SkyscraperPage Forum - Lansing-East Lansing, MI Development

Viewing Page 12 of 61

SkyscraperPage Forum (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/index.php)

- Midwest (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=39)

- - Lansing-East Lansing, MI Development (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143185)

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMich (Post 5086533)

Photo of the former MDA Building:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/...3bc_z.jpg?zz=1
Self-taken

Cool building.

Not sure what's all going on in downtown Lansing but seems like there is some improvement.

I was just in Lansing today. Michigan Ave. is looking fantastic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by uaarkson (Post 5107746)

I was just in Lansing today. Michigan Ave. is looking fantastic.

Just wait until we get new streetscaping and bus rapid transit :)

An article on the jobs picture. They keep making mention to a shrinking labor force, but the labor force has remained roughly unchanged for much of the past two years, meaning that actual unemployment really is down considerably from its peak:

Quote:

Lansing-area jobless rate dips to 8.7% in November

Melissa Domsic • mdomsic@lsj.com • January 5, 2011 • From Lansing State Journal

The Lansing area's unemployment rate dipped to 8.7 percent in November as the labor force shrank.

The jobless rate for Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties fell for the fourth consecutive month, the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth reported Tuesday. But the drop came partly because people gave up trying to find jobs.

...

The November jobless rate was down from 9.2 percent in October and 11 percent in November 2009.

"It's pretty close to flat, which doesn't sound very good until you put it in context by remembering that '08 and '09 were a disaster," said Charles Ballard, economics professor at Michigan State University.

...

I think it's say we hit the bottom in the region quite some time ago.

Green loans...

Quote:

Lansing program to offer loans to 'green' businesses

Susan Vela • January 14, 2011

Lansing businesses interested in “going green” may receive $50,000 to $100,000 if they qualify to receive one of the city’s new loans.

Mayor Virg Bernero announced Thursday the launching of the city’s Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund, which will lend money to city businesses for energy-efficiency efforts such as wind turbines, solar arrays and heat capture systems.

Electrical upgrades, mechanical improvements and better power management for information technology also are possibilities to get the loans.

“Our new Green Loan Fund will help Lansing’s small businesses improve their bottom line by making their operations more energy efficient,” Bernero said in a press release. “While bank financing remains difficult to obtain for many small businesses, this is one way we can help local entrepreneurs move forward in a tough economy.”

According to city officials, loan recipients will have 60 months, or five years, to pay back the loans. Those dipping into the city’s new loan fund — made possible by a federal grant — can use cost savings achieved to reimburse the city, said Taylor Heins, director of the city’s Go Green! Initiative.

During the first round of funding, $200,000 will be available. The Lansing Economic Development Corp. and Bernero’s Greater Lansing Go Green! Initiative will administer the fund.

“We’re going to be looking for projects that are innovative,” Heins said. “Those applicants that can provide up to a 50 percent match will be preferenced.

Sad to see this being scaled-back, and even worse that they are taking out the multi-family building component, but 125-units is nothing to sneeze at in the middle of the city:

Quote:

http://cmsimg.lansingstatejournal.co...xH=650&title=0
Project back on: Construction on new homes in the East Village off Saginaw Street in Lansing should start next month, after Portage-based Allen Edwin Homes bought the development project out of foreclosure. (Rod Sanford/Lansing State Journal)

Developer breathes new life into East Village housing plan

Melissa Domsic • mdomsic@lsj.com • January 15, 2011

The city of Lansing had to dip into its general fund to cover bond payments after the East Village residential development fell into foreclosure.

But now a new developer has purchased the property off Saginaw Street with plans to construct single-family homes and townhouses.

It's a sigh of relief for city officials, who are counting on increased property tax revenues to cover outstanding debt.

...

But the original developer, Burton-Katzman of Bingham Farms, only completed 40 percent of the project before lenders took the property back in 2009.

...

Portage-based Allen Edwin Homes' decision to take over the project and invest $10 million in it is "nothing short of a miracle," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Development Corp

...

Allen Edwin Homes plans to build six townhouses and 52 detached homes in the next three years. It's also in the process of completing and selling 10 units the previous builder never finished.

They'll join 57 existing flats, townhouses and single-family homes the previous developer built and sold.

They need to connect that development to the surrounding neighborhood. It's like a gated community in the middle of the city, which is d-u-m-b.

Lots of news in the local business booster:

Quote:

Lansing Art Gallery secures $25,000 for Downtown City Streets Exhibition

Capital Gains, 1/19/2011

This summer the art in Downtown Lansing isn’t just going to accessible, it’s going to be interactive.

After collaborating with other organizations on past outdoor projects, the Lansing Art Gallery is holding its first ever independent Downtown exhibit with some exciting twists — all thanks to $25,000 in grant funds from the Lansing Economic Development Corporation with assistance from The Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

The result will be 75-100 works of 2D and 3D art scattered throughout the streets of Downtown Lansing for four months.

...

Though the pieces themselves will be a sight to see, the LEDC grant required the Lansing Art Gallery to use the funds to make art accessible to the public, and that got the event planners thinking even more creatively.

"We’ll have a City Streets website and each artist will be represented there," explains Babcock. "There will be a phone number [where each] artist will have a recorded explanation of the art, in their own voice."

The phone numbers, provided by ACD.net, will also appear alongside the outdoor art, so visitors to Downtown can learn about each piece as they view it. They will also be able to text in their vote for the "People’s Choice Award," to be given to the most popular work.

...

Quote:

http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/ima...p_interior.jpg

Newly opened Zoup brings 18 jobs and more eatery options to Downtown

Capital Gains, 1/19/2011

If you stop by Downtown Lansing’s Zoup at noon on a weekday, you'd never believe the restaurant has only been open for five weeks.

"We’ve already developed a lot of repeat customers," says Mark Rantz, 51, who owns the new Zoup location along with his wife, Sue. "We have people who order every day."

Rantz credits part of the success of the café, which now employs 18, to the reputation the Michigan-based Zoup franchise has enjoyed from its popular locations in Grand Rapids and the Detroit area.

...

Rantz adds that the Downtown Lansing business community has been just as welcoming to the new restaurant as his customers. Thanks to a conversation with Downtown Lansing, Inc.'s director, Mindy Biladeau, the business was able to take advantage of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation’s sign incentive program to create the first street-level, projecting sign in the Zoup franchise.

"Zoup has about 30 locations and they are just getting into some downtown areas," he says. "The sign that we created along with Zoup is now going to be used in all the downtown areas."

The new Zoup can be found at 214 S Washignton Square, as can Mark and Sue Rantz, who recently moved from St. Joseph to a loft in Downtown Lansing.

Quote:

http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/ima...502/GT_Pie.jpg

Grand Traverse Pie Co. brings 30 jobs and $420,000 investment to Downtown

Capital Gains, 1/19/2011

When the new Grand Traverse Pie Company opens its doors in Downtown Lansing on Jan. 31, it won’t just be another faceless chain setting up shop. Though Mike and Denise Busley opened the original store in Traverse City in 1996, the opening of their first urban location in Lansing is more like a family homecoming.

"My grandmother worked at Knapp’s and my grandfather worked at the Olds plant," says Busley. "My mom worked at Olds for awhile. They all lived Downtown."

Though the Busley’s newest location will be their third in the Greater Lansing area, it’s this family connection that makes the Downtown location extra special.

Their dedication to the area and the state will be apparent when the doors open, in everything from the furniture to the coolers to the butcher block tables — all of which were made in Michigan.

...

Quote:

http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/ima...e-419-0138.jpg

$25 million Marketplace development secures state business tax credit

Capital Gains, 1/19/2011

After the Gillespie Group’s December announcement of the $6.7 million local and school tax capture granted by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Board, just one piece of the financial incentive puzzle remained for the Marketplace project: a Michigan Business Tax Credit of a 20 percent.

After a December 22 meeting to consider the credit returned an approval, the firm can now move forward with their plan for the proposed $25 million project.

...

If all goes well, construction on the multi-phase Marketplace development could commence by the end of 2011. The first phase is slated to include 80-85 residential units and is expected to total a $6.5-$8.5 million.

The Gillespie Group is optimistic the investment will prove worthwhile — for the firm and for Downtown Lansing.

"It’s pretty easy to see there’s a residential demand Downtown," Kildea says. "The adage of these Midwestern cities in midst of a revitalization is that only way to get that shopping, dining and retail centered around downtown is to have a residential base. This will be one more step toward having more people living and supporting Downtown."

Market Place was actually supposed to start construction in the spring, and I do hope that this rendering that's been up for a good year now is just a preliminary rendering, but other than that, a lot of good news.

Quote:

Lansing, DeWitt Twp. seek to use tax incentives to spur development

Melissa Domsic • mdomsic@lsj.com • January 21, 2011 • From Lansing State Journal

DeWITT TWP. - Local officials hope to spur economic development around Capital Region International Airport through a series of tax breaks and other business incentives.

DeWitt Township and the city of Lansing are working to create an "aerotropolis" with a cluster of manufacturing, distribution, technology and other businesses surrounding the airport. They hope to take advantage of recently passed state legislation that promotes such developments through a collection of tax incentives.

...

But first, the city and township must approve a 425 land, tax and services sharing agreement.

The airport is located in DeWitt Township. Many of the tax incentive programs, such as a tax abatement on new personal property, are available in Lansing but not the township. That's why they're pursing the 425 agreement.

The two municipalities then would apply for a Next Michigan Development zone, also known as an aerotropolis.

...

The township and city are proposing that the aerotropolis cover the 2,000-acre airport property and land within a mile of the airport.

...

If a 425 agreement is passed, existing businesses would continue to pay township tax rates, while new arrivals would pay the city rate. The township and city would share tax revenue.

The 425 agreement would dissolve if the state doesn't grant the aerotropolis designation.

The Lansing City Council and DeWitt Township board should discuss the issue in the next 30 to 60 days, said Rodney Taylor, DeWitt Township's manager.

...

For statistical purposes, the 425 will actually add land to Lansing for the duration of the agreement as far as the Census Bureau is concerned.

Dewitt is a leader

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMich (Post 5135432)

This is good news. It finally gets DeWitt Township involved in an airport that's always been in their borders, but that they've never helped maintain. The entire tri-county region benefits from the thing, but Lansing and Ingham County were the only ones left on the hook for subsidizing this. This will finally bring some parity:

For statistical purposes, the 425 will actually add land to Lansing for the duration of the agreement as far as the Census Bureau is concerned.

You seem to have a misunderstanding. It is important to understand the facts. In 1970 the voters in ingham county said yes to an airport. Clinton and eaton residents said no thanks. Now ingham county decided to put the airport outside their jurisdiction. They also passed a vote without thinking about what would happen if Clinton and eaton sad no. Now if they would have been smart they would have made their vote contingent on the other counties.

The fact is that ingham county made this problem, and the support of the airport has nothing to do with Dewitt. It is the counties. Don't blame Dewitt for inghams lack of foresight. The fact is the land use by the airport has not been very valuable because of ingham bad job of managing the airport. In other words Dewitt would have taken in more money if the land would have been a higher use, even ag.

Also Dewitt residents have played the price for the airport. They have to live next to the noise and other issues. They have had to deal with an airport that as never tied to work with it's neighbors. I have been told by airport management we are the airport and we will do what we want. Nice team player!

Now instead focusing on how dewitt brought lansing and the airport to the table, you blame dewitt for something it had no part off. Dewitt could have said the airport has been a horrible team player, and let them fail. But it appears that Dewitt understands from their comments that we must work together for the greater Lansing region.

The airport should be an important economic development tool, it has not, and I am glad that Dewitt and lansing can lead by example. Let's not toss stones at the past, but talking positively about the future. We live and die as a region. Praise people for working together not for what should have been done in the past.

Really, whatever. It's been like pulling teeth to get the region to support any of the regional amenities, whether it be the zoo, the transit system, the community college, etc. Delta Township, literally across the county-line from Lansing, is still paying a higher bus fare because they refuse to chip in to fund the system.

Anyway, good news. Regionalism out of sheer necessity, now. And, as usual, it's Lansing, and in particular Mayor Bernero, that's willing to initiate the discussion:

Quote:

Lansing mayor's blue ribbon panel to seek shared services

Susan Vela • svela@lsj.com • January 27, 2011

Gov. Rick Snyder's call for community partnerships will drive Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero's new blue ribbon panel that will be charged with "reinventing" local government with shared regional services and better-managed services.

Bernero, who announced the soon-to-be-formed panel during his State of the City address this week, noted the governor's recent pronouncements that he would offer state revenue-sharing incentives for those communities merging services and managing services effectively.

"That is how we're going to be judged," Bernero said. "The governor was clear on that."

...

The mayor already has provided some examples of potential work that could benefit from regional cooperation: an "aerotropolis" with a cluster of businesses around the Capital Region International Airport, involving DeWitt Township and the city of Lansing; and the city's work with Lansing Township to develop former General Motors sites along the Saginaw Street corridor.

Bernero also mentioned the new Ingham County 911 dispatch center - relying on cooperation among the county, city and East Lansing - that has taken a decade of work. Construction is scheduled to start this year, and the facility might start operating in spring 2012, said John Neilsen, Ingham County's deputy controller.

...

Thanks for all the updates, LMich! Gives me something to look forward to whenever my next visit will be. Where is the Marketplace project suppose to be?

On the site of the old City Market.

Im not putting much stock in this. I think this guy comes out with the same line every 6 months or so. I'll believe when I see it.
http://cmsimg.lansingstatejournal.co...W=640&Border=0

Quote:

Scott Chappelle, president of Strathmore Development Co., said he expects to close on construction financing in the next 60 days. He would not provide further details.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110302/BUSINESS02/103020337/-97M-City-Center-II-project-may-break-ground-year?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

Not so much a development, as simple news, but here he is the Census numbers for the region:

Metropolitan Area

2000: 447,734
2010: 464,036

+16,302 (+3.6%)

------------------------------------------

Municipalities (+25,000)

------------------------------------------

Lansing:

------------------------------------------

2000: 119,128
2010: 114,297

-4,831 (-4.1%)

------------------------------------------

East Lansing:

------------------------------------------

2000: 46,525
2010: 48,579

+2,054 (+4.4%)

------------------------------------------

Meridian Township:

------------------------------------------

2000: 39,116
2010: 39,688

+572 (+1.5%)

------------------------------------------

Delta Township:

------------------------------------------

2000: 29,614
2010: 32,408

+2,794 (+9.4%)

---------------------------

The metro area grew nearly twice as quickly as what the last estimates had predicted, Lansing declined slightly less than predicted, East Lansing posted a significant gain having been predicted to have posted a slight decline. Meridian Township, which has been known for being anti-development, also posted a slight gain having been estimated to have lost a slight bit of its population. The fastest growing community in the metro was the sprawlburb of Bath Township, which posted nearly a 54% growth.

Also of note on the county level is that every county in the MSA grew, with Clinton County being the fastest growing county in the state over the decade. The Census had predicted a slight loss for Ingham County, which posted a very slight gain.

Though this was generally considered the month in which the project would wrap up when they first started it, you'd have expected the local media would have been counting down the day given the historic nature and size of the project. But, nary a peep until - SURPRISE! - they have a grand-opening, yesterday. It's almost like they tried to keep it a secret.

Quote:

http://cmsimg.lansingstatejournal.co...&Maxh=410&q=60
Rod Sanford | Lansing State Journal

Accident Fund wraps up headquarters project in Lansing

Written by Melissa Domsic | Lansing State Journal

March 29, 2011

...

The insurer, which employs 650 in Lansing, marked the completion of its $182 million redevelopment of the power station into its 334,000-square-foot headquarters at an afternoon news conference.

Workers will begin moving in the weekend of April 9. The move-in should be finished by April 18.

The massive project has been in the works for about five years. Construction took more than two years.

"I'm overjoyed for the city today," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Development Corp. "Maybe, especially in this time, the symbol of that building being one of hope and of our city being able to come together and do the impossible is a real indication about our hopeful future."

...

Some photos:

Quote:

Oooh! Loving the Accident Fund project! I can't wait to explore Lansing again!

Quote:

Holy Cross comes back to life

by Alyssa Gienapp | Lansing City Pulse

April 5, 2011

The former Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lansing will have new tenants soon: the St. Andrew Dung-Lac Parish, a Vietnamese Catholic congregation.

The church, at 1611 W. Oakland Ave., sat vacant for about two years. The parish is in the process of refurbishing the building in hopes of starting masses around Easter, said Michael Diebold, spokesman for the Diocese of Lansing.

St. Andrew Dung-Lac is moving from 5430 S. Washington Ave. on Lansing’s south side between Jolly Road and Northrup Street. A St. Andrew spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Holy Cross officially closed in June 2009 and merged with St. Mary Cathedral Parish downtown. In 2007, the school portion closed and then two years later — when Franciscans were no longer able to staff the parish — the church closed, according to the Catholic Diocese of Lansing’s website.

Diebold said the Holy Cross location offers the Dung-Lac Parish more space than its present location.

“[Holy Cross is] a better location and it has more worship space,” Diebold said. “We hope their community will continue to grow and flourish in this new space.”

The Holy Cross campus is situated on 4.7 acres and features three buildings, including the church, a gym and a school. The building is nearly 57,000 square feet.

The church features a roughly 500-seat sanctuary. The three floors include offices, storage, living rooms, a library, kitchens and a rectory. The school contains 10 classrooms and the gym is equipped for sporting events.

So far, the St. Andrew Dung-Lac Parish has been busy.

“They do have a dedicated group of volunteers,” Diebold said. “They are already moving.”

One of the reasons Holy Cross closed was to avoid the increasing expenses associated with necessary repairs and maintenance to aging structures, said the Most Rev. Earl Boyea (bishop of the Diocese of Lansing) in a decree.

I'd been past this church in the last few months and noticed it had finally been sold. I'm just glad to see the property being sold. It was a large anchor for the Westside, and this should help the businesses along West Saginaw.

The Accident Fund project looks great. I love those massive windows from the inside.;)

Viewing Page 12 of 61