In August, a social district was launched in the Village of Baroda, marking a win for local business, community vibrancy, and regional economic development.
A downtown social district allows qualified licensees to sell alcoholic beverages on their premises and lets patrons carry them into a shared commons area to enjoy. In practice, that means a stroll down Baroda’s Main Street may now look a bit different: neighbors catching up over a beer between shops, friends sipping wine while browsing a local boutique, or families lingering a little longer after dinner before heading home. It’s a small change with the potential to reshape how people experience a night, or an afternoon, in downtown Baroda.
Brewing Up Collaboration
The Central Berrien Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA) is proud to have supported business leaders through the process of bringing this placemaking initiative to life. It wasn’t a quick lift, as establishing the social district required coordination between the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), municipal leadership, state regulators, and the participating business owners.
“It’s so exciting to be celebrating at the finish line after so much collaboration between the Village, our local businesses, and community partners. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy Baroda in a new way while supporting the businesses that make the downtown so special,” said Central Berrien CGA Director, Jenni Leich, at the August ribbon cutting ceremony.
Julie Elliott, Baroda Village Trustee, said partnering with the Central Berrien CGA has been very beneficial to the community and was instrumental in getting the social district approved.
“We’re excited to begin this process of developing downtown a little bit more, and we’re thankful that this is the beginning of a whole new, growing community,” Elliott said.
Pouring Into the Local Economy
Across Michigan, social districts have proven to increase foot traffic and local revenue and have helped to keep spending within a community — all while creating safe experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy. For Baroda small businesses in particular, that extra dwell time may translate into extra sales — a longer visit can mean staying for one more karaoke song at Connie’s Place, another stop at the boutique next door, a spontaneous dessert order at Baroda Soda, or another reason to come back next weekend.
“In a small town like ours, every business matters,” said Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling. “When one storefront is busy, the whole downtown feels alive, and our Baroda businesses are the heart of this community. Investments like a social district help present the opportunity for our local businesses to thrive.”
So far, three local establishments have been approved by the MLCC to serve beverages within the social district: TJ’s Baroda Tap, Baroda Founders Wine Cellar, and Round Barn Brewery & Public House, with more exciting additions on the way soon.
“It’s great to see some new things happening in downtown Baroda; I’m excited to see where this takes us,” said Michael Price, Baroda Village President.
A Round of Applause for the Region
This accomplishment exemplifies the collaborative, community-driven economic development work the Central Berrien CGA helps champion across the region: supporting local business, strengthening downtowns, and creating destinations to explore. This is the kind of momentum that doesn’t stay contained to one village — it lifts the whole region. We look forward to seeing Baroda’s downtown thrive as a place where people want to gather, spend, and stay a while longer.
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