Like all things in 2020 far, from the way we shop, eat, and even buy toilet paper, COVID has impacted the development of the new Town Square in downtown Sparta. However! With hard work, creativity, and a whole lot of persistence, construction is nearly complete! One thing that hasn't changed this year is our excitement and joy in seeing new business growth in the corridor that overlooks Nash Creek, now called the Sparta Town Square.
The Town Square is a retail-focused incubator program for small business to grow and learn the market of retail in Sparta, before considering moving into a traditional commercial brick and mortar building. The project began with inspiration from a project pitch to a Rural Development Small Towns Project contest for dozens of communities in Michigan with a grant for $2500 sponsored by Consumers Energy, and Sparta took 3rd Place. The concept has evolved to a major endeavor, bringing new life of retail in the 201 Marketplace corridor in downtown Sparta which includes:
Creekside Clover
Additions just opening this fall:
Blondie Blossom Boutique
Goldie Lou’s
Rustic Lily
The Town Square incubators are 180 sq ft each completely outfitted with electricity, heating, and cooling, and display shelving with French doors that open to a gorgeous outdoor deck, adjacent pocket garden to enjoy a bite to eat before strolling along the library pathway along Nash Creek. The incubator merchants have changed from the original plan in late winter, but we are excited to now include:
Kiki + Crew Merchant Co-Op
Nashville Thrift
Ronnie Mack’s Hot Box Hash House (featuring pulled pork, brisket, and chicken)
Shipping Container Studio by Tiberius Images
Shopping focused celebrations are taking place over the next several weeks including the Thursday evening vendor markets, food, and shopping each week thru mid-October. Ambiance will be in full swing at the Market at 201 on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 4-7 pm. Follow the Sparta Town Square on Facebook for details of the shopping promotions and remember to Shop. Eat. Enjoy. Sparta!
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