Small business owners in Jackson, Mich., are getting help from a program that allows them to open their new enterprise while still working on code compliance for their building.

Recognizing the barriers that can hinder entrepreneurs from successfully launching ventures in older, shuttered buildings, Jackson’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department and the Community Development Department have created the Fix 36 Program. It not only helps new businesses but is expected to bolster the city’s economic growth.

“By allowing businesses to open after meeting the essential safety requirements, the Fix 36 Program provides a lifeline to entrepreneurs,” said DEI director John Willis.

The city has created a structured, phased approach to compliance with city codes so that new business owners can open their doors sooner while gradually bringing their facilities up to code over a 36-month period. 

Located in southeast Michigan along the Grand River, Jackson sits on a direct route between Detroit and Chicago at the intersection of Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 127. The city was founded in 1829 as a tribute to U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who began the first of his two terms that year. Among the charms of the nearly 200-year-old city is the old buildings that remain a part of the fabric of Jackson.

Fix 36 invites new business owners to work with the Community Development Department to create a schedule that aligns with their financial capabilities, detailing when each phase of work will be completed. A refundable $2,500 escrow deposit is required to show a financial commitment to meeting the compliance schedule.

“Some new business owners have purchased property without knowing what’s expected of them and code compliance,” Willis observed.

The city also came up with a pre-development plan that helps prospective business owners before they make the investment in a building.

“We encourage them to come to one of our meetings to learn what they’ll have to do,” he explained.

One example of the expectations is the city’s façade rule that requires a storefront to have glass over 40 percent of the façade.

“If they buy a building that is mostly a brick front, it can cost $15,000 to $20,000 to meet that requirement. That’s a lot for a small business owner.”

Willis said that so far, only two local businesses are participating in the program that started in summer 2024. However, another half dozen or so are considering entering the process. The $2,500 escrow deposit has been a roadblock for some businesses, and Willis said the city is working with them to adjust the fee.

The Monster Box Theater, a non-profit 501(c) 3 production company, moved from the Detroit area because of rising rent costs after COVID-19 shut it down. After purchasing one of Jackson’s 19th-century buildings, the realities of bringing it up to code appeared daunting.

“Fix 36 has really helped,” said Paul Stark, Monster Box artistic director. “We’re a nonprofit, so we don’t have a lot of money right now to do all the work like repairing sidewalks and planting trees. Now we have a little time to get that done.”

He said the most pressing issues for bringing the old building up to 21^st century code are being tackled. “We’re almost at the end of the basics like fire protection and accessibility issues for people with disabilities.”

In addition to the downtown area of Jackson, Fix 36 focuses on neighborhood commercial corridors, where economic revitalization is a pressing need.

Willis said his office collaborated with Community Development to create the new program after seeing potential entrepreneurs abandon their dreams of opening a business due to the high cost of bringing older buildings up to current codes.

“By allowing businesses to open after meeting only the essential safety requirements, the Fix 36 Program provides a lifeline to these entrepreneurs. They can start generating income while gradually addressing other compliance issues, such as facade improvements, parking lot resurfacing and roof repairs, according to a schedule that works for them,” he said.

Before starting Fix 36, Willis learned about similar programs in Battle Creek, Mich., and Akron, Ohio, that have been successful. When he visited Akron, he was impressed with the strides the city has made in economic development and revitalization of the downtown area.

Stark agreed, noting that when Monster Box opens and begins to have audiences, subscribers and advertisers for its productions, funding will be generated to continue building improvements.

He believes that an overall collaboration between businesspeople and the government will improve the already charming atmosphere of Jackson. “It just seems like the right thing to do.”

He said the old buildings add character and charm to the city of 31,000 residents. The building Monster Box purchased had numerous previous uses including a broom factory, a service station and body shop, and most recently, a bookstore.

“We’re making it a place of assembly now instead of a retail space,” said Stark. Monster Box Theater produces live theater and also serves as a theater training center, with acting classes and improvisation comedy classes.

He added that along with some of the new businesses in the area, Monster Box is helping make Jackson an up-and-coming place for arts and entertainment.

“We want to be in the social district where there are restaurants and festivals; where people can come and enjoy an evening of dinner and a show.”

He respects the city for wanting to encourage businesses and at the same time protect the image of Jackson. “There are a lot of good reasons for helping businesses, and I think a lot of positives will come out of it.”

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