Lapeer is beautifully historic. The city was founded by Alvin Hart who was born in 1804 in New York. Alvin, his brother Oliver, and a friend left New York in 1831 to seek out land in Michigan.
After a stop in Pontiac, MI, the trio learned about the area that is now Lapeer after talking to a judge who owned a sizable chunk of land in the area. The trio headed north and liked what they saw. They camped under an elm tree along Farmer’s Creek. While camping at this location the trio attempted to make coffee for the evening but burned and melted the coffee pot instead. As a joke they buried the burned pot under the elm tree. Although the elm died in 1925, a Lapeer Historical Society marker notes the spot, located near the intersection of Saginaw …show more content…
It was the hub of activity.
However in the late 1980’s and 90’s big box store and national chains were drown to the busy M-24, with its ease of access on and off I-69. Downtown Lapeer suffered as residents and tourists chose the convenience of the big box chains and fast food. Downtown Lapeer took another blow when the economy crashed in 2008. By this time Lapeer was dependent on the auto industry. Our industrial park manufactured parts and our residents depended on the jobs. With less cash in their pockets residents spent less time eating out, shopping, and supporting the downtown area.
With the economy improving there is a renewed interest in the downtown. People are starting to enjoy the downtown experience again. New stores and new restaurants have taken root in our community and are working to help re-energize our …show more content…
The Downtown Development District was established in the traditional downtown of Lapeer.
The DDA, in collaboration with other local public and private entities, strives to ensure the growth, health and prosperity of our vibrant
After a stop in Pontiac, MI, the trio learned about the area that is now Lapeer after talking to a judge who owned a sizable chunk of land in the area. The trio headed north and liked what they saw. They camped under an elm tree along Farmer’s Creek. While camping at this location the trio attempted to make coffee for the evening but burned and melted the coffee pot instead. As a joke they buried the burned pot under the elm tree. Although the elm died in 1925, a Lapeer Historical Society marker notes the spot, located near the intersection of Saginaw …show more content…
It was the hub of activity.
However in the late 1980’s and 90’s big box store and national chains were drown to the busy M-24, with its ease of access on and off I-69. Downtown Lapeer suffered as residents and tourists chose the convenience of the big box chains and fast food. Downtown Lapeer took another blow when the economy crashed in 2008. By this time Lapeer was dependent on the auto industry. Our industrial park manufactured parts and our residents depended on the jobs. With less cash in their pockets residents spent less time eating out, shopping, and supporting the downtown area.
With the economy improving there is a renewed interest in the downtown. People are starting to enjoy the downtown experience again. New stores and new restaurants have taken root in our community and are working to help re-energize our …show more content…
The Downtown Development District was established in the traditional downtown of Lapeer.
The DDA, in collaboration with other local public and private entities, strives to ensure the growth, health and prosperity of our vibrant