Category Archives: Downtown

Merry Microgrants!

The Friends of Downtown Northfield is excited to announce the return of Merry Microgrants for downtown business. Following its successful debut in 2022, this program aims to add a bit of holiday cheer to our downtown during the winter season.

Up to 10 grants will be awarded to participating downtown businesses for up to $150 reimbursement for interior and exterior storefront decoration supplies.

Eligibility:

  • Location: Your business should be within the C1 zoning district. A map is available for reference.

  • Storefront: Your business must be a brick-and-mortar establishment or a nonprofit with a public-facing storefront.

  • Priority consideration will be given to businesses actively participating in the Winter Walk event.

Apply in minutes using the online application form.

Don’t miss the opportunity to add a touch of festivity to your business. Ensure your applications are submitted by November 27th. Selected businesses will be notified by November 28th. At that time, you’ll receive comprehensive program details and next steps.

For any inquiries about the program or assistance with the application process, please feel free to contact us at info@friendsofdowntownnorthfield.com.

An evening photograph of the Winter Walk in downtown Northfield, Minnesota A photograph of store window display from the Winter Walk in downtown Northfield, Minnesota

 

 

Third Thursdays Downtown

In 2023, we are partnering with Riverwalk Market Fair for a newly improved Third Thursdays Downtown! More than a Market, Bigger than a Block Party!

On the third Thursday of each month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm we will be co-hosting an all ages event downtown. Each month we will feature live music, specials from the downtown shops & restaurants, family fun activities, and the carefully curated mix of fine art, crafts, cottage foods, and farmers market that Riverwalk is known for!

Join us downtown on Thursday, May 18, 2023 for a performance by All Good Company, a rock music collective led by Minneapolis-based artist Rob Stokes. The group features a constantly rotating cast of musicians who bring both their original material and popular covers to the setlist. A typical show will weave together Americana, popular hits of the last century, and exploratory jams. Each performance is vastly different and will always bring a new experience. Loon Liquors Distillery will be serving their delicious cocktails as well!

Stay tuned for the rest of the summer’s lineup! Follow along on our website, Facebook, Instagram, or the Community Events Calendar.

Annual Meeting

We will be hosting our Annual Meeting on May 22, 2023 8:30am-9:30am at the historic Northfield Depot (204 3rd St W). Whether you are a own a business downtown, love to shop downtown, or want to learn more about downtown – all are welcome to attend!

We will share more about the Friends of Downtown Northfield and the return of the Artists on Main Street program, upcoming grant opportunities, ways to get involved, and how the Friends can help you!

RSVPs are encouraged, but not required.

We hope to see you there!

Questions can be directed to friends@downtownnorthfield.org.

Buildings on Main Conference

Northfield Community members, especially building owners, are invited to attend Rethos’ second annual Buildings on Main Street Conference April 26 – 28 in Winona, MN. The Buildings on Main Street Conference is an opportunity for Main Street districts and any community interested in revitalizing their aging downtown buildings to obtain tools, knowledge, and resources to help their communities flourish.

This conference is focused on providing tools and resources for Main Street staff, board members, and volunteers; Heritage Preservation Commissioners; city staff; building owners; and anyone interested in downtown revitalization. No matter how big or small your community is, the Buildings on Main Street Conference will have tools for you to learn more about preservation activity for your downtown or business district.

This conference will offer sessions on topics including Building Façades and Updates, Maintenance and Rehab Team Planning, Energy and Sustainability in Old Buildings, Building Codes and Changing Occupancy, Main Street Essentials, and much more! Some sessions will be geared towards communities that are in the early stages of downtown development, while other sessions will advance the skills of those that are already deeply immersed in building revitalization. In addition to sessions and keynotes, the conference will feature a downtown building tour, highlighting buildings that have recently been rehabilitated with new uses. All sessions will take place in beautiful historic downtown Winona, MN.

Learn more about the conference online.

​Those interested in attending the conference from Northfield can reach out to Revee Needham for a discount code to use for registration by March 19.

Grant Funding for Historic Restuarants

Restaurants in historic buildings in Northfield are encouraged to apply for the Backing Historic Small Restaurant Grant program from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The grants will help small restaurant owners navigate supply chain issues, staffing shortages, inflation, and other crises so that their establishments’ legacies can continue.

The focus is on small or independently owned restaurants that are located in historic buildings or neighborhoods, tell an inclusive story about cuisine and community in the United States, and have been disproportionately impacted by economic challenges, disasters, or other hardships.

Submit nominations from restaurant enthusiasts as well as formal grant applications from restaurant owners. Grant applications and public nominations will be accepted until 11:59 PM ET on March 12, 2023. More information is available online.

If you need assistance with your application, please contact Anna Watson or Revee Needham.