The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has completed its purchase of another building in downtown Port Huron. The Foundation closed on the former Country Market grocery store on June 29th.
“We’re excited about this latest investment,” said Will Oldford, the Foundation’s Board Chair. “This building on Mainstreet in downtown Port Huron represents the kind of placed-based anchor project that has served our region well over the years.”
The Foundation used assets from its various stock market investments to pay for the majority of the purchase and then leveraged additional funding via the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. This new building, at 310 Huron Avenue, is directly on the Bridge to Bay Trail network which runs from Lakeport down to Algonac.
“Our current Strategic Plan calls for a greater focus along the main commercial corridor of our region,” added Oldford. “This latest investment will serve as a long-term home for the Discovery City children’s exhibit, as well as business and residential units on the 2nd floor. It will certainly be another key anchor in the downtown.”
The City of Port Huron recently approved a 10-year lease for the main floor and basement of the building, and when factoring in the value of the children’s exhibit, the Foundation projects the total value of this new project to exceed $2 million.
“Our board and staff truly believe in making local bricks and mortar investments when we feel it will advance our region’s growth and prosperity.” Oldford said. The Foundation also currently owns the Knowlton Museum, its own offices and courtyard in Port Huron, 39 acres of open land along the Black River in Kimball Township, which will be the site of a future waterfront park, and the Blue Water River Walk along the St. Clair River. It had previously owned Studio 1219 (now the Foundry), farmland, a home for homeless teens, and the Atrium restaurant which was later donated to Blue Water Allies.
In recent years the Foundation has used both grant funds and investment assets to support other anchor projects in Marine City and St. Clair. The Foundation is also quickly expanding its work and impact in the smaller and more rural communities along the western part of the county as well.
“Our Foundation doesn’t exist just to make grants and award scholarships,” Oldford concluded. “We’re here to make an impact and be relevant to our region’s growth and prosperity.”
We have more opportunities like this in the pipeline! If you or a member of your family would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Randy Maiers or Jackie Hanton for more information.