Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Welcome to Downtown Ionia! A great place to locate your business.
Meet Our DDA Director
Linda Curtis is Director of the City of Ionia Downtown Development Authority.
In downtown Ionia you will find a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses located in a historic setting. Take a moment to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere and the friendly, personal service our local businesses provide.
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact
203 West Main Street
P.O. Box 496
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Phone 616-527-1420
Fax 616-527-0810
Email lcurtis@ci.ionia.mi.us
About the DDA
City Founding. Ionia was established in 1833, and the development of its downtown commercial district followed shortly after. The growth of the community continued with the establishment of a U.S. Land Office, two railroad lines, and numerous commercial, manufacturing, and agricultural businesses.
Downtown Ionia Today. Downtown Ionia retains much of its historical commercial architecture with many buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Ionia County Courthouse (1886), City Hall (1908), Armory Community Center (1908), Post Office (1912), and Ionia Theatre (1931) all remain in use today.
DDA Establishment. The Ionia DDA was established in 1989 as specified in Public Act 197 of 1975. Funding for projects is directed to improving the downtown district area through economic development, business recruitment and retention, public improvements, downtown beautification, marketing and promotion, and special events.
The mission of the Ionia Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is to promote and control economic growth which enhances the quality of life through planning and implementation of activities and projects within the Development District.
Since its establishment, the DDA has been involved with these projects and many more:
- Acquisition and restoration of the historic Ionia Theatre
- Development of “the Point” area along South Steele Street
- Façade improvements and grant programs
- Improvements to the Ionia Free Fair grandstands
- Street, sidewalk, and parking lot improvements including the installation of red bricks along Main Street
- Water and sewer upgrades
DDA Board of Directors
Terms Expiring December 31, 2019
- Ron Wilson
- Dan Balice
- Dave Cook
- Brett Patterson
- Paul Lentz
- Jim Killion
- Mike Kirgis
- Tim Hemenway
Documents and Links
- Download Document:
- Business Directory Brochure (PDF)
The DDA Board meets at 8:00 am on the third Wednesday of each month at Ionia City Hall, located at 114 N. Kidd St. The public is welcome to attend.
- Go to Link:
- City Calendar Page (Shows DDA Board Meetings)
- Download Documents:
- Downtown Blueprint Study (PDF)
- Obsolete Property Tax Rehabilitation Act Form (PDF)
- Go to Link:
- Ionia County Economic Development
Ionia Farmer's Market
Come to the Ionia Farmer's Market and enjoy a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, flowers, plants, art work, hand crafts, and other items too.
OPEN: Saturday, June 2, 2018 - October 27, 2018
MARKET HOURS: Wednesdays, 2PM - 6PM and Saturdays, 9AM - 1PM
VENDORS: For details, click on the hyperlink 2018 Vendor Application and Regulations.
LOCATION: The Robert Hoppough Farmers' Market Pavilion at the corner of Adams Street and Steele Street.
DIRECTIONS: Located in Downtown Ionia at the NE corner of Adams and Steele Streets, one block west of Dexter/M-66 and one block south of Main Street. Ample free parking is available in the adjacent public lot near the Robert Hoppough Farmers' Market Pavilion.
Quick Links:
How May We Help You?
Ionia Theatre
Parks & Recreation
Online Payments
Forms
City Income Tax
How Do I ?
City Calendar
114 North Kidd Street Map
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Phone 616-527-4170
Fax 616-527-0810
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 4:00p
(Holiday exception)
EMERGENCIES: PHONE 911
For local news and information,
tune to WION AM 1430/FM 92.7
or read the Ionia Sentinel-Standard