Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for “The Elberta Heritage Center”

LANSING, Mich. – A new project in Elberta will transform the Elberta Mercantile building into a hub for gathering, storytelling, education, local radio, and preserving local history. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the nonprofit Elberta Labor Heritage Center announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $14,000 by June 13, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/elberta. 

“The Elberta Heritage Center is not only creating a vibrant gathering place in the village but will give new life to a once thriving downtown space,” said MEDC  Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “This project is a great example of adaptive re-use and preservation, and we are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

The local nonprofit Elberta Labor Heritage Center is on a mission to breathe new life into a former antique store, transforming it into a dynamic community hub that celebrates Elberta’s unique spirit. From the days of commercial fishing and timber operations to iron smelting, railroads, and maritime adventures, Elberta’s history runs deep. This Center will bring it vividly to life. More than a museum, it will be a lively gathering place where stories are shared, music and art thrive, and neighbors come together to honor the past while shaping the future. 

Funds raised through this campaign will fully complete the transformation of the former mercantile property and open it as a reinvigorated public space. The Center will be open weekdays from 9am–1pm, with extended weekend and evening hours for special events. The Heritage Center will be the heart of community connection: a welcoming, vibrant gathering place for all ages. It will serve as a flexible use space for workshops, pop-up markets, and events complete with a comfortable lounge area with local art, maps, and historic displays. Planned programming includes guest speaker series, hands-on workshops, rotating historical exhibits, history tours, film screenings, and cross-partnership programs with schools, tribal nations, and local museums to name just a few. 

“The MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places grant match program is giving the Elberta Heritage Center and WUWU Community Radio the boost we need to transform an under-utilized downtown building into a place where history, creativity, and connection can thrive,” said David Beaton, Elberta Heritage Center Founder and Board Chairman. “This matching grant will amplify our local efforts, helping us create a space that honors the past, energizes the present, and builds a more connected, resilient future for the village of Elberta.”  

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan. 

“The Elberta Heritage Center will not only breathe new life into a building that was vacant, but also create a lasting, positive impact on the community,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “This new gathering space will provide support and inspiration for Elberta, honoring its deep historical roots and enriching its culture. These are the kinds of projects our communities need to foster connection and thrive.” 

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of April 27, 2026, MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 424 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.7 million raised from 77,011 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.