Downtown Farmington Launches Online Fundraiser for Masonic Plaza Redesign
(Mark H. Stowers, April 18, 2024)
Farmington, MI – Farmington will be celebrating its Bicentennial this year and is looking for community help with a special project. The Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently crowdfunded for Dinan Park and successfully had more than 300 donors give to help build a universally accessible pocket park. But now the DDA is dreaming bigger. Their goal through a Patronicity page is to raise $75,000 to create a new gathering space at Mason’s Corner.
The Masonic Plaza redesign will accentuate the history of this original town hall corner by modernizing it with welcoming amenities and accessibility. The plaza is located at the Northwest corner of Farmington Road and Grand River, in front of the historic 1876 Farmington Masonic Lodge. The space connects the two major streetscapes in the historic main intersection of downtown and is within the Syndicate Social District – a highly visible and natural gathering point in Farmington.
The first phase of the project has been funded by a partnership between the DDA and the City of Farmington. Those funds will be maximized with matching funds from the Main Street Oakland County’s Placemaking and Public Space program. The space will include public art paid for by the Main Street Farmington Fund. In addition, monies from the DDA’s Harvest Moon Celebration have been directed toward the project as well.
But the DDA is looking for more help and has established the GoFundMe campaign. The funding will pay for:
- Trees and greenspace, pavers, low fencing at the street, universally accessible pedestrian access using same and complimentary high-quality materials from both Grand River and Farmington Road Streetscapes.
- A sculptural Swing, an interactive art installation to support Downtown Farmington’s Public Art Blueprint and commemorate Farmington’s Bicentennial Moveable.
- Universally accessible furnishings to provide outdoor seating for downtown businesses and gathering area for everything from Farmington Community Library story hours, to live music, to meeting friends for a pint or coffee.
- A fire feature to beacon visitors and to warm hands and hearts.
The City’s Master Plan list the development of this public space as a priority. There are also plans to implement matching 2024 grant dollars by showing maximum community impact through donor support. Offline donation by cash or check are also accepted with checks made payable to Farmington DDA and delivered to Farmington City Hall (23600 Liberty Street Farmington, MI 48336.) For Questions, inquiries, or to discuss a legacy donation not listed in campaign, please contact Kate Knight, Farmington DDA Director, by email kknight@farmgov.com or call (248) 699-5114.
More info and to contribute: https://www.patronicity.com/project/masons_corner
