ESCANABA — Hundreds of community members counted down as a ribbon was cut to re-open Ludington Street, which had been closed since April for major construction.
A celebratory "First Ride" by local business owners covered the 10-block construction area, followed by a procession of construction and municipal vehicles. The Escanaba Electric Department hoisted a large American flag and a ribbon was cut to celebrate the opening of a revitalized downtown.
"It is official. Ludington Street is open!" exclaimed Mike Daniels, emcee of the event, as the ribbon was cut. Hundreds in attendance, including students from the Upper Elementary School, cheered.
The focus centered on the business community. Tyler Myrick, an Escanaba Downtown Development Authority board member and owner of Young's Menswear invited everyone to come check out the new downtown.
"We have been a downtown business for over 25 years, so we knew it was a necessary inconvenience for our customers but it had to be done," Myrick said. "We are super excited to open up the road, let customers come back in through out front doors instead of our backdoors and let everyone come on down and see what we are made of here in Escanaba," Myrick said.
Business owners were part of the "First Ride" on Ludington Street. Riding with Tony Lambert from Leigh's Garden Winery was Brandy Torvinen at The Water Lily Gifts & Gather. Riding the Trans Am were Curt and Kelly Spaulding at CK Downtown Martini Lounge. On the bike in the bike lane is Jon Harris at The Beaten Path. Representing the resiliency and ingenuity of the businesses in the downtown during construction are Josh and Brittney Hoogerhyde of the Swedish Pantry on the golf cart they used to move customers from the parking lots to their front door.
Construction and municipal vehicles followed and lined up in the background, framing the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Project Manager Darren Pionk of C2AE reminded the crowd that the two-year, 16-block infrastructure revitalization project was vital to replacing outdated sanitary sewers, storm sewers and water mains, as well as replacing the city's wastewater lift station at the end of Ludington Street.
"The original sanitary sewer infrastructure dates back to 1885," Pionk said. "So, this project represents an important investment in the rehabilitation of infrastructure that has served this community for generations. Today, we get to see the finished product and, more importantly, celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of Ludington Street."
Mayor Mark Ammel, who also owns Bobaloon's Cafe, enthusiasticly cheered on the endeavor.
"I only have three words to say, hip, hip and hooray," said Ammel, leading the crowd in the celebration.
Following the program, barriers were removed after five months of construction. The street quickly filled with people driving the new downtown street.
