BUCHANAN, Mich. -- The City of Buchanan announced a ribbon-cutting and open house will take place Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Days Avenue and Front Street to celebrate the completion of the downtown infrastructure and placemaking project.

City officials say this work has fully reconstructed the community’s central business district.

The initiative replaced aging subsurface infrastructure and included upgrades of sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, curb and gutter, sidewalks, decorative street lighting, furnishings, and roadway surfaces.

Officials add the new roads include a portion built in a tabletop design to be used for vehicular traffic and to be converted to a plaza space for festivals and community events.

“A vibrant downtown is the heart of our community. It is where our businesses thrive, where residents gather, and where visitors are welcomed,” said Mayor Mark Weedon. “By investing in quality infrastructure and creating a strong sense of place, we are securing a foundation for Buchanan’s growth and prosperity for decades to come.”

After the morning ribbon-cutting, an open house of the new downtown will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. for a grand reopening celebration.

Throughout the downtown, there will be live musicians, s’mores, cider, and donuts, along with local businesses featuring special promotions and in-store events.

The event aims to welcome residents and visitors back to the transformed downtown and showcase Buchanan.