Downtowns activated public spaces, created pedestrian-only streets, implemented business aid Many are making some changes permanent, reimagining the downtown experience Nic Antaya for Crain's Detroit Business Downtown Marquette along West Washington Street. As communities across Michigan begin to bounce back following the end of COVID-19 public health restrictions, university towns in particular are feeling the economic rebound. Cities anchored by major universities, including Marquette (Northern Michigan University), Allendale (Grand Valley State University), East Lansing (Michigan State University), Ypsilanti (Eastern Michigan University) and Ann Arbor (University of Michigan), are seeing early signs of growth as businesses open back up and students return to campus.