This week I had the opportunity to present to the Marion Rotary Club, sharing updates on the progress Henry Development Group and our partners have made downtown. When I last spoke to Rotary at the beginning of 2024, several major projects were still in process. Since then, the pace of transformation has been remarkable.
In less than two years, we’ve helped Ray Ray’s BBQ, Sip Easy Coffee, Blend of Seven Winery, and Baking People Happy all open their doors downtown. On the retail and creative side, Elena Renee, Foxglove Hollow Home Décor, Thunderfury Comics, Mimi’s Art Hollow, Beyond Beauty Lounge, and Amanda Renee Aesthetics have joined the mix. Add in Connect Coworx, the Flying Fish Lofts & Airbnb, Citizens Lofts, and Nicolosi Golf Lounge, and you begin to see
what we mean by ecosystem…a network of local entrepreneurs, experiences, and gathering spaces that make downtown a place to live, work, and have community. That doesn’t include the restaurants and businesses that aren’t located in our buildings, such as Taco Central, Fable Bar & Co, Mike’s Deli, Pitter Patter Paws, Belenos Creations, and Yellow Finch Creations. That’s just in the last 2 years!
Since 2018, Henry Development Group has invested roughly $16 million in businesses, projects, and real estate in downtown Marion. So far, only $182k of that has come from public funds. That investment has allowed us to start, help create, or recruit 40 businesses, which represent an approximate 175 jobs and $7+ million in annual payroll.
I told Rotary that the work is paying off, but we can’t coast. Downtown’s momentum is real, yet still fragile. Many of our new business owners are early in their journeys, learning the ropes, and taking on real risks. They’ve built beautiful spaces, but beauty alone doesn’t pay rent or payroll.
They need consistent, intentional local support, not just on Friday nights or during special events, but all year long.
Behind many of these storefronts, my team and I are still deeply involved. We’re mentoring entrepreneurs, helping finance start-ups that can’t yet qualify for traditional loans, and helping new owners with marketing, permitting, and buildout challenges. We do it because each of these
businesses is a critical part of the whole. A strong coffee shop enhances the retail scene. Walkable restaurants enhance the appeal of downtown office space. Boutiques keep visitors downtown longer. A thriving coworking space attracts remote workers and entrepreneurs. Loft apartments attract young professionals who spend locally. Everything connects.
Looking ahead, I asked Rotary to imagine Marion in 2030. If we’ve come this far in just seven years, from empty storefronts to a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, lofts, and event venues, just imagine what another five years of focused effort and collaboration could bring. Full restaurants
not only on weekends but throughout the week. Streets and public spaces alive with activity. More unique and authentic places for people to proudly bring their friends and families.
Our downtown has always been the heartbeat of this city. It reflects who we are, how we work together, and what we value. My message to Rotary, and to everyone reading this, is simple: Marion has been good to us. Let’s be good to Marion. Furthermore, as we look back on prior generations, we can see the people who worked and sacrificed to make Marion a better place. We have the same opportunity to invest for our future generations.
The easiest way to do that is to simply to be thoughtful about our choices…where we eat, shop, gather, or host an event. Each choice either adds to or subtracts from the momentum we are building together. Especially as we head into the holiday season, lots of money will be spent on client gift baskets, staff parties, and gifts for friends and family. Imagine if you turned to the downtown for those needs. What a benefit it would be to our local businesses, and an easy way for you to tangibly participate in the forward momentum!
Also, as part of my Rotary presentation, I walked through the timeline of The Lydia project, starting in 2020 with our original feasibility and budget study. It has been a long road of obstacles, design revisions, and unexpected challenges along the way. I’ll save that full story for a future newsletter, but it’s one that reveals just how much grit, faith, and collaboration it takes to bring a project of this scale to life in a community like ours. The Lydia has tested every part of what we do at HDG, but it has also affirmed exactly why we do it.
As we look ahead to bringing The Lydia online in two phases over the next several weeks, it has been gratifying to look back to where we started. Below are a few photos from before we began our rehabilitation efforts. It was rough. These are a reminder to me of how far this building, and our downtown, have come. The progress has taken persistence (and more than a few sleepless nights), but it is worth it.
Better Together,
Luke Henry Col 3:23
