ESCANABA — A new business, Water Lily Gifts & Gather, held a ribbon cutting on the sidewalk at 1113 Ludington Street in Escanaba Friday even as the street was being torn up for construction. During the first week of closure, downtown businesses have been finding ways to welcome customers.
"Here is proof that our downtown is open, growing and full of opportunity," Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority, said of the ribbon cutting.
There are more than 100 businesses in the downtown that run from Lake Shore Drive to Lincoln Road. From this new shop opening their doors to those businesses who have been here serving customers every day, Woerpel said there’s a lot to be proud of.
"Our downtown is filled with strong locally owned businesses that care about this community and continue to invest in it — even during construction," he said.
The city is in the middle of a two year project to reconstruct aging water main, sewer and lead service lines along Ludington Street. In the process, Ludington Street is being reconfigured from Lake Shore Drive to 16th Street to be more pedestrian friendly with wider sidewalks in some areas, dedicated bike paths and curb bump outs to calm traffic.
Construction this year is from 6th to 16th Street. The closure is affecting a lot of businesses trying to serve customers while the street is torn up.
"Yes, the street is being rebuilt—but that’s part of building something even better. The future of downtown Escanaba is bright, and these businesses are a big reason why," said Woerpel.
Activities and promotions are continuing this year, despite the disruptions. The Escanaba DDA is currently advertising Spoil Mom Week in Escanaba, a week-long promotion event to celebrate moms and support local commerce. A list of participating businesses can be found at escanabadowntown.com. It is one of five promotional events in the downtown during the year.
As Water Lily Gifts & Gather opens its doors, Woerpel is urging the community to stop in at 1113 Ludington (both front and back doors) to welcome this new business and show their support. The store will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Construction may be temporary, Woerpel said, but great local businesses are here to stay.
