May 26, 2023 – Back by popular demand, Main Street will close to all vehicle traffic and parking from Ashman to Rodd streets from Monday, June 5 through Wednesday, October 4 to create The Commons Pedestrian Plaza, an expanded vehicle-free outdoor area open for all to enjoy.
The Pedestrian Plaza allows for additional outdoor dining and retail space for Downtown businesses, event programming, and outdoor gathering spaces. This year’s space features a combination of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed at any time, including corn hole and ping pong, along with new, comfortable seating areas and special programming throughout the summer. Beginning Friday, June 9, The Commons Live Music series sponsored in part by Dow Credit Union returns every Friday and Saturday nights from 7 – 9 p.m. with the best in local, live entertainment. Special events and activities will be announced via the Downtown Midland social channels and at www.downtownmidland.com.
For visitors with limited mobility, drop-off zones can be found on Main Street at the Ashman and Rodd Street barriers. Vehicles may park in these spaces temporarily to drop off individuals with mobility devices or limited mobility so they can more easily access the Pedestrian Plaza. Additionally, the following spaces have been temporarily designed as accessible parking spaces for sole use by vehicles with a State of Michigan approved disability license plate or parking placard:
- Main Street – The second parking space north of Ashman Street on the west side of the street
- Ashman Street – The first parking spaces east of Main Street on the north and south sides of the street
- McDonald Street – All spaces from Larkin Street to the closure barrier are designated as accessible parking spaces
- Rodd Street – The first spot east of Main on the north side of the street
The intersection of Main and McDonald Street will be closed to through traffic while this street closure is in place. The intersections of Main with Ashman and Rodd will remain open to through traffic.
The Pedestrian Plaza area is included in The Commons Refreshment Area, a multi-block area designated for visitors to purchase, carry, and consume alcoholic beverages purchased from one of the seven participating establishments located inside this area: The H Hotel, Pizza Sam’s, Aster, WhichCraft Taproom, Gratzi, Molasses, Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom, and Grape Beginnings Winery. Visitors can purchase ‘to go’ beverages in specially-marked cups that can be taken out and consumed anywhere within the refreshment area. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from a participating establishment located within The Commons are permitted. Boundaries are clearly marked with signage and no open alcohol is permitted outside this area. The Commons remains in effect year-round through January 2025.
Check out planned entertainment programming, information on The Commons Refreshment Area and Pedestrian Plaza, and more at www.downtownmidland.com/the-commons.
