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 District Map

The City of Ionia has a large Downtown Development Authority District that extends through the downtown and to the main commercial and industrial corridors of the City. The full DDA District Map is provided below for reference.

Download a File:
DDA District Map (PDF)

DDA Board of Directors

Terms Expiring December 31, 2023

• Margot Cook
• Ryan Wilson

• Dave Cook
• John Krueger

• Paul Edds
• Heather Poland-Sizemore

• Mike Kirgis
• Ben Weller

• City Manager Precia Garland

Vacant Property Inventory for Downtown

The City of Ionia has compiled a list of vacant properties in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District. The owners of these properties are actively looking for new tenants. The document provided below serves as an inventory of these properties. Basic details of the available spaces and property owner contact information have been included.

Questions regarding this list should be directed toward DDA Director Linda Curtis at lcurtis@ci.ionia.mi.us.

Download a File:
Vacant Property Inventory for Downtown (PDF)