Unprecedented press coverage about the city’s renaissance and growing business base continue to entice visitors.

Why locate or relocate your business in Downtown Ferndale

Always looking toward the opportunities of the future, Ferndale maintains a keen emphasis on economic development, attracting a strong, diverse, business cadre. Conveniently located near every major freeway and Main Street, and a Gateway City to Oakland County, Ferndale has a thriving downtown business community and will provide your business access to providers of advice and accounting, photographers and contractors, builders and designers, attorneys and insurance….as well as to a strong base of potential customers. These factors combine to assure that your business will be a success.

Centrally located in Metro Detroit, Downtown Ferndale businesses offer unique, convenient, and personalized service. Shops and services in this area, extending east and west along Nine Mile Road and north and south along Woodward Avenue, include specialty food markets and grocery stores, coffee houses and restaurants, bookstores and card shops, drugstores, bath and beauty salons, bead shops and jewelers, music and video stores, clothing and shoe shops, and a variety of other businesses. Unlike many suburbs, Ferndale also has many "corner stores" within walking distance of its neighborhoods. Everything needed for comfortable living is available close to home.

New businesses continue to be attracted to Ferndale because of its stability, convenient location, and vibrant nightlife. Ferndale’s Downtown Development Authority, through its planning actions, helps to ensure that the shopping district remains responsive to the needs of Ferndale’s residential district.

The Ferndale DDA also provides financial incentives for exterior improvements in the downtown through our BUILD program. A 20% reimbursement is available to businesses and property owners in the DDA area. At the same time, we have high expectations of building improvements, and it is required to submit all intended changes to the exterior for "appearance review" by the city. We recommend reading our design guidelines and applicable ordinances.

We also help you get your foot in the door by assisting with your search for a location, helping out with city permit process and references to experts in architecture, construction and business consultants.

Pick up the newly published brochure featuring all downtown businesses in Downtown Ferndale available at local businesses and City Hall or email us at cristina@downtownferndale.com.

Links:
Downtown Ferndale Business Guide in PDF format
Trade Area Report
Oakland County Workshops
BUILD Application
Steps to starting business Downtown
Appearance Review
City of Ferndale Code of Ordinances
Parking Study
- Section 1: Parking Study Overview
- Section 4: Opperational Recommendations
- Section 5: New Parking