The Made in Tuskegee · Downtown Marketplace Project is focused on completing the renovation of a long-vacant, 103-year-old historic building in downtown Tuskegee and opening it for public use.

The goal of this campaign is specific and contained:
renovate the building to occupancy and open it with its first anchor tenant.

The Vision

Once open, the building is designed to function as a flexible, year-round microbusiness space, centered around an open-air courtyard and small pop-up storefronts. Over time, it will support local makers, farmers, food producers, and early-stage entrepreneurs by offering low-barrier, visible space in the heart of downtown.

This project blends historic preservation with practical economic development — creating infrastructure that can support small businesses while operating sustainably itself.

What’s Already Complete

This is not a speculative idea. Significant groundwork has already been completed:

• Architectural plans professionally developed

• City inspector and fire marshal approvals secured

• Historic building evaluated for adaptive reuse

• Strong interest from potential vendors documented

• A phased funding and activation strategy in place

What remains is the final renovation work needed to bring the building to occupancy.

How the Space Will Open

The building will open with a single anchor tenant:
Tuskegee Hibiscus Co., a tea-based beverage business rooted in local agriculture and small-batch production.

Launching with one anchor tenant allows the space to:

• open

• generate modest, consistent activity

• begin covering operating costs such as utilities, insurance, and taxes

As the building stabilizes and operates, additional vendors can be added gradually — without rushing construction or overextending resources.

What This Campaign Supports

Support through this campaign is directed toward completing the renovation required for occupancy, including:

• A new roof and essential building improvements

• Interior work required for inspections and certificate of occupancy

• Professional services and compliance costs

• Final preparation to open the space safely and responsibly

If this campaign succeeds, the outcome is clear:
the building will be renovated and open with its first tenant.

Important Clarification

Support through this campaign does not represent ownership, equity, or an investment return. It is a way for those who believe in this project to help complete a tangible, place-based asset that will serve the community over time.

Some people may choose to support financially. Others may simply follow the project’s progress. Both are appreciated.

Looking Ahead

Updates will be shared as milestones are reached and the building moves toward opening. Over time, the space will grow carefully and deliberately — guided by real use, real demand, and long-term sustainability rather than constant fundraising.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about this project — and for supporting the work of bringing new life, economic opportunity, and activity back to downtown Tuskegee.