Downtown Farmington’s Future: Jess Westendorf Shares Her Vision

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Jess Westendorf, the new Executive Director of the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA), spoke to the Xemplar Club with passion and vision for the future of downtown Farmington.

With six years of experience at the DDA, she now leads efforts to expand placemaking, strengthen local business, and enhance public spaces that bring people together.

Key Highlights

• Mason’s Corner: A brand-new public space featuring the Unity Torch sculpture and a community-funded art swing.
• Revitalized Alleys: Strategic investments have transformed underused alleys into hubs of activity, including new restaurants, shops, and gathering areas.
• Public Art: Murals and installations — including projects in partnership with the DIA — add beauty and cultural appeal downtown.
• Awards: Farmington was named a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award and honored as Michigan’s Downtown of the Year in 2024.

What’s Ahead

The next major project is the Art Park Promenade, which will improve pedestrian access from Riley Park to Shiawassee Park through a new public art corridor and neighborhood connections.

Jess also encouraged residents to share their input through the city’s master plan surveys, helping shape downtown’s growth over the next decade.

“There’s so much good happening here — and we’re just getting started.”

For more on downtown initiatives or to take the survey, visit the Farmington DDA website.