Downtown Muskegon Reflects on Historic Transformation

Muskegon, MI – Downtown Muskegon has experienced unprecedented growth and transformation over the past 20 years.  To understand the magnitude of the change in this Lake Michigan coastal city, a video was produced to highlight the community development process.

“Seeing the progress of downtown through the lens of a videographer is impressive to say the least” says Cindy Larsen President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.  Larsen was involved in the research for the documentary and a key stakeholder in downtown development activities.

There have been hundreds of millions of dollars invested in infrastructure, business, housing developments and public spaces. This has resulted in new roads, a Farmer’s Market, a Convention Center, 75 new businesses and over 40 commissioned public art pieces.

It is the story of how a small community beat the odds and re-invented its city center with the help and support of local citizens. The 12 minute video was produced by videographer Jonathan Stepanski (Rowboat Media and Revel) who interviewed the downtown stakeholders and captured the physical transformation with photos and drone footage.

As major sponsor of the video, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce hopes this story will help other communities in their development efforts and serve as motivation for future leaders.  The piece will be donated to the Muskegon Lakeshore Museum research library, and it is now available for viewing on YouTube.