In 2018, Foundation leadership began the work of updating HCCF’s strategic priorities. Over the past two decades, the organization has steadily grown its assets, developed strong community partnerships, and built a reputation of trust with donors. But the landscape of the county has not remained stagnant, with the needs of the communities HCCF serves evolving over time. To chart the course for HCCF’s future, the Foundation needed to also consider the new challenges and opportunities facing Huron County. In doing so, HCCF outlined a strategic vision that will provide dynamic support for the region. The updated strategic priorities of HCCF are:

Retaining and attracting a talented, trained workforce
Creating vibrant communities with a focus on downtown revitalization, support for public recreation initiatives, and the activation of public spaces
Cultivating an environment for business development, including support and resources for local entrepreneurs

In Huron County, HCCF has a unique perspective on the needs and challenges that impact the dozen individual communities as well as the region as a whole. As the Foundation looks to the future, the new vision will enable them to not only respond to these needs but also to chart the roadmap for sustainable community solutions.

With a more comprehensive vision comes the need for a different set of resources. For the past two decades, HCCF has been run as a one-person team out of a shared office space. Currently, the Foundation is housed in the Huron County Economic Development Corporation offices in the Huron County Building. Operating in this way has allowed the Foundation to be a good steward of community resources as it has grown its assets and developed the ability to raise funds for operational support. Yet the lack of a distinct identity has led to confusion, with some equating HCCF to a government entity. To continue to grow - and in turn, to grow community support for the Foundation - it is crucial for HCCF to find a permanent, functional home.

In early 2019, HCCF’s Executive Committee sought the guidance of local real estate professionals to help identify and evaluate potential site options. With the strategic vision in mind, the Foundation was looking for a space that would serve as an office as well as providing a community hub that would support and catalyze the updated priorities. No rental opportunities were identified that fulfilled the established site selection criteria. However, a purchase opportunity presented an exciting possibility. A promising two-story building adjacent to the main downtown intersection - 101 W. Huron Ave - was available and met the committee’s criteria. It was also decided to purchase the adjacent lot on Port Crescent. The vacant building on the lot is rundown and contributes negatively to the downtown image. The committee and board decided to demolish the existing building and repurpose the space.

With the site secured, HCCF developed the conceptual design for the space. The proposed design will not only create additional resources for the community, it will help solidify the HCCF brand identity, increasing visibility for the Foundation’s mission and work. In addition to the HCCF offices, the design includes:

· A community board room - This space will encourage nonprofit collaboration and capacity building efforts with the addition of a community boardroom and meeting space

· A co-working space - With more employees working remotely, a community co-working space offers office amenities and access to reliable, high speed internet. This could provide a home base for self-employed professionals, entrepreneurs, and start-ups. This resource may also incentivize part-time residents to remain in vacation properties longer, benefiting the local economy.

· Four residential units - These small, 800-square foot apartments will provide accommodations in the city center. Currently, housing for professionals is a barrier to talent attraction and retention in Huron County. These units would provide a short-term housing option for young professionals considering staying in, or locating to, the area, as well as employees of regional companies temporarily in the area for work.

· Outdoor green space - With the development of 101 N Port Crescent and 101 W Huron Ave, the curb appeal of the main downtown area will be drastically improved. A “parklet” will be created to add greenery and a sitting area for those visiting downtown establishments.

Anticipated cost for the project is $1.8 million.

As is true with many small communities across the country, retaining and attracting talent and supporting a robust local economy are top priorities in Huron County. The goals of this project are well-aligned with these priorities, providing tangible resources currently not available locally. This project will also ensure HCCF continues to achieve sustainable growth, directly impacting its ability to provide greater community support and local reinvestment. This project will create a permanent home for the HCCF - but moreover, it will cement HCCF’s role as the link between the communities, people, and initiatives that span Huron County, guiding local investment for the good of all.

The project was publicly announced at the HCCF Annual Celebration September 17, 2020.