LANSING — In Iron Mountain, Sandstone Terrace rooftop bar shares an alley with First National Bank & Trust.
And above the alleyway, a celestial art installation is suspended.
A collection of rainbow-colored umbrellas was on display in the summer of 2023. In June 2024, miniature spinning hot air balloons were introduced in place of umbrellas.
“It’s a big attraction for people to sit on the edge and take group photos with the hot air balloons in the background.” “It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know each other,” said Brandi Wentz, manager of Sandstone Terrace.
The facility received a $500 microgrant from the Michigan League of Cities and Towns Foundation in 2023. Through the foundation’s Bridge Builders Neighborhood Microgrant Program, more than 50 grants have been awarded since 2020, when it began as a pilot program.
“I think it’s great that these programs exist because none of this would happen without someone inspiring them. I hope they continue to find purpose in this way.” Wentz said.
Wentz, who has operated Sandstone Terrace since it opened in 2023, remembers how difficult it was to tell potential customers how to find the store.
“People didn’t realize that we were a rooftop bar. We described it as a place with art installations.” Wentz said.
She said the amenities make it easier for customers to find the new bar’s location.
“I think a lot of businesses are happy about the fact that we’re seeing more and more new and exciting things being added downtown. It’s just a small thing, but it encourages people to come in and check it out.” Wentz said.
Other microgrant recipients include Porch Fest in Traverse City, Art Pole Project in Rogers City, Lansing Eastside Crosswalk Painting, and Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market in Detroit. Others include the West Ann Street Placemaking Project in Sault Ste. Marie, Majestic Riverview Park Mural in Cheboygan, Growing Food. Growing Fun. Growing Fellowship in Holland, and Growth of Corn(hole) in Our Park in North Adams, Hillsdale County.
“The aim of this initiative, which began in the wake of the pandemic, was to get people together in public spaces again, contribute to the local economy and support each other.” Helen Johnson, director of the foundation, said:
Michael Reyes, co-founder of the microgrant recipient We Are Culture Creators, said the organization “We’re focused on access and equity for young creatives of color.”
“That means a lot of things, from mentorship to opportunities in professional fields.” He said.
In 2022, the nonprofit received a $5,000 micro-grant from Main Street during a crowdfunding effort to begin the process of building out the marketplace, “La Esquina.”
The name means horn in Spanish.
With the donation, the group obtained the necessary permits and purchased two abandoned lots on the corner next to their home in the Mexicantown neighborhood on Southwest Detroit, which hadn’t been used for more than 20 years.
The space is now used for daytime events, pop-up markets and musical attractions.
“We usually have between four and 12 businesses participating, depending on the event.” Reyes said. “When we hold events, young creatives and locals really enjoy it. It’s another space where they can build community and create.”
Johnson said the foundation is offering its latest microgrants in 2023 and is currently pausing the program for financial reasons.
Johnson said the foundation is currently experimenting with other ways to invest in the community.
“We’re working with the Michigan League of Cities and Towns on some pilot programs and offering microgrants as part of those programs to see if that’s really a way to drive more outreach and support for communities in Michigan.” She said.
The league serves more than 500 cities and villages in Michigan, focusing on how local governments function and how community wealth creation impacts them.
“We’re making a short-term investment here that we hope will translate into long-term growth that provides value and opportunity for the local community.” “We’re thrilled to be working with such a diverse group of athletes,” said John LaMacchia, the league’s director of state and federal relations.
“Long term, by fostering an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive, we are helping to create a sustainable environment in which communities can thrive and support their systems in the long term.” LaMacchia said.
Reyes said: “The initial funding was for one season of testing, but we’ve already done two.” The group is currently planning upcoming summer festivals, events and other activities.
“In Detroit, with that kind of funding, you can actually build what you envision in your head.” He said.
Several factors contribute to LaEsquina’s success in Detroit, Reyes said.
“In our community, especially the Latino community, people want to go to a place in their neighborhood that is safe, that they feel welcome, that their language is spoken, that provides a spark of community but also creative energy.” He said.
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Capital News Service is a news agency based at Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.
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