For over a century, Mount Clemens, Michigan - a quaint & lovely town situated on the high banks of the Clinton River - was a world-famous destination thanks to the ancient healing properties found in its water. Just a stone’s throw from Lake St. Clair, and halfway in between two Great Lakes, there’s an inherent mixture of salt and other minerals found in the water. This brine ultimately proved difficult to separate, yet therapeutic - and profitable - to bathe in. The very first commercial bathhouse opened in 1873, sparking an industry that would earn nearly $3 million annually. At its height, there was nearly a dozen bathhouses, and two dozen hotels in town supporting this popular industry. The likes of Clark Cable, William Randolph Hearst, and the legendary Babe Ruth himself would frequently visit Mount Clemens to bathe in the therapeutic water.
Much like the rest of the towns in The Mitten, Mount Clemens found itself going through hard times after the post-World War II economic boom waned. The mineral bathhouse industry declined until the 1970’s, eventually going under, and leaving Mount Clemens in search of a new identity.
Fast forward, and thanks to the hard work for some visionaries and movers-and-shakers, the town has found itself in a true Renaissance.
Headed by the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority, and overseen by Mayor Laura Kropp, city center is expanding at a rapid pace with new businesses seeking the downtown vibe. When the former City Commissioner overtook the role of Mayor in November 2019, around 60 percent of downtown had vacancy. Thirty-six months - and even through a major pandemic later - that number is now down to 35 percent.
Taking a walk downtown, you can simply see the transformation of the county seat. Trees along the sidewalk are glowing with new white lights all year round. Several buildings, some that have been dark for years, had developers breathe in new life. Structural improvements, fresh paint, gorgeous crystal chandeliers or vintage Edison bulbs shining through the windows is capturing everyone’s attention. These impressive new retail fronts make one think, hey westside, the eastside is coming for you!
While Mount Clemens always had a robust nightlife, new businesses such as Black Cat Coffee and Clementines Pastries are bringing in a whole new crowd during the day, especially on the weekend to eat, shop, and explore. It’s becoming a hot spot for brunch. People are having fun taking photos with the art murals or taking videos playing the musical instrument art in the Cherry Street mall to post on social media.
Beyond adding new businesses and experiential art, the DDA created a robust year-round event calendar. This summer they brought back the River Sight & Sound Concert Series, as well as the Uptown Friday Night Concerts on the Fountain Stage. Residents packed wagons with expandable chairs and walked downtown to relish a warm summer night with music. Crowds enjoyed the new Oasis Social District where they could sip while exploring the area.
This winter there are plenty of ways explore everything Mount Clemens has to offer beginning with the 17th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off Pub Crawl Fundraiser on February 9th and then enjoy the Ice Carving Show with live demonstrations at the Fountain Stage every day, February 10th – 12th.
"This is the beginning of our renaissance," said Micki Weiss, marketing coordinator for the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority. "It is very exciting and we’re proud of what's going on in Mount Clemens."
Follow Downtown Mount Clemens on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events. For more information on new business opportunities visit http://www.thinkmtc.com.