Downtown – Almont, Michigan

Isaac Kremer/ July 22, 2007/ Civic, downtown, Economic, Field Notes, market, museum, Physical, plaza, Social, storefront, streetscape/ 0 comments

Probably the most impressive historic building in Almont is the First Congregational Church. The prominent tower and spire, steeply pitched roof, and wall buttresses all combine to create a strong architectural statement.

Downtown Almont is fortunate to have a number of attractive two and three-story brick buildings.

A handful have been covered up with a slip cover, though there likely is still historic building fabric behind these. It’s worth finding out what is behind the cover.

One-story utilitarian buildings do not add much to the appearance of town, though they do give many small businesses a foothold and a physical presence.

Another one-story building shows how with materials and massing, that it can be made to fit in with the overall look and appearance of other historic buildings in the downtown. The signage is also tasteful and does not dominate the building.

Attractive and solid looking residential buildings mirror some of the finest commercial buildings in Almont.

A few of the residential buildings, like this one, were insensitively modified with commercial lettering mounted on and above the porch roof.

There are a number of other civic assets and pieces of infrastructure that further define Almont and give it a strong sense of place.

The water tower with the Almont logo is a visual feature that can be seen throughout town, quite prominently as a backdrop to the historic buildings downtown.

Almont Historical Society Museum brings the area history to life.

The Catherine G. Leete fountain from 1919 creates a strong sense of place. The stone structure is built to last and to create a sense of enclosure when people are using it. Regrettably one of the two drinking fountain heads are missing, at least during the time of our visit.

This empty lot gives way to community gatherings. This is the site for the Saturday Farmers Market and a Sunday Flea Market. This guarantees something happening most weekend days, particularly in the summer.

Attractive outdoor seating makes people feel welcome when they are visiting. This and the nearby landscaping give a positive impression to visitors.

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About Isaac Kremer

IsaacKremer.com is the personal website of Isaac Kremer, MSARP, a nationally recognized leader in the Main Street Approach to commercial district revitalization with over 25 years of experience. Kremer, New Jersey's first certified Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP), has served as founding executive director for organizations like Experience Princeton and the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, which won a Great American Main Street Award under his leadership. He recently became director of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority in Michigan.

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