The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the City of Farmington, and the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the launch of a new crowdfunding campaign for a universally accessible public gathering space in the downtown gateway of Masons Corner in Farmington.
If the goal of $75,000 is met, Masons Corner will be complete with trees and greenspace, accessible pedestrian access, an interactive art installation, movable furnishings, and a fire feature. The campaign celebrates Farmington’s bicentennial year by completing the project that has been a long-term priority of Farmington’s master plan.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal by June 7, not only will the building begin, but the project will win a matching grant of $25,000, made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program.
“The Public Spaces Community Places program enables our community to confidently close the funding gap as we build a long-planned public space in our downtown. We launch this long-planned project in celebration of our bicentennial year, a gathering place that manifests, ‘Welcoming since 1824,’” said Kate Knight, Executive Director of the Farmington DDA, in a press release. “Incorporating inclusivity-first best-design practices ensures that our Masons Corner, at the historic main intersection of Downtown Farmington, is ready to welcome all people for the next 200 years.”
The space is located at the corner of Farmington Road and Grand River Ave., in front of the Farmington Masonic Lodge, connecting two significant streetscapes in the downtown area. The space is also located within Farmington’s Syndicate Social District, a visible gathering point in the community.
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MDEC providing matched funding for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. Since its launch, MDEC has provided more than $12.4 million in matching grants.
“Masons Corner will reestablish a historic town hall corner and create a universally accessible gathering space,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz in a press release. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
For more project details or to donate, visit patronicity.com/project. For more community development news, visit hourdetroit.com.
