The Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is currently pursuing a three-pronged strategy to creating a more navigable downtown.

Partnering with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the DDA recently secured at no cost the placement of six traffic signs directing downtown visitors to the Charlevoix Public Library, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce and public parking opportunities. Efforts continue in determining an appropriate way in which to provide directional signage for off-Bridge Street businesses in accordance with the Michigan Highway Advertising Act which governs state trunkline highways like US 31/Bridge Street.

A walkable downtown is a walked downtown. The remaining two wayfinding initiatives specifically target pedestrians visiting Downtown Charlevoix. The Charlevoix DDA, in partnership with the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce and the Charlevoix Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, has commissioned the development of a Downtown Charlevoix store directory and map. This full-color visitors’ resource will not only assist visitors in navigating downtown streets, but it will also serve to inform shoppers of the unique and vast inventory of shops, eateries and service providers found in Downtown Charlevoix. The Downtown Charlevoix store directory and map is slated for printing in spring 2008 and will be available for download from this website.

To complement the store directory and map, the Charlevoix DDA is investigating placing monument-style store directories and maps in conspicuous locations throughout Downtown Charlevoix. These tasteful monuments will assist visitors in determining their current location and help them to decide their next destination in downtown.