Market House suspending operations after 85 years; TIFA hears beautification plans and funding request for road work

The Hillsdale Tax Increment Finance Authority heard that the Market House will suspend operations after 85 years during its March 17 meeting, and members discussed downtown beautification plans and development committee updates.

At the Beautification Committee report, members asked staff to clarify where water access for hanging baskets begins and ends and requested a higher-resolution digital file of the city seal for proposed navy-blue banners trimmed in white and gold with a train motif. Committee members said plantings will occur after Mother’s Day, with summer and fall plantings planned, and encouraged greater involvement from downtown business owners.

Secretary/Treasurer Olivia Smith delivered an update on the Dawn Theater Governance Board in Chair James Brandon’s absence, reporting that Ron Scholl and Felicia Ray-Finch have resigned and that the board will bring appointment recommendations to the full board. The Program Review Committee reported that the façade at 70 N Howell St & 72 has been completed.

In the economic development update, staff noted the Market House will suspend operations after 85 years in the community and the board briefly discussed other businesses that might come to town. During a public comment period, Jack McLain urged TIFA to contribute to road reconstruction projects inside the TIFA district, citing Barry St as an example, asked the board to pay attention to businesses at the edges of the district, and requested additional information from Economic Development about a $24,000 grant. The minutes record the request but do not show a formal board response or a directive for follow-up.

The board did not adopt new funding commitments at the meeting. The next TIFA meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM.