your food truck up, please contact the DDA directly at 989-356-6422 or [email protected].
Payment Information
If selected, a security deposit of $250 is due by May 15, 2025 to secure your shed. This fee will be refunded to you at the end of the season if your shed is found to be in acceptable shape. The entirety of your rent, electrical fee, and marketing fee is due upon signing of the lease for the season. At this point, you will get your keys to the space.
Project Goals
We are looking for businesses who align with the following goals we have for the project:
- Activate the riverfront and provide linkage between parts of downtown
- Provide attainable, low-risk commercial space for businesses that have the potential for along-term future downtown
- Draw additional foot traffic downtown
- Diversify the retail, food and drink options downtown
Shed Details
We have 5 finished sheds available that are 10’ x 12’. There is 1 beverage shed that will be in the food truck area that is 24’ x 12’. Each shed is equipped with two outlets. Sheds do not have running water. Sheds are insulated. Tenants may bring a fan, AC unit, or space heater. Tenants may not paint the interior of sheds or replace flooring. Tenants are responsible for bringing any shelving. Signage will be provided for each vendor by the DDA.
Eligible Businesses
The DDA strives to have a balanced mix of food, drink, and retail businesses on the site. Downtown businesses may apply for a shed; however, preference goes to businesses selling products not currently available for purchase within the DDA district.
Market Dates
You may request any or all of these seasons for rent in 2025:
- Summer Market (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Fall Market (September & October)
- Holiday Market (Small Business Saturday through Christmas)
Pop-Up Rentals
We also will have pop-up space available for vendors who want to rent a shed on a daily basis, as space allows. If you are interested in this option, please indicate so in the application and which date(s) you are interested in. Pop-up rental is based on availability of sheds; preference goes to businesses who can commit to the full season.
Hours & Rental Rates
See below for our targeted hours for each season. We strive for a collaborative environment with shared committed of consistent hours to serve our community. Once businesses are selected and open, these hours may be subject to change based on community and vendor feedback.
Summer Market $1700 ($1500 rent + $150 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $2650 ($2300 base rent + $200 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 23) through Labor Day (Monday, September 1)
Daily from 11 am- 6 pm
Fall Market $950 ($800 rent + $100 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $1250 ($1000 base rent + $200 electric + $50 marketing fee)
September & October
Hours to be confirmed
Holiday Market $650 ($500 rent + $100 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $1250 ($1000 base rent + $200 electric + 50 marketing fee)
Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 28) through New Year’s Eve
Hours to be confirmed
Food Trucks
Food trucks may set up in the food truck court on a daily or weekly basis. Food trucks must be scheduled in advance with the DDA. Food trucks must follow the set hours for each day (at minimum) as specified above. (For example, if you set up for a Saturday in July, you must remain open at least 11 am- 6 pm). Food trucks are encouraged to remain open beyond those hours to accommodate customer demand. Power will be provided to each food truck. Daily rental rate is $25/day with a $200/month maximum. If you are interested in setting your food truck up, please contact the DDA directly at 989-356-6422 or [email protected].
Payment Information
If selected, a security deposit of $250 is due by May 15, 2025 to secure your shed. This fee will be refunded to you at the end of the season if your shed is found to be in acceptable shape. The entirety of your rent, electrical fee, and marketing fee is due upon signing of the lease for the season. At this point, you will get your keys to the space.
