City of Ionia

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

Welcome to Downtown Ionia! A great place to locate your business.

Meet Our DDA Director

Linda Curtis, Director, Downtown Development AuthorityLinda 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
  • Margot Cook
Terms Expiring December 31, 2020

  • Dave Cook
  • Brett Patterson
Terms Expiring December 31, 2021

  • Paul Lentz
  • Jim Killion
Terms Expiring December 31, 2022

  • Mike Kirgis
  • Tim Hemenway

Documents and Links

Business Directory

Various businesses in and around Ionia!

Download Document:
Business Directory Brochure (PDF)

DDA Agendas and Minutes

DDA Newsletter

Farmers' Market

The "Ionia Farmer's Market", is conveniently located in downtown Ionia, under the Robert Hoppough Farm Market Pavilion, at the Corner of Adams Street and Steele Street. BUY LOCAL! Visit the Farmers' Market on Wednesdays & Saturdays, June~October

Download Document:
2019 Farmers' Market Vendor Application and Regulations (PDF)

Fireworks

Become a Sponsor! Your support of this annual tradition is greatly appreciated. Fireworks are launched from the Ionia Fair Grounds.

Download Document:
City of Ionia Fireworks Display - Sponsorship Form (PDF)

Ionia-Wizard of Oz Festival

This annual event occurs in downtown Ionia. The DDA director and committee, plan the details to make each year of the festival the best it can be. From 'official characters' to activities, vendors, participants, to the showing of the original film at the historical Ionia theatre, each year grows with enthusiasm for this marvelous event.

Download Documents:
Celebrity Biography Ron Baxley Jr (PDF)
Celebrity Biography Karen Armstrong Owens (PDF)
Celebrity Biography Amanda Wallace (PDF)
Celebrity Biography James Wallace (PDF)
Celebrity Biography Ralph Zellem (PDF)
Wizard of Oz Children's Costume Craft Workshop Ionia Lock and Key Store (PDF)
The Wizard of Oz Rocks in Ionia (PDF)

Meeting Schedule

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)

Other Events & Happenings

Throughout the year, other events and happenings occur in downtown Ionia. Check back often to see what's coming up, and come and join in on the fun!

Download Documents:
2019 Annual Ionia County Scouting Breakfast Honoree David McCord (PDF)
David McCord CREATIVE Art Display (PDF)
Street Closure Parade Request Form (PDF)

Planning Information

Street Closure Parade Request Form

This form must be filled out and returned within 60 days of the request. However, this request does not approve street closures or approval for parade, as that will be determined pending an approval process to follow.

Download Document:
Street Closure/Parade Request Form (PDF)

Ionia Farmers' Market

Ionia Farmers' MarketCome to the Ionia Farmers' 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: Wednesday, July10, 2019 - Saturday, October 26, 2019

MARKET HOURS: Wednesday, 2PM - 6PM and Saturday, 9AM - 1PM

VENDORS: For details, click on the hyperlink 2019 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?

City Income Tax

Community News

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

Forms

How Do I ?

Ionia Theatre

Online Payments

Parks & Recreation

City Calendar

City of Ionia 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

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