The Holland Sentinel Sunday • December 14, 2003

Staking out a new downtown
by Robert Gold

New businesses bring new life to quiet Fennville.

Matthew Millar knows there are more bustling downtown districts in which to open a business than in Fennville. In more than a year of searching, Millar and his wife Amy Cook, bypassed more established business districts in Saugatuck and Douglas before deciding to set up their coffee shop, Journeyman, on Main Street in Fennville.

Millar who plans to add a restaurant next year, said downtown Fennville's future is bright, thanks to the enthusiasm of local officials and residents.

"They have a long term plan to wake up this sleepy town," he said, about the city of roughly 1,000 people. "We want to be part of this little town's personality as it grows."

Fennville officials point to the debut of Journeyman last week as just one of numerous changes in the past few years that have reshaped the three-block downtown. And with a new strategic plan that includes a possible farmer's market, more loan programs for businesses and improved sidewalks, the change is not over.

"Step by step, I think we're heading in the right direction," said Fennville Mayor Claude Rummer.

The city also is close to buying a nearly five lot section in the center of Fennville that will be leased to the Fennville Downtown Development Authority. The DDA plans to use the property to lure new businesses said Rummer, who is also chairman of the DDA.

The city will spend $300,000 to buy the land bounded by Main, Maple, Fennville and South streets.

Several stores, such as the Fennville Main Street Market, have undergone renovations over the past few years. Fennville-based Darpel & Associates Builders Inc. has handled many of the local renovations.

Mark Schrock, who along with Steve Darpel owns the construction firm, said the company has given many of the buildings and early 20th century look.

Schrock said the cooperation between merchants, residents and local officials has helped spur the changes. "It's very dynamic right now," Schrock said, also a member of the Downtown Development Authority.

In May, the Downtown Development Authority sponsored a public meeting to get ideas to improve the downtown.
Improving shopping options, adding a high profile attraction like a small theater and providing more support for local businesses were some suggestions.

Thanks to the forum, a farmer's market may be up and running by next summer, Rummer said. The city plans to hire a marketing firm to poll local residents on what else they want downtown. Su Casa, a popular local restaurant plans on building an entirely new site by next year. What helped spur the changes? Rummer said an improved relationship between the city government and the Fennville Chamber of Commerce helped. "Al has a lot of energy, "Rummer said about the chamber's president, Al LaShell, who took the post three years ago. LaShell said that beyond the aesthetic changes, it is the mindset of many local people that encourages him. Rummer said many Fennville residents want more restaurants, retail stores, a flora shop and a law office downtown. "I just love seeing the attitude, the positive attitude everyone has," he said. Leaving the Main Street Market with two bags of groceries Thursday afternoon.

John Lancaster said he is encouraged by the recent renovations. "I thing there are some long-time Fennville residents who want it to succeed," he said "Lancaster who moved to Fennville 35 years ago, said the downtown began declining in the 1970's with the improvements of Holland's downtown and the growth of area malls.Lancaster 63, a retired social services worker with Fennville Public Schools, said he and his wife will never leave. The loyalty of local residents , along with their willingness to help each other out make Fennville appealing, he said "They are fantastic," Lancaster said about his Fennville peers. With the recent changes and upcoming plans, Rummer said Fennville is not trying to compete with larger cities. Still the improvements could entice visitors to make an additional stop after visiting the area's tow popular agricultural attractions. Crane's Orchard and Fenn Valley Vineyards. "We'.d like them to stop, see what we have here, he said. Millar said that although downtown Fennville might be slow now, he envisions a day when it becomes a destination. "What excites me is being part of that," Millar said