Commercial open house a success

Cindy Clark (left, standing) of Comerica Bank talks about lending policies and favorable interest rates to the group of potentially interested investors at Friday’s commercial Open House.

After months of speculation about how the community could work to fill several empty downtown buildings, Manchester is making its move in a big way.

A sense of excitement and optimism was evident at the Two Black Sheep restaurant on Friday morning, and it continued throughout the day as several local realtors and building owners hosted open houses at available downtown storefronts and commercial buildings within the village on Friday, November 1. The event was co-hosted by the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Village of Manchester.

Speakers representing each of the sponsoring entities gave a short talk about the advantages of locating a business in Manchester, and happily answered questions from participants.

“Good things on the horizon” seemed to be the prevailing attitude and the atmosphere surrounding the day’s event which had attracted regional attention via advertising in Crain’s Detroit Business, mLive, and the Mirror. At least 10 potential buyers and/or lessors toured many of the buildings and the event was deemed a success at a short recap meeting at the day’s end.

“The consensus was that this should maybe happen again in the spring if there are still a number of properties available,” said Jennifer Wojotowicz, Chamber president and event organizer.

“I feel that this event helped to give Manchester a much-needed boost,” she added. “It was a great PR opportunity for us to remind everyone that we are still here and we are open minded to those that want to invest in our community!”

Wojotowicz said the feedback was great all around and that she also had been contacted by a neighboring community, experiencing similar issues with vacated buildings. The Chamber from that community had reached out to her, to learn more about the day’s event and to ask for advice on how they can do the same. She also noted that some attendees were favorably impressed by the affordability of investing in Manchester.

“Somehow along the way, the assumption was made that our lease rates are overpriced,” she said. In fact, lease rates are very competitive in downtown Manchester.

A large group of local building and business owners as well as several potential investors attended the morning coffee and welcome at Two Black Sheep restaurant.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.