DOING BUSINESS

HIGHLAND STATION FACADE IMPROVEMENT & SIGNAGE GRANT PROGRAM

The Highland Downtown Development Authority (HDDA) efforts are directed at the revitalization of the historic Highland Station area. Once the community center, Highland Station can again provide a unique identity for the township. Combining economic development activities with historic preservation strategies, the HDDA seeks to restore the charm and improve the economic condition of the district. 

Program Description

The purpose of the Façade Improvement Program is to assist property owners and tenants who wish to improve historic buildings and/or restore historic architectural features to facades of commercial buildings anywhere within the Highland Station district. 

The Façade Grant will assist with exterior improvements that are compatible with the building and the character of the district. The grant requires matching funds from the property owner or tenant at a 1:1 ratio. The HDDA can provide a free consultation with a local historic preservation architect, please call 248-887-7200 or email highlanddda@gmail.com for additional information.

The 2024 application can be found here

 

 

 

SIGNAGE GRANT PROGRAM

Program Description

The purpose of the Signage Improvement Program is to assist property owners and tenants who wish to replace/ improve or add a sign to a commercial building anywhere within the Highland DDA district. 

The Signage Grant for creative and unique signs that are compatible with the building and the character of the district. This grant requires matching funds from the property owner or tenant at a 1:1 ratio. If interested in applying for this grant, please contact the HDDA office at 248-887-720 or email highlanddda@gmail.com for additional information and assistance. 

Eligible Projects 

Eligible buildings must have a commercial use on the first floor.  Replacement of non-conforming, obsolete or inappropriate signs; are all eligible for funds.

The 2024 Signage Grant Application can be found here.

 

 

RENTAL SUBSIDY GRANT PROGRAM

Thinking of opening a business in Downtown Highland?

The Highland Downtown Development Authority (HDDA) and Main Street Oakland County values our role that our downtown plays in making Highland a unique place to live, work, dine and shop.  A strong Downtown enhances the quality of life for Highland residents while helping attract visitors to our community.

We are proud to offer a Rent Subsidy Program. The program is designed to provide assistance for (1) new key business activity (retail/dining/arts/entertainment) that choose to locate in our Downtown Main Street area. Additionally, there is also an opportunity for this program to a an existing businesses who is less than 5 years old who require financial assistance. A total of (1) selected applicant will receive a (6) month rental subsidy, along with a one year membership with the Highland White Lake Business Association, valued at $2,500.00

 

A 2024 application can be found here

 

WHERE IS HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP?

Highland Township is located in Oakland County, Michigan, an area often referred to as the “economic engine that drives the state’s economy.” Our community has a unique position as the Gateway into Oakland County from the west.

M-59 is a major east/west trunkline, providing a route from I-96 and US-23 to the west, through much of northern Oakland and southern Macomb Counties. The Township is traversed north/south by Milford Road and Hickory Ridge Road, two minor regional collector routes, serving traffic from the Village of Milford and I-96 to the south.

OUR IDENTITY

The State of Michigan owns nearly one-quarter of the township's land area as part of the Highland Recreation Area, attracting a wide variety of sports enthusiasts each year from throughout the region

With open spaces, rolling hills and intact woodlots amidst new residential and commercial development, it is clear that our community that continues to enjoy its rural character and farming heritage while respecting its responsibility to promote economic opportunities for its residents and business owners.

Recognizing the challenge of maintaining a balance between promoting economic vitality and retaining the sense of a rural community, the Highland Downtown Development Authority (HDDA) began in 1999 with a goal to define and promote the unique identity of Highland Township. The basic elements of this identity include:

  • Highland's heritage as a rail station, beginning in 1871
  • Our heritage as a farming and equestrian community
  • Our commitment to preserving the abundant natural resources throughout Highland that include lakes, streams, woodlands and natural open spaces