By: Michelle Allen, Roxanne Kammer, and Jennifer Sherburn
What do renovation, the HGTV television channel, and the Village of Hesperia, Michigan have in common? A group of caring and motivated residents are putting together an application for HGTV's next big series called “Home Town Takeover” in hopes of revitalizing our small community. In order to qualify, towns must have fewer than 40,000 residents, "great architecture longing to be revealed," and a main street that needs a facelift. The Village of Hesperia, which has approximately 900 residents, is surrounded by the Manistee National Forest and situated on the White River with some of the best fishing in the region. The Village is also unique because two Michigan highways intersect in the center and is shared by two different counties--Newaygo and Oceana. Although it has great outdoor activities, the Village certainly has some historic homes and storefronts that could be transformed. Lifelong resident and retired teacher Sara Kraley is part of the team collaborating on the Village's application. She said, "In addition to the renovation of historic homes and downtown storefronts, we hope HGTV will also consider improvements to the areas surrounding the river. Hesperia’s rich history and also its future is inexorably linked to the White River. Improvements made to our parks, the dam, the ‘swimming hole’, the sports park, and the islands have the potential of putting Hesperia on the map as a premier tourist destination. A bustling tourism industry would encourage additional business opportunities and growth." Additionally, recent Hesperia graduate, Anastasia Klimovitz, digital creator at Zara Creative, is helping the team put together a professional video to showcase both what is loved about the Village, as well as what "needs love.” Lacy Anderson Stoneburner is collaborating with the team and shared that she grew up in Hesperia and decided to move back when her husband retired from the military. She reported that after living in multiple places around the US, Hesperia was home and where she wanted to raise her family. Only six towns will be selected to be featured during the series and the deadline is February 7th. Also, working on the Village's application are Julie Burrell, Monica Grimard, Michelle Allen, Kristin Balkema, Kristen Worchester, Roxanne Kammer, and Jennifer Sherburn. Sherburn said, "Just working together on this project has been wonderful. It really goes to show how much love and support there is out there to make Hesperia the best it can be and how many people love living here, working here, and enjoying all the things a rural, small West Michigan town has to offer." “Many people who reside in Hesperia have such a heart for our community, but do not have financial means to improve their homes or business store fronts - this is a perfect combination for HGTV!” Burrell said. “An investment in Hesperia is an investment in our future, and will further support continued growth for our community.” Regardless of winning or losing, this project will give Hesperia a foundation to continue building the Village up and focusing on identified needs.
Keith Glasen
1/31/2020 08:36:58 am
What a great opportunity to spiff up a wonderful small town. Best of luck to Hesperia.
Dana Mclean
1/31/2020 03:18:36 pm
Holton applied too!!!!
Theresa pinnell
1/31/2020 09:16:51 am
I would love to see our town fixed up. And something for the teens or younger kids. There are lots of houses that need fixed up also. I like this idea, and if they do this my house could be fixed up. Lol...
Bonnie Erber
1/31/2020 09:53:23 am
What a great addition it would be to Newaygo County. As a Fremont neighbor I would be most pleased to see Hesperia grow as it has so much to offer to our county.
Casey
1/31/2020 11:48:36 am
HGTV doesn't pay renovation costs usually. The purchaser of the home does. Most shows on their network don't even accept applicants without them being able to prove that they have the minimum funds for renovation.
Rob Smith
1/31/2020 08:52:06 pm
If they have any doubt about this gem in the rough tell them to visit on the 4th! This towns spirit shows there big time.
Jana
1/31/2020 08:58:49 pm
I'm so excited if this happens!
Melissa Chase Decator
1/31/2020 09:14:04 pm
I too grew up in Hesperia but now only work at Shaneanns. This would be oh so wonderful. Could me in for any help you may need.
E!lla Pletcher
2/1/2020 12:17:03 am
I will help in any capacity need ed! This would be so wonderful! Comments are closed.
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