Developments

LANSING, Mich. – Mayor Andy Schor, in partnership with the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, the Saginaw Corridor Improvement Authority (SCIA), and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing today announced that artists have been chosen to decorate letters in the upcoming “LANSING” Sign Placemaking Project. A request for artists was released earlier this summer, asking for area artists to submit a proposed design for one letter in the project.

Featured winning artists include:

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Many buildings in Downtown Lansing sit vacant, and fewer workers commute to work, leading to even fewer businesses setting up shop.

Following a decline in foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic business leaders and officials are looking to bring back a thriving downtown.

The challenge Downtown Lansing is facing is moving beyond the nine-to-five routine it currently has. State employees commute downtown for work but that simply isn’t enough. Repurposing unused space is one option in hopes of transforming the heart of the city.

Sen. Anthony and Sweet Encounters’ Thompson-Frazier to Co-chair Downtown Lansing Inc.’s Inaugural Big Red Ball Fundraiser on Dec. 7 

New black-tie event aims to fuel the bold transformation of Michigan’s Downtown   

Businesses and government leaders say they want to see Lansing have a vibrant downtown to grow mid-Michigan. But challenges remain amid with fewer office workers and increasing vacancy.

Joanna Liu left Taiwan nearly 20 years ago to live with her parents in Okemos. She started off preparing sushi to be sold at Meijer. One day, she visited Michigan’s Capital City and became inspired by the activity there.

“I came to downtown and I [saw] a lot of people walk around,” Liu said. “I told my mom, ‘one day I want to have a business here.’”

Guest Written by Melissa Cole

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — From mixed-use housing to a new event venue, hundreds of millions of dollars in developments are expected to transform Downtown Lansing as some developers and city leaders say the city is evolving. 

For Immediate Release

Lansing, MI -  July 27, 2024 - Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center invites you to join us for a spectacular evening as we celebrate our 59th anniversary with a special fundraiser on August 16th, from 6 pm to 9 pm. This event promises an unforgettable night of music, art, drinks, and more! Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite black party attire.

• Middle Village is a hub of small businesses in downtown Lansing that provides a micro-storefront for up-and-coming business owners.
• With the implementation of the Michigan Growth Office, it will focus on three pillars to grow the grow and maintain Michigan’s population including a $60 million grant to an innovation hub to increase startups in our state.

Oscar Peña worked in a brewery not too long ago. He needed durable clothing and what he had just wasn’t enough.

Farmers Market at the Capitol returns 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, with additional markets planned Aug. 27 and Sept. 24.

According to the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), farmers markets are a staple of downtown Lansing’s summer landscape — where vendors offer vine-ripened produce, jams, flowers, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, and meat, among other options.

MIFMA is a statewide association connecting those consumers to local farms and businesses.  

Lansing is moving to repurpose its downtown city hall, fulfilling a longstanding commitment to convert the aging building into a hotel.

The Lansing City Council voted unanimously Monday night to sell the facility at 124 W. Michigan Ave. for nearly $2.8 million. Chicago-based developer J. Paul Beitler is purchasing the building undera proposal to create around 180 hotel rooms along with a restaurant and retail space.