Project Name: Oxford’s Dog Alley
ABOUT THE APPLICANT
Are you applying as a:
DDA or CID
What is the entity’s name:
Oxford DDA via the Village of Oxford
Website URL
Twitter Handle
Facebook Handle
Downtown Oxford DDA
Instagram Handle
What is the name of the primary contact for this entity’s application/project?
Kelly Westbrook
What are their preferred pronouns?
She/her/hers
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Where will your project take place? (please include city/village too)
Oxford
Anticipated project launch date
September 30, 2023
Briefly describe your project idea including your role and any project partners.
The proposed dog alley located in downtown Oxford is exactly what the community needs. It presents an opportunity to revitalize a neglected space in the heart of the city while also fostering a sense of community with events already planned!
How do you plan to spend the $5,000 microgrant? Please list and explain the items, services, fees, expertise, etc. that you plan to purchase.
The initial segment of the grant will be allocated to Nick Hottmann, a muralist who has undertaken three prior projects in Oxford. He will be the primary artist for this undertaking and establish the project’s overall tone. ($4,000)
The second segment of the project involves partnering with Nicolette Shagena, a local business owner who operates Cavemann and Pip. She is a skilled designer and has contributed to multiple design projects in the past. She will assist us in making optimal use of the space. ($500)
The third segment of the project entails collaborating with a local woodworker to construct dog run elements for the designated “dog run” area. We will engage Craig Shagena, who is the proprietor of his woodworking business and has already worked with us downtown. ($2,500)
The final segment of the project will involve partnering with the Village and DPW to secure permits and remove dead trees and bushes. This in-kind partnership will be worth ($3,000)
Lastly, we will need to purchase seating and turf for the area, estimated to cost around ($3,000).
The best part of the project is we have a brewery that does dog adoptions on their patio and would like to extend the event right into the alley and activate all year with bark and brew events!
Will your project require special permits from the community you are in? For example, anything that requires a street closure or installing a permanent art piece will likely require a special permit from your local governing body or zoning board. If your project is funded, the MML Foundation is happy to help you navigate that process. Please note that all applicants must obtain any necessary permits for their projects, if selected for funding.
Yes
Rachel’s Notes about the Project
Reviewed 4.21.23. Confirmed member status. Confirmed LOS. Confirmed photos. Confirmed viable project location. Artist will be paid. Confirmed businesses are local and downtown.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Why does your community need this project?
Although many of the stores and restaurant patios in our downtown area welcome dogs, there is currently no designated spot where owners can gather, socialize, and provide their furry friends with a refreshing drink. This proposed space aims to address that gap, providing a safe and communal area for dog owners to bring their pets to when visiting downtown. We also hope it provides a fun photo op with furry friends!
How will you engage your community in this project?
We are eager to receive feedback from the community on the proposed mural concept. While we currently have a preliminary sketch of our vision, we value the input of our community and would love to hear what they would like to see depicted in the mural. I also would like to see if we could feature the new therapy dogs from Oxford Schools on the mural with their names. The community and kids have really embraced having therapy dogs at every school in Oxford since the tragedy. It would be so neat to pay tribute to our loving pups!
What do you hope to achieve through this project?
Our primary objective is to uplift the community and spread joy. Following the tragic incident at Oxford High School, the DDA has been working diligently on projects to bring comfort, peace, and a sense of togetherness to the town. Our aim is to promote economic growth, showcase the historical significance of our downtown, and facilitate the healing process. Through our placemaking initiatives, we have noticed a significant increase in community involvement and a renewed sense of spirit in our downtown area. Creating a new space that brings together people of different backgrounds, but with a shared interest, is a way to foster stronger connections within our community. Additionally, the proposed project provides an opportunity to enhance an underutilized area in the heart of our historic district, adding value and significance to the surrounding community.
How will the project celebrate the community’s diversity? Diversity can include different ages, races, cultures, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and more.
Dogs do not discriminate based on age, personality, or race; they love everyone equally. Animals, particularly dogs, have a unique ability to unite people, regardless of their differences. By highlighting a shared interest in a project, we can bring together individuals from all walks of life and foster a sense of community. It is the perfect way to break down barriers and promote inclusivity.
What resources do you already have to make this project successful? Resources could include things like time, partners, expertise, donated goods/materials/space, matching funds, and more. Please approximate the in-kind value if possible.
We are fortunate to have established strong partnerships within our community. Currently, we are working on two placemaking projects that will conclude before the proposed project begins. The DDA has set aside the matching grant necessary to facilitate the project this fall, and we have received con
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist First and Last Name:
Nick Hottman
Artist Website (If Applicable):
https://www.facebook.com/nhottmannart/
Artist Facebook Handle
https://www.facebook.com/nhottmannart/
Artist Instagram Handle
nickhottmannart
Describe the artist’s or artists’ work. This is not about credentials—what do they do as an artist?
Nick is a graduate from Oxford High school and now resides in Utah where he is a full-time muralist. We have had the honor of working with Nick on 3 mural projects in downtown Oxford.
How will the artist be involved in this project?
Nick will provide mockups for the mural and also will help with the design collaboration of the space.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Business 1: Business Name:
Caveman & Pip
Business 1: Business Type:
Retail
Business 1: Business Owner First and Last Name:
Nicolette Shagena
Business 1: Physical Location Address
28 S Washington street, Oxford, MI 48371
How will this partner be involved in the project?
Nicolette, a talented designer, is a member of the DDA’s Community Design board and has agreed to assist us with the project’s design and execution. Her store is conveniently located alongside the alleyway, making her an ideal collaborator for this undertaking. She will play a vital role in ensuring the success of the project.
Business 2: Business Name:
HomeGrown Brewery
Business 2: Business Type:
Restaurant
Business 2: Business Owner First and Last Name:
Marie Powers
Business 2: Business Physical Location Address:
28 N washington St, Oxford, MI 48371
How will this second partner be involved in the project?
HomeGrown Brewery has a strong affinity for dogs, as evidenced by their weekly dog patio pics and adoption days. They are eager to collaborate with us on all these events and also support the new Dog Alley. We are thrilled to have them on board and can’t wait to launch exciting new initiatives such as Pups and Pints and Barks and Brews.
Do you have additional partners (business, non-profit, etc.)?
Yes
What are their names?
Craig Shagena – Wood working for dog elements and bowls.
The Oxford Tap- Dog events Bark and Brews
Les Thomas- Building Owner (Where the mural is being painted)
Pupper Treats- Vendor from our farmers market that would like to partner to set up treats and natural puppy food.
What role(s) will they have in the project?
Craig Shagena – Wood working for dog elements and bowls.
The Oxford Tap- Dog events Bark and Brews
Les Thomas- Building Owner (Where the mural is being painted)
Pupper Treats- Vendor from our farmers market that would like to partner to set up treats and natural puppy food.
Are they located within the same downtown or business district as the project?
Yes.
Will your local municipal government be involved in the project? If so, how?
Yes. Village of Oxford and DPW will help us with the tree and push removal.
Please upload a letter of support on letterhead for your project from your local governing body (mayor, city/village manager, city/village council member).
https://mmlfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/19/DOC041823-04182023135942-1.pdf
IMAGE UPLOADS
Image Caption 1 (if any): Alleyway
Image 1 (if any):
Image Caption 2 (if any): Alleyway from M-24
Image 2 (if any):
Image Caption 3 (if any): Dog Mural from artist
Image 3 (if any):
Image Caption 4 (if any): dog park elements
Image 4 (if any):
Image Caption 5 (if any): Dog park feel
Image 5 (if any):
