Marlette has got it going on!

If you've driven through Marlette recently, you may have noticed something new.  Whether it's the Thursday Farmers Market, the vibrant mural on the grain elevator, or the new information kiosk that also serves as a bike rack, exciting improvements are helping create a stronger sense of place throughout the community.

The Marlette Downtown Development Authority has been hard at work bringing these placemaking projects to life, enhancing the downtown experience for both residents and visitors.

Last fall, our office launched a Placemaking Grant Program to help local communities complete projects that simply needed a final boost of funding to cross the finish line. Through this program, three projects in Sanilac County received support: new fencing on the swinging bridge in Croswell, new branded trashcans in downtown Sandusky, and the custom metal information kiosk and bike rack in Marlette.

The City of Marlette partnered with Mid-Thumb Metals to create a kiosk that celebrates the community's identity as the "Heart of the Thumb." The custom three-dimensional design features a barn, a silo, cornstalks, and built-in plexiglass panels for community information and event signage. Adding to its local character, one barn proudly displays the Marlette Community Schools logo, while the other features the City of Marlette logo.
The completed kiosk serves as both a functional amenity and a welcoming landmark, providing visitors with local information while offering a unique place for cyclists to park. More importantly, it reflects the pride, creativity, and collaboration that continue to make Marlette a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.