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See you in the spring!
Over these next several winter months, the Water Street Commons will be closed as we prepare for an exciting 2026. We are grateful for the 17 businesses who were part of the common's first year either as pop-ups or seasonal shops — and all the customers who supported these new businesses and showed them the possibilities that exist in Downtown Alpena. Stay tuned to our social media accounts for announcements about business applications for 2026, opening dates, and upcoming events. - The Alpena DDA What is the Water Street Commons? The Water Street Commons is a small business collaborative of five tiny shops, one beverage shed, food truck area, and public seating area along the Thunder Bay River in the heart of Downtown Alpena. The project is led by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) as a way to provide low-cost, low-risk commercial space for small businesses looking to try out Downtown Alpena, diversify the downtown offerings, and bring more foot traffic to the downtown. The shops will be open each year May through December. |
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Christmas at the Commons
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Learn more about our holiday vendors below
Food Trucks Wanted
We are looking for food trucks and food vendors to join the Water Street Commons on a daily or weekly basis. Fee is $25/day with power hook-ups provided. Public seating area with tables, chairs, and trash receptacles is located near the hook-ups with the only riverfront dining views in Downtown Alpena! Reach out to the DDA Office about joining us during the busy summer months downtown at 989-356-6422 or [email protected]
Project Details
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)
Fall Market $950 ($800 rent + $100 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $1250 ($1000 base rent + $200 electric + $50 marketing fee)
September & October
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
Food Trucks
Food trucks may set up in the food truck court on a daily or weekly basis. Food trucks must be scheduled with 24 hours advance notice. 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.
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)
Fall Market $950 ($800 rent + $100 electric + $50 marketing fee)
Beverage Shed $1250 ($1000 base rent + $200 electric + $50 marketing fee)
September & October
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
Food Trucks
Food trucks may set up in the food truck court on a daily or weekly basis. Food trucks must be scheduled with 24 hours advance notice. 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.
