V8 Gateway Collaborative and LISC Host Ribbon Cutting Event to Celebrate the Renovation of Ten Businesses within the Van Dyke-8 Mile Corridor

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the V8 Gateway Collaborative supported by Detroit LISC presents a “Ribbon Cutting Ceremonial Bus Tour” event to celebrate the façade improvements of 10 businesses and over $500,000 of Investment along the Van Dyke corridor within the cities of Center Line, Warren and Detroit. End Quote

Detroit, MI (1888PressRelease) June 20, 2009 - In an ongoing effort to revitalize the community along Van Dyke from McNichols to Ten Mile, the Van Dyke - 8 Mile Gateway Collaborative (V8) with support from the Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will host a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the exterior renovations of 10 businesses on Van Dyke in Center Line, Detroit, and Warren. This event will take place on Thursday, June 25th starting at 10 a.m. at the Owen Jax Recreation Center in Warren. Guests will participate in a bus tour featuring a progressive ribbon cutting celebration, with a brief stop at each newly renovated business.

Over $500,000 of recent investment through the V8 Façade Improvement Program, with support from Detroit LISC, is being celebrated. Investment by the business owners was matched by a grant from the V8 Gateway Collaborative. Businesses in Detroit received additional funding from Detroit’s Refresh program, and Warren businesses enjoyed a contribution from the Warren Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA). This ribbon cutting celebration will recognize economic and aesthetic accomplishments of the V8 Collaborative as they take another step toward revitalization of the neighborhood.

“It’s exciting to see the results of Detroit LISC dollars being leveraged across the region to revitalize our commercial corridors,” said Deborah L. Younger, Executive Director, Detroit LISC. “Linkages and partnerships such as those created through the V8 Gateway Collaborative allow for community development outcomes to be enhanced.”

Mayor Mary Ann Zielinski of Center Line, Mayor James Fouts of Warren and Mayor Dave Bing of Detroit were invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremonies. Other state and city government officials, local business in and around the V8 District, schools and community organizations have been invited as well. This event is also open to the public.

PLEASE JOIN THE V8 COLLABORATIVE AS WE HONOR THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES:

Center Line: STOSH’S PIZZA

Detroit: NORTOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC) AND VAN DYKE DENTAL.

Warren:
GOOD-N-PLENTY RESALE, MICHIGAN MAINTENANCE, NONO’S PIZZA, PROP SHOP HOBBIES,
REGAL TIRE AND SUN SHADE WINDOW TINTING.
MILLER’S PARTY STORE will also be recognized for a substantial
investment made before the Facade Improvement Program was initiated.

Date: THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bus will depart promptly at 10 a.m. from Owen Jax with stops at each business.
Light Food and Refreshments immediately following at Owen Jax Recreation Center.

Location:OWEN JAX RECREATION CENTER, 8207 East Nine Mile Road in Warren.
(On the north side of Nine Mile about one block east of Van Dyke.)

About the V8 Façade Improvement Program:
The purpose of the V8 Façade Improvement Program is to inspire investment and set a standard for businesses on Van Dyke from McNichols to 10 Mile. The Façade Improvement Program establishes design standards and offers financial assistance to business owners who make exterior improvements. Businesses can apply for matching grants for architectural assistance, façade improvements or new signage.

This program focuses on the creation and application of physical design guidelines that help unite the commercial district across municipal boundaries, creating a sense of continuity and “community” along the corridor. A façade improvement program is just one tool V8 plans to use in the redevelopment of the Van Dyke corridor. From revitalizing the commercial corridor to attracting new services and industries, the area will become a great destination for people to live, work, shop, and play.

About the Van Dyke-Eight Mile Gateway Collaborative:
The Van Dyke-8 Mile Gateway Collaborative (V8) was formed with the support of Detroit LISC’s Metro Detroit Regional Investment Initiative (MDRII) in November 2004. The V8 is an eight square mile area encompassing the cities of Detroit, Warren and Center Line. The V8 Gateway is a group of municipal and non-profit partners working collaboratively to revitalize the community along Van Dyke Ave. between Mound and Hoover and McNichols and Ten Mile roads.

For more information, please visit www.v8gateway.org.

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