Holland's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and
Principal Shopping District (PSD) offices tripled their footprint after a recent move to new digs. The switch from a small second-floor space to a ground floor location makes the two organizations accessible to everyone and increases their visibility in the community.
The new 2,100-square-foot headquarters at 44 W. Ninth St. includes five private offices and a conference room. Holland DDA Director Patricia Fitzpatrick says the move is a major improvement in accessibility and professional appearance.
"The office is handicap accessible and designed with the goal of providing better service to both the members of the downtown district and the public as a whole," she says. "It doesn't occupy a storefront, leaving [the storefronts] open for retailers, and there is plenty of parking."
The Holland DDA oversees downtown planning policies, infrastructure, amenities and the public parking system. The PSD promotes downtown businesses through organized marketing efforts, business advocacy and recruitment and retention. Both the DDA and PSD are funded through property assessments within the downtown district.
The DDA operated from its previous 730-square-foot office for more than 20 years. The inception of the Principal Shopping District initiative five years ago brought more personnel to the tiny space. The search for new offices began about six months ago and ended with the $30,000 renovation of the former Home Fabrics store.
The two groups employ five full-time and five part-time employees. There are no immediate plans to add personnel, but Fitzpatrick says the new offices will allow for future growth when needed.
Source: Patricia Fitzpatrick, Holland Downtown Development Authority; Kara Barney, Principal Shopping District
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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