Rural America has never fallen short of beautiful and quaint downtowns to enjoy. Whether it be locals or tourists passing through, downtowns are gathering places typically full of community and character.
When Allendale, Mich. was founded back in 1849, there wasn’t much of a downtown. Bert Lemmen Hardware, J.J. Wolbrink Funeral Home, Walcott Feed & Flower Mill were just a few of the reputable businesses that helped found Allendale but never truly made up a downtown.
For the last 20 years, a town center for Allendale has been an occasional topic of conversation but not seriously considered until now. “Allendale having a downtown is just in the conceptual stage. But a few years ago property became available for purchase and the township jumped on the opportunity,” Adam Elenbaas, Township Supervisor, said.
“Now that the township owns 30 acres of property on the corner of 60th and Lake Michigan Drive, we have the privilege and responsibility to decide what goes there.”
In an effort to strengthen the township's relationship with GVSU, Adam Elenbaas invited a group of GVSU Land Use Planning students to exercise the tools they’re learning in the classroom. As future planners, the students were given the opportunity to develop concepts for what a town center could look like.
Multiple students presented their concepts at an Allendale Township Board Meeting on May 12th. While only concepts, the project allowed students to apply their skills to a real-world scenario—in the town where they're spending their college career. Adding to the experience was the possibility that some of their ideas could become reality in the future.
Dylan Mason, a zoning and planning intern, emphasized the importance of creating a family-oriented community that is child friendly with safe intersections.
Madaline Graham, a Sophomore at GVSU, pulled a 2013 Allendale Planning Commission survey of 378 residents—with results that gave a great idea of what Allendale residents want. Essentially, they want places to dine, shop and recreate in public spaces. The number one request of those surveyed was to maintain the rural character of the township while strengthening the town’s relationship with GVSU. The survey also indicated a strong support for a downtown development with a mix of schools, shops, plazas and different housing types.
Marissa Skoney, a student at GVSU, shared insights from interviews with a private planning firm and key community members. The insights showed that Allendale Christian School students had two-way streets, outdoor malls and a bike rental place on the top of their list, while the local fire department emphasized its need for accessibility and water supply.
Multiple GVSU students proposed various design scenarios with an underlying theme of connectivity and community input.
Out of curiosity, I went to my own social media page to ask local residents what their thoughts were on Allendale’s current “downtown” situation, and if they thought Allendale currently has a downtown. As an Allendale resident myself, the responses weren’t surprising.
At the June 9th Township Board Meeting, the board agreed that it's time to take on next steps to organize concepts and categorize them.
The goal is to conduct an updated community survey by this fall and get feedback on needs and wants for an Allendale town center.
“It will be a few years before we’re ready to start construction,” Elenbaas said. “But it’s exciting to have serious conversations about what a gathering place for Allendale could look like. We want to take the time to make sure it’s done right. The next step will be to get input from the community.”
Please contact Adam Elenbaas at supervisor@allendalemi.gov with any questions or suggestions regarding the project.
Anne Vruggink is a Grand Valley State University graduate and former employee of Holland Sentinel and Grand Rapids Press/MLIVE Media Group. She quickly realized the impact the media plays on our local community and wanted to be a part of something greater and more independent from the main stream media. As a West Michigan native her whole life, her heart beats for this community and the people who live here.
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