By Shelby Clark
The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority recently released 2013 statistics based on their quarterly findings, and all signs point toward economic growth.
The city, long known for its openness to the LGBT community, is mirroring the United States' upward trend.
More than $5 million was invested in the private and public sectors, resulting in more than 300 new jobs in the downtown Ferndale workforce. Counted amongst these investments is the 32 new businesses that found homes in the area, including Pet N Paw, Shine On Yoga, Ink Addict, Inspiration Uncorked and Lisa D's Divine Treats. For a complete list of new businesses, refer to http://www.downtownferndale.com.
Some of the new businesses completely renovated, making the new spots feel even newer. The new Public House was one such business, filling the space of a closed French restaurant; Dynasty Media revamped a space left empty by a graphic design firm.
Other investments include a new streetscape project on West Nine Mile Road that features a ground-up rebuild of a Taco Bell and a 11,000-square-foot, single-use property revamped and leased to three businesses.
Smaller, quieter projects such as new signs, facade improvements and more are also part of Ferndale's continued improvement.
Executive director of the DDA, Cristina Sheppard-Decius, notes, "Entrepreneurs are investing in the district in big and small ways. Whether they grow in place or add a second business, make interior improvements or exterior changes, they are committed to downtown Ferndale. Their commitment, coupled with that of our public officials who are committed to making significant infrastructure improvements, creates a synergy that attracts new investors, new businesses. It is a formula for growth – and it is working in downtown Ferndale."
The DDA was able to lead much of the city's downtown development last year. A $500,000 grant was awarded to the authority to help finance the streetscape improvements on West Nine Mile Road, and the city of Ferndale matched the funds.
A popular improvement to the Ferndale area is the city's modern and more efficiently managed parking system. Now visitors to the area can pay for parking with cash, credit card or by phone, even extending their time at parking spots with their cell phone or at other "pay stations" throughout the city.
A stronger advertising presence was also cited as a factor in Ferndale's upward growth. The city made itself known through print, radio, billboard and even social media presences on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
The city will continue to throw more than two dozen events throughout the year to feature businesses both old and new. The DIY Street Fair, the Ferndale Dream Cruise and Ferndale Pride are just a few celebrations that attract thousands of visitors to the district.
Sheppard-Decius continues, "Each year we make a concerted effort to communicate the many messages of the district – whether we are establishing it as a great place to shop, to dine or to open a business – and our statistics reflect success in getting the word out," says Sheppard-Decius. "We have a mantra in downtown Ferndale: change is good. Our statistics are the proof."
Downtown Ferndale is managed by the Ferndale DDA. The area is composed of 3.9 linear miles along Woodward Avenue and Nile Mile Road and features roughly 350 businesses. For more information on the area and its businesses, call the DDA at 248-546-1632 or visit the city's Facebook page.
