The Village of Jonesville was founded in
1828 and is located on what is known as the
“Old Chicago Trail” on U.S. 12 in the center
of Hillsdale County. Not only do we have
U.S. 12 as the main east-west highway, but
also M-99 passes through the community as
the main north-south highway. The village
is situated close to Interstate 94 and the
Ohio-Indiana Turnpike.
Jonesville has long been known as a very
progressive village. Through its Downtown
Development Authority (DDA), it completed a
streetscape program renovation in 1999, along
with replacing a 100 + year old water main
through the downtown area. Because of these
improvements, we are blessed to have a very
vibrant downtown business district which
includes a haberdasher, several fine
restaurants, a furniture store, a hardware store
and several other businesses. Located as well in
our downtown business district is the county’s
only play theater where each year the local
community and school district groups produce
“professional” quality plays and musicals.
Located just south of the main business district
on M-99 is the Wal-Mart Super-Center
complemented by various other shopping and
professional service establishments.
In 1992, the Local Development Finance Authority
(LDFA) was established and they purchased 100
acres to create the Jonesville Industrial Park.
Today we have numerous industries in the
industrial park and the LDFA is seeking property
for future expansion.
In the late 90’s the Jonesville Community School
District passed a school bond issue for the
purpose of building a new high school and
renovating the middle & elementary schools. The
enrollment of Jonesville Community Schools is
growing due to these modern facilities and the
outstanding curricular offerings. The district
was recently recognized for student achievement
on state achievement tests.
In 2005 a state-of-the-art waste water treatment
facility was completed and put into operation.
This will allow continued growth for the
community for many years to come. A new water
tower was completed in the industrial park in
1995, giving the community increased water
pressure. A new police department facility,
modern fire department and attractive village
hall also grace the downtown area of Jonesville.
As well, the Village streets and sidewalks are
continually enhanced and well maintained.
Jonesville was named a Cool Cities & Blueprint
Community in 2004 by the State of Michigan, one
of only 10 communities in the state to receive
this distinction.
This award has brought such opportunities as
housing grants for apartments in our 2nd
story downtown area as well as much interest to
the community. Susan Ager, columnist for the
Detroit Free Press recently listed Jonesville as
of the 5 destinations for people to visit in the
State of Michigan in 2007. She wrote an article
on one of our fine businesses in Jonesville, the
“Udder Side” ice cream store.
Jonesville housing is made up of mostly older
homes that have been well maintained along with
several newer subdivisions that were started in
the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Jonesville still has
areas within the Village limits available for
expansion.
The people of Jonesville are proud of their
community which is evidenced by the beauty of
the Village as you pass through and view the
area. Several churches, a library, a museum and
a historic “bed and breakfast” serve the people
of the community, as do various service clubs
and organizations.
Jonesville truly is a wonderful place in which
to live, work & play.
Written by Robert Snow
Interim Village Manager
October 10, 2007
