Celebration in Buchanan, grand reopening of downtown

BUCHANAN, Mich.-- The city of Buchanan is celebrating tonight after nearly eight months and $20 million in restoration comes to a close.

Downtown city streets reopened Friday, and residents are excited for the new updates.

"I've been walking around with a smile ear to ear, it's great." German Township resident, Kimberly Nicole tells ABC57's Blake Parker. "This place is festival ready, have you seen this? There's like, low curb-cuts, it's handicap accessible."

Business owners say that the journey through the chaos of construction to the completion has been a long waiting game, but as the roads have been given a second life, they're bringing in new opportunities for Downtown Buchanan with them.

Glendora Bookshop owner, Carla Mayer, is soon celebrating two years at her store, saying that business took a hit after construction started up.

Carla said that during construction, the shops supported each other in finding ways to pull in customers and keep business going.

10-year-old Jace Heron is excited to visit his favorite place again, the Sweet Shop.

"The Sweet Shop is a really good place, and the community is nice too" said Jace.

Kimberly Nicole said that she cannot wait to see how the new downtown will develop, and what's in store for businesses this Summer.