Living in Genesee County most of my life, it wasn't until recently I started to wonder: Where is Downtown Burton? It turns out, I'm not the only one. Really, Burton hasn't been an incorporated city all that long -- July 1, 1972.

See Also: New Coffee Shop In Burton Opening Soon.

Why doesn't Burton, MI have a downtown?

It's weird, Burton is the only Genesee County City not to have a traditional downtown. You know, where people walk around, go to grab a meal or a drink.

  • Everything is scattered through 23.4 square miles in the shape of a backward "L."
  • The city mostly borders Flint to the North & West, Davison to the East and Grand Blanc to the South.
Credit Google Maps
Credit Google Maps
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Could there be a secret Downtown Burton, MI?

These are a few places a Downtown Burton could exist or be built:

  • Burton Municipal Offices on Center Road between Bristol and Maple -- doesn't have a downtown feel, although there is some nightlife nearby at Sharky's and Puzzler's Pub.
Credit Google Street View
Credit Google Street View
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  • It's not Courtland Center (Court Street Between Center and Genesee Roads -- though, there's opportunity.)
  • It's not Court and Belsay where the old K-Mart/Kroger Plaza was located.
  • It could be created around Belsay & Lapeer where BJ's "Dancing Sandwiches" and Scotti's Coney Island are located.
Credit Google Street View
Credit Google Street View
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  • Atherton & Center is the intersection with the Burton Library and a welcome to the City of Burton sign. Plus, the new water tower is over there.
  • Belsay & Atherton has Captain's Quarter and a couple small shops on the corners, but it seems to far away from the main population center.
  • Perhaps Downtown Burton is supposed to be Saginaw & Bristol Roads? It has a clock tower across from the fire station and original water tower.
Credit Google Street View
Credit Google Street View
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Does the City of Burton government believe it has a Downtown?

  • In fact, they do. There's actually a Burton DDA, or Downtown Development Authority. They designate "Downtown Burton" as Saginaw Street from Hemphill on the north to Maple Ave, South. Weird, because all of the retail is across town. Perhaps they could buy property around Courtland Center and start something brand new... walkable, to hang out with friends & family?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Burton, but it would be incredible to see a great vision for a thriving Downtown come to life. The residents deserve it.

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