Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce

"Small Town. Natural Wonders. Endless Opportunity."

Economic Development

When Grand Ledge celebrated its Sesquicentennial more than ten years ago the slogan adopted was "A proud past and a promising future". This slogan still stands as evidenced by the huge Grand Ledge Schools building project totaling more than 60 million dollars. New buildings completed so far are the Transportation Center and Willow Ridge Elementary School both located on Nixon Road, additions and updating at Grand Ledge High School, the five elementary buildings, and both Hayes and Beagle Middle Schools.

Though somewhat smaller in scope, but no less important, is the more than three million dollar improvements added to the downtown by the Downtown Development Authority. Utilizing tax increment financing, the Authority was able to replace the old sidewalks with new concrete ones edged with brick pavers. Streetscaping included the addition of benches and planters coupled with new street lights and screen walls.

Overhead utilities were buried underground and other serious infrastructure work accomplished at the same time ending with the resurfacing of Bridge Street from the railroad crossing on the north to Scott Street on the south side. The addition of a large clock at the Opera House not only serves as a centerpiece for the project but helps keep residents and visitors on time. The angled parking on both East and West River Street helped add more parking to the downtown. Future DDA plans call for the revamping of the city owned parking lots in the DDA District and the purchase of more property in the downtown.

As for a proud past, The Grand Ledge Area Historical Society has archived the history of Grand Ledge and those early records are available at Grand Ledge Library or The Museum. The group was the driving force behind the renovation of one of the oldest downtown buildings and turned it into the city's crown jewel, the Grand Ledge Opera House located at the corner of East River and South Bridge Street. The Society along with the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the fund raising for the restoration. The Opera House is now governed by the Opera House Authority made up of members of the Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors along with an at-large member.

At a cost of 1.2 million dollars, the building which is situated downtown on a large piece of ground along the Grand River provides a picturesque setting for weddings, receptions, and other large gatherings and community events. The Grand Hall on the main level will accommodate 240 at a sit down dinner. The main floor also houses an antique Barton Theater organ which was originally used in the Michigan Theater in Lansingand lovingly restored by the Lansing Theatre Organ Guild. Organ concerts are scheduled regularly and often provides entertainment at parties. The Terrace Level accommodates 160. There are catering kitchens on both levels.

Also housed in the Opera House is the office of the Grand Ledge Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber manages the facility.

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