By Guest Writer: Jay Krammes
The Porter Building, also known as The Porter Senior Apartments, has been part of Lansing’s downtown since it opened on May 1, 1918.
Located at 505 Townsend Street, it was first built as upscale apartments, later converted into a hotel in 1938, and then returned to apartments in the early 1980s. For decades, its role has shifted to reflect the community’s needs.
When it operated as a hotel, The Porter became a familiar meeting place for lawmakers, lobbyists, and state officials, who found its close distance to the state capitol convenient during legislative sessions.
In 2021, the city approved a $9.3 million renovation plan along with a long-term payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement to fund major updates, including façade repairs, new elevators, HVAC improvements, and accessibility upgrades. By 2023, the restoration was complete, and The Porter reopened with 98 units of affordable senior housing, combining historic preservation with modern amenities.
Information about The Porter was gathered from the Lansing State Journal and Redwood Housing.
Photo Credit: State of Michigan Archives/Redwood Housing
