Historic Downtown Owosso

What makes downtown Owosso unique? It starts with its architecture that embodies the history of our community. Downtown Owosso has long been the commercial center of Shiawasssee County and the intensity of economic activity for more than a century has left a dense collection of multi-story buildings with interesting brick and wood constructions. But this architecture provides more than a history lesson. It provides the basis for a special shopping and entertainment experience that could help revive our local economy. But how do we make the most of this historic architecture as an economic resource? This will be the work of the Owosso Main Street Program and the research of the recently formed Local Historic District Study Committee.

The Local Historic District Study Committee was created by a resolution of the Owosso City Council and a nine member committee was appointed by the Mayor. The purpose of the Study Committee is to research and document the historic resources of downtown in preparation for the City Council to establish a historic district. By establishing the committee, the Council has proactively stated a desire to create a historic district. The work of the Study Committee is defined by state law (Public Act 169 of 1970) and their work will be reviewed both by the City of Owosso Planning Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The Study Committee will recommend geographic boundaries for the district and forward a draft historic preservation ordinance to the City, but the decision of whether to establish a district rests with the City Council, not the Committee.

Why create a historic district? In the case of downtown Owosso, economic development has created the current interest in historic preservation. First of all, any property owner located within the historic district will have access to a tax credit equal to 25% of the cost of redeveloping a property. In addition, other state, federal, and private sector grants and incentives also become available with the establishment of a historic district. This additional source of funding is an economic necessity for several current and potential projects in downtown, including the Armory, Lebowsky Theater, and the rebuilding of burned out or vacant buildings.

A local historic district will become active when the City Council adopts an ordinance that establishes guidelines for any new development within the district. Like with any zoning, the City has leeway in what these design standards allow and prohibit, but the goal is to create a cohesive look and feel to the downtown. These standards will also serve to deter the loss of historic buildings and protect the investment property owners have made in restoring storefronts. There are several other good reasons to establish a district, they are outlined here: Benefits of a local historic district .

Main Street. In addition to supporting the private sector redevelopment of downtown buildings, a push to understand, recognize, preserve, and promote the architecturally significant storefronts in Owosso is part of an overall downtown revitalization effort being led by the Owosso Main Street program. In the last decade, it has become clear that people are looking for unique shopping and entertainment experiences. While on-line shopping and big-box retail strip centers can deliver low cost merchandise, Americans are increasingly looking for richer community experiences when they shop. They want to know the person who they are buying from, and to build a relationship based not just on sales price, but also service. They want to support local businesses and have their hard-earned dollars stay within their community. And they are looking for unique goods and services not available at the mall. The business in downtown Owosso have historically provided these opportunities, and there is room for growth.

Downtown Owosso has a future in more than retail, though that is an important part of the mix. Culture has long been part of downtown, and more entertainment opportunities are being created not only with the (re)construction of the Shiawassee Performing Arts Center, but with galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and even coffee shops. The success of several downtown Art Walks shows that people like to come downtown to mingle, be entertained, and do some associated shopping. But to be a popular draw, downtown needs to preserve and showcase its historical buildings. Our architecture is a cultural resource in its own right, but these gems help to signify that coming downtown is a special experience. Architectural character is part of the formula for success, but the Main Street Program recognizes that the streetscape needs to be upgraded, other public investments in infrastructure made, specific business types be recruited and supported, events and festivals conducted, and all of downtown promoted. Historic preservation is just one component of economic revitalization.

The future of downtown Owosso is in its past, and the work of the Historic District Study Committee is will help to document and define that past. The Committee's report will then allow for the City Council to preserve that past and encourage new development. It will then lay the groundwork for private property owners and developers to make investments in new buildings, start businesses, and exercise the entrepreneurial spirit that has long been part of Owosso's success.

I am the chair of the Historic District Study Committee and I welcome your input, participation, questions, and support. Click here to visit the Google Group site for the Historic District Study Committee. There you will find background information, more links, and a calendar of meetings.