Grand Haven Main Street

About Us.

Our Mission.

The Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority’s mission is to enhance a vibrant historic business district through community partnerships.

Our Vision.

Grand Haven is a unique mixture of world-class beaches, a historic waterfront town, and a vibrant business community. Our downtown is the heart of our community. Our Main Street Downtown Development Authority’s vision is to enhance this historic waterfront town by cultivating economic development. We promote Grand Haven with a variety of year-round activities to provide enjoyable experiences. These activities for residents and visitors bring promotional and economic benefits to the surrounding region and are accomplished through volunteers and community partnerships.

Our Mission.

The Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority’s mission is to enhance a vibrant historic business district through community partnerships.

Our Vision.

Grand Haven is a unique mixture of world-class beaches, a historic waterfront town, and a vibrant business community. Our downtown is the heart of our community. Our Main Street Downtown Development Authority’s vision is to enhance this historic waterfront town by cultivating economic development. We promote Grand Haven with a variety of year-round activities to provide enjoyable experiences. These activities for residents and visitors bring promotional and economic benefits to the surrounding region and are accomplished through volunteers and community partnerships.

Volunteer.

Downtown Grand Haven thrives on the energy of its community. Whether you’re interested in joining a committee, or assisting with one of our events, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. By lending a hand, you’ll make a difference, and become a part of what makes Downtown Grand Haven so special.

Interested in Volunteering?

Our Premier Events

Board of Directors.

  • Chair: Joyce Workman, Vintage Green Antiques

  • Vice Chair: Todd Anthes, Scholten Fant

  • Secretary: Laura Girard, Surf Shop

  • Treasurer: Chris Weavers, JW’s Food & Spirits

  • Mayor: Robert Monetza

  • Member: Todd Hancock, Tenden

  • Member: Kelly Larson, Fortino’s

  • Member: Lynn Negen, Mackite

  • Member: Open Seat, term ending 2025

  • Member: Open Seat, term ending 2025

  • Member: Open Seat Resident, term ending 2025

Contact Us.

  • 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417

  • 616/844-1188

  • Executive Director, Chandi Pape

  • cpape@grandhaven.org

Historic Grand Haven.

In 1834, Reverend William Ferry, his family and a few others arrived at a trading post run by Rix Robinson. Together, Ferry and Robinson, along with others formed the Grand Haven Company to buy land, build a lumber business, and develop the area. Rev. Ferry wished to name the town Stuart, in honor of his friend and financial supporter, however Robinson’s Plat was recorded first, and the name Grand Haven became official on August 12, 1835. Grand Haven was incorporated as a city shortly thereafter on March 30, 1867.

In 2016, the National Park Service listed the Grand Haven Central Historic District into the National Register of Historic Places. We are delighted to have been recognized through this historic designation. The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

In 1834, Reverend William Ferry, his family and a few others arrived at a trading post run by Rix Robinson. Together, Ferry and Robinson, along with others formed the Grand Haven Company to buy land, build a lumber business, and develop the area. Rev. Ferry wished to name the town Stuart, in honor of his friend and financial supporter, however Robinson’s Plat was recorded first, and the name Grand Haven became official on August 12, 1835. Grand Haven was incorporated as a city shortly thereafter on March 30, 1867.

In 2016, the National Park Service listed the Grand Haven Central Historic District into the National Register of Historic Places. We are delighted to have been recognized through this historic designation. The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.