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BENTON HARBOR, MI – June 16, 2024 – The City of Benton Harbor, in partnership with Cornerstone Alliance, Benton Harbor Arts Association, and the Downtown Development Authority, is proud to announce the official launch of the Benton Harbor Downtown Social District—a new initiative designed to energize the downtown area, support small businesses, and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Benton Harbor Social District and the new Benton Harbor Fitness Court® was celebrated today at 110 Water Street in Benton Harbor at 3:00 p.m.
Originally put in place through legislation passed in 2020 during the height of COVID shutdowns, social districts have become a fixture across Michigan. The law allows municipalities to designate areas where licensed bars and restaurants can apply for permits to sell drinks that may be taken off-site and consumed in public spaces within that defined district. Originally created to help businesses survive pandemic restrictions, these districts have since evolved into powerful tools for small business growth and downtown activation, adopted by over 100 communities across Michigan.
In Benton Harbor, the district was officially established in 2024. This launch serves as a “grand opening”, celebrating the district’s potential to enhance vibrancy, encourage public use of space, and support local establishments.
The Benton Harbor Social District allows patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed participating businesses and enjoy them outdoors within a designated, clearly marked area. The Social District will operate Monday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The designated boundaries approximately follow 8th Street on the west, Wall Street on the south, 4Th Street on the east, and Graham Avenue on the north. Signage is posted throughout to clearly define the permitted zone, and a map is available here. Initial participating businesses include Mason Jar Café and the Brick House, with others in the process of joining.
Jayme Cousins, owner of The Mason Jar Café, shared, “We’re excited to be part of the Social District. This has the potential to transform how people experience downtown Benton Harbor. It is a boost to business and makes downtown feel even more alive and engaging.”
The City has also recently approved a policy to make available Redevelopment Liquor Licenses to eligible businesses, a tool offered through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission that provides access to deeply discounted licenses to spur investment in targeted redevelopment areas. These changes have already generated new interest in the district.
“In just the last few weeks, we’ve had an uptick in prospects exploring opening new hospitality businesses in the district. We’re thankful for the City’s thoughtful approach in deploying the tools that are available to attract and lower barriers to investment,” said Mitch Brady, CFO of Clement Companies, which owns several properties within the Social District.
City Manager, Alex Little added, “We are proud to launch these initiatives and continue building a downtown that reflects the best of Benton Harbor—creative, collaborative, and community-focused.”
These changes reflect a growing embrace of new approaches to redevelopment and utilization of programs and tools across Berrien County. “The work of redevelopment and community growth requires a committed, all hands-on deck approach. Our municipal partners are increasingly leaning into thinking differently about development, and we’re committed to assisting communities to help them determine what fits best and how to deploy these tools,” said Andrew Haan, Vice President of Community Development and Growth at Cornerstone Alliance.
While the Social District and the new outdoor Fitness Court® are separate projects, the joint ribbon-cutting reflects Benton Harbor’s continued investment in public spaces, vibrancy, and community programming. The Fitness Court, a free and accessible wellness space downtown, was made possible through the leadership of the City of Benton Harbor and its dedicated partners including Priority Health, Whirlpool Foundation, and Corewell Health.
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