Project 186
Exploring a Vision for Re-Activating the Historic Sparta Opera House
After decades of sitting empty and vacant, there is a new spark of energy for revitalizing a critical, high-potential-impact space in Sparta’s historic downtown district. Sparta’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched an initiative to explore the possibilities, potential, and viability of activating the space widely known as the former Sparta Opera House.
Located above the North Kent Eagles at 186 East Division Street, the historic opera house space was completed in 1914 and originally could seat over 500 people. For a number of years, the space was successfully utilized for live plays, community dances, and even film exhibitions. Sparta student productions were held there regularly, as well as major local boxing matches that would draw participants from as far away as Grand Rapids and Muskegon.
However, during the 1930's, as the uses of the first floor changed from restaurant to pool hall to private club, the opera house space became used primarily for storage. It has essentially sat unused since the 1940's.
In December, members of the DDA task force approached the Board of the North Kent Eagles and requested the group's "blessing" to formally explore the possibilities for the former opera house space, including soliciting input from the greater Sparta Community. The task force is going into the listening process without any preconceived notions about what the final results will be.
Some preliminary examination work was done in 2011, putting a price tag on repairs and rehabilitation at approximately one million dollars. However, that did not address things like an operational model, programming, business plan, and the like.
While the thought of undertaking a project to reactivate the space is exciting to many local folks, it is likely to take a year or more to arrive at the point of answering the myriad of questions and determining what is actually feasible
Anyone interested in providing their input into the process or learning more about the initiative should contact SpartaOperaHouse@gmail.com
Latest Updates:
Members of the Sparta Opera House Project task force were very excited by the dozens and dozens of community members who were able to join them in touring the opera house during one of the first opportunities provided in January and February to view the space. Many great ideas were offered for the use of this second-floor space during the tours or in the online survey prepared by the project task force.
Additionally, thanks for all the feedback through the online survey on the future of the space, there appears to be no shortage of passion behind this project. Community members of all ages and from numerous groups provided input regarding amenities Sparta is missing through an online survey. Lists of activities, organizations, and businesses that would add vibrancy to the community through the use of this space were also suggested as well as sound ideas regarding possible events which might be held in the opera house facility are currently being compiled and organized. These lists will aid in the determination of the future of this space clearly seen by all who visited as a unique and intriguing hidden gem.
The task force is so grateful for the community engagement seen thus far. This factor is absolutely necessary for the success of whatever project is determined to be the most desired and best use for the Sparta Opera House. Future funding, such as grant requests, requires this engagement which will continue to be sought.
Information which would assist in determining the viability and obtaining structural and operational plans is currently being tethered by the task force. All conversations are still at beginning levels. As with all quality projects, time well spent is a necessity.
In The News:
MIBIZ Lead Story: https://mibiz.com/sections/economic-development/sparta-kicks-off-renewed-effort-to-revitalize-long-vacant-downtown-opera-house
![The Starrs [w photo of cello and organ]- [article seperate] printed Jan 21 1916.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4d55e1_344d0aff495d434db82852bf0fed4430~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1115,h_1670,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/4d55e1_344d0aff495d434db82852bf0fed4430~mv2.jpg)
Small Business Incubator Program
It is with bittersweet excitement that the Sparta Downtown Development Authority announces the closure of the Retail Incubator Program, more commonly known as the Sparta Town Square ShippingContainer Shops. The temporary structures were renovated shipping containers with heat, air, and electricity that were originally designed and installed as a phase of the master plan to rejuvenate the area and create density along Nash Creek.
In 2019, the Retail IncubatorProgram concept garnered praise and recognition from Consumers Energy, winning 3rd place out of dozens of entries at the "Put Your Town On the Map" pitch. This acknowledgment highlighted Sparta’s innovative approach to fostering economic growth and putting Sparta on the radar as a community committed to supporting small businesses.
Further solidifying its standing as a beacon of community investing and supporting economic development, the Sparta Retail Incubator Program was honored by the Michigan Downtown Association in 2021. The program received the award for the "Best Economic Development Project Under $1Million," and was a standout showpiece for local developers in the Grand Rapids area to visit during community tours, a destination for the Michigan Downtown Association to host a meeting and tour for other downtown professionals to see the transformation, and has been a note of interest by some large employers in the area such as tesa tape, a global pressure-sensitive adhesive manufacturer with a location in Sparta, who even praised the innovative Retail Incubator Program project during their a 36Million dollar expansion groundbreaking ceremony in 2021.
Celebrating its successful conclusion, the Retail Incubator Program in the Shipping Containers in Sparta Town Square not only marks a turning point for downtown revitalization but also initiates the next phase of the master plan. While this most recent chapter in Sparta’s development has been a successful one, the Village of Sparta is excited to unveil the next phases of its long-term vision for downtown transformation, which was initiated in 2014 and has been revised and updated five times over the last ten years. “Downtown redevelopment is in a way its own living, breathing organism, and a master plan is only as good as the ability to flex as changes occur including the ability to acquire grant funding, the needs of the property owners and businesses, and most importantly, how people enjoy the space. Every amendment to the plan is critical to the result, and the plan continues to evolve with the changes, and I think our community and visitors will really like the end result of the plan”, said Elizabeth Morse, DDADirector for the Village of Sparta. The master plan is working through final engineering and will be moving through the formal approval process this spring. The next phase of the master plan will have the same goal of creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment utilizing our beautiful creek in downtown Sparta.
Specifically, the next development phases include renovations to parking lots, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly design while maintaining parking availability as a top priority. This strategic approach aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors, residents, and businesses in downtown Sparta. Additionally, the phase will include the addition of permanent municipal restrooms, providing essential facilities for both residents and visitors. The inclusion of these amenities aligns with Sparta's commitment to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for all.
One of the highlights of the next phase is the creation of a vibrant pedestrian space along Nash Creek. This initiative aims to transform the creek area into a scenic and lively space, fostering community engagement and providing a picturesque backdrop for local businesses.
"The master plan represents our collective vision for a downtown that not only supports businesses but also offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone. We envision a downtown that balances modern amenities with the charm of our community's rich history," added Jim Lower, Sparta Village Manager.
The Village of Sparta extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including program participants, partners, and the community, for contributing to the success and recognition of the Retail Incubator Program and looks forward to the exciting developments that lie ahead. For further information, please contact Elizabeth Morse at 616-887-2454
Fallen Soldiers Banner
We are honored to finally be able to pay a small tribute to our fallen heroes who were Killed in Action. Although the project took longer than anticipated, we are proud to be able to put up a personal tribute to each fallen soldier in downtown Sparta. The banners will be displayed late spring thru late summer in 2025. A copy of each banner can be found below.
The project was awarded a generous grant from the Sparta Community Foundation and through the generous gifts of several private donors.
If you have any corrections, photographs, or additional fallen soldiers from our area that need to be added to this memorial banner project, please email us at ddadirector @ spartami.org.
