September 28, 2023 – Beginning Monday, October 2, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will begin to remove outdoor dining, seating, and recreational amenities in The Commons Pedestrian Plazas to reopen Main Street to motorized vehicle traffic and parking from Ashman Street to Rodd Street. It is anticipated that the street will be fully reopened to traffic by Friday, October 6.
In January 2022, the Midland City Council approved a multi-year traffic control order to permit the closing of Main Street from Ashman to Rodd annually through 2025 to provide expanded shopping, dining, and gathering space in The Commons Pedestrian Plazas. The 2024 Pedestrian Plazas are tentatively scheduled to return June 3, 2024.
An online survey will be released in the coming weeks to solicit feedback from Downtown Midland visitors and collect suggested improvements for the 2024 season.
The Commons refreshment area, a designated space bounded by Gordon, Cronkright, Larkin, and Main streets, will remain open year-round through January 2025 at this time. Adults ages 21+ can purchase to-go alcoholic beverages from participating establishments and enjoy them anywhere outdoors within the space.
For more information on Downtown Midland, The Commons Refreshment Area, and other Downtown news, visit www.downtownmidland.com.
