Welcome to Downtown Highland

The Highland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been recognized with the Best Community Connectivity Project award from the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) for its transformative Highland Station Boardwalk. The honor was announced during the MDA’s 9th Annual Michigan Downtown Awards ceremony, held at the organization’s Annual Conference in downtown Rochester, Michigan.

“The Highland DDA supported the Boardwalk by providing financial investment, promotional materials, and general management—proving that strong DDAs and Main Street programs are economic drivers for a community and region,” said Dana Walker, director of the Michigan Downtown Association.

Each year, the MDA celebrates downtown organizations across Michigan for excellence in marketing, economic development, and placemaking initiatives. These awards highlight the vital work downtown leaders do to enhance property values, foster community engagement, and promote small business growth.

“The Highland DDA deserves recognition for the Highland Station Boardwalk because it safely connects Highland Station to the southern end of the Downtown Development Authority district,” Walker continued. “The boardwalk spans open water, providing a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists while improving accessibility throughout downtown Highland.”

The Highland Station Boardwalk is a transformative infrastructure project that blends community connectivity, sustainable design, and environmental sensitivity.

“Public spaces and safe pathways are powerful catalysts for revitalization,” Walker added. “The Highland Station Boardwalk addressed a critical gap in Highland’s non-motorized network—supporting walkability, promoting healthier lifestyles, and strengthening access to local businesses and civic spaces.”

“The Highland Station Boardwalk reflects everything we value as a community—thoughtful design, environmental stewardship, and meaningful connections between the places people love,” said Cassie Blascyk, Design Chair of the Highland DDA. “Our goal was to create a beautiful, durable, and accessible pathway that strengthens downtown Highland. The boardwalk not only bridges a physical gap in our pathway system—it symbolizes the collaborative spirit of our community. Seeing residents use and enjoy this space every day is the greatest measure of success, and we are proud to see it recognized at the state level.”

Each year, nominations for the MDA Annual Awards are accepted prior to September. Eligible projects must have been completed within the past three years in an MDA member community.

Founded in 1980, the Michigan Downtown Association is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to strengthening downtowns through education, advocacy, and promotion. Its members are passionate about the continued development and vitality of Michigan’s downtowns and communities.