The Marquette Commons, located at 112 South Third Street, is a 12,000 sq ft. pedestrian plaza and public support building which includes a kitchenette, indoor fireplace, enclosed vestibule, and public restrooms. The Commons provides a community gathering place in Downtown Marquette with the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market year round and community concerts and activities throughout the year. Additionally, the Commons offers comfortable, affordable rental opportunities for meetings and private gatherings.
Pricing
Hourly Rental Rate - $75
Renting the Commons costs $75 per hour. An invoice for rental and security deposit will be emailed and can be paid online or in person by cash, card, or check at the MDDA office.
Security Deposit - $250
A security deposit of $250 is required. If provided as a check, the deposit must be dated for the day of the rental. It is refunded after the rental as long as there are no damages to the property.
Additional Fees
Plaza Use Fee - $100
The plaza is public and used daily by maintenance. A $100 fee ensures the plaza is available for your event and allows for optional private event signage. If guests only step outside briefly, no fee is required. However, if your event includes gatherings or activities on the plaza, the $100 fee is required to secure its use.
Structure on Plaza Fee - $150
For renters wanting to put a structure, such as a tent, bounce house, or other large structure on the Plaza, there is a $150 fee in addition to the $100 exclusive plaza use fee and the hourly rental rate.
Alcohol Permit - $25
This permit only covers alcohol within the Commons building.
Social District drinks are allowed on the Commons Plaza but not inside the Commons building.
City Alcohol Permit - $50
This permit allows outdoor alcohol consumption on the Commons Plaza.
Regularly
8 am -10 pm
During Farmers Market Season (Mid May - October 26th)
4 pm - 10 pm Saturday
8 am - 2 pm Wednesday
We try to keep rentals at two a day with two hours in between for Maintenance.
A rental is not considered booked until MDDA has a signed rental agreement and receives payment for rental.
Availability
Rental Forms
A walkthrough of the Commons before your event is highly recommended.
During the walkthrough, we will guide you through the area, demonstrate how the locks work, and answer any questions you may have. This ensures that you are well-prepared and familiar with the venue, making your event run smoothly.
To schedule a walkthrough, please reach out to us via email at info@downtownmarquette.org or by phone at 906-228-9475 ext. 102
Please read and fill out the entire Marquette Commons Rental Packet before submitting it for approval. Email completed forms or questions to info@downtownmarquette.org or bring to the MDDA office 337 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855, 9am - 5pm Mon-Fri
FAQs
Who do I contact if there are issues during my rental?
After payment is made for your rental you will be given an emergency contact.
Am I able to set up early for my event?
The time that you need to set up and take down your event must be included in your rental hours. When filling out the rental form, be sure to include extra time for this.
What hours are the public bathrooms open?
The public bathrooms are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Because the bathrooms are public, exclusive use is not included when renting the Marquette Commons.
What about parking during my rental?
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m the Marquette Commons parking offers 3-hour parking. $1.00/hour pay at the designated pay stations or on the passport parking app. If you need longer term parking during your rental, parking is available in the North Main lot. Parking is not available in the Pathways parking lot, as it is a private lot.
What happens if damage occurs to the building during my rental?
Depending on the severity of the damage, all or part of your security deposit will be used to cover the damages.
This project was an important component in the overall vision to make Marquette’s downtown a premier livable and walkable city. Challenged by sprawl in surrounding communities, Marquette is seeking to secure Downtown as a place to work, shop, seek entertainment and celebrate our sense of community. According to recent research on successful retail centers, the trend is moving towards urban destination entertainment centers. Experts relate that the response is the desire for a live/work/play environment.
It is the objective of the Marquette Commons to provide a destination location in the center of the largest city in the Upper Peninsula that will attract downtown employees, residents and visitors. Not only does the Commons attract people into the downtown to recreate, shop, and dine, but it also offers development opportunities for the business and arts community. The Commons venue has stimulated private investment in downtown buildings and new businesses, particularly along the Commons Corridor.
The total project cost of $1.2 million was funded by the Marquette Downtown Development Authority as well as
$100,000 Cool Cities Catalyst Grant
$16,400 Michigan Council for the Arts Grant
$280,000 Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant.