Disappointing to hear about the Hillsdale project but it is what it is at this point I suppose.
Sparrow/UofM are making silly statements about Eastern, justifying its destruction because of a lack of air conditioning along with out dated electrical and HVAC... As if any of those things would be saved in a renovation of the building. They even mentioned falling tiles as if they are somehow indicative of the building's inability to be restored or the presence of asbestos as if that's not in every single old building. Vague statements about an apparent foundation issue. They're really playing on people's ignorance of construction and renovation. The leaky roof has no doubt caused damage but I can't imagine anything terrible, in the video/pictures I saw from the people that got in there a few weeks ago, most things looked in very good condition. The LSJ article is pretty much a joke, very nearly a press release for UofM. There's a reason they don't want people taking pictures or videos.
I've done projects on large high schools of similar age. Failing roofs, horribly outdated MEP, failing replacement windows, etc. We regularly are adding AC, replacing a central steam building with new heating, updating mechanical and plumbing, replacing windows, reroofing or coating, etc. These projects are often for poorer districts that are just trying to keep the buildings going, and they can swing it. Asbestos abatement is almost always part of the project, but using the terms scares the general public. These aren't by any means a gut job. In some ways, a gut job would make things easier. And I'm not talking about gutting historical aspects, just completely opening it up as necessary to get modern systems in.
What I'm getting at is that a health system, especially UM, has the money to do this. It is entirely feasible for them. What should be done, if they're playing this game, is to hire an AE firm to do a facility assessment. I'd really love to get in there and see what is so detrimental. Schools are easily adaptable and solid buildings. Rarely have I come across an old school building with any serious structural concern. "Foundation issues" is just another term that helps to scare/concern the public that it's beyond help. So, overall...I'm just agreeing with all your statements lol. The are absolutely ridiculous with this situation.
This will be a huge mark against City of Lansing and UM Sparrow if they don't at least keep a portion of it. Agreed that they should get no incentives or support from the city if they choose to demolish the whole thing.
Yeah, there's been so many buildings restored/renovated that have been abandoned for years and decades; buildings with caved-in roofs, fire damage, important missing details, crumbling exteriors, etc... There's no way they can look at me with a straight face an say Eastern can't be saved, or even that it's not economically viable. I've not been asking that they even save the whole building, just the Penn frontage and auditorium. If UofM doesn't want to renovate the building themselves into something like assisted/independent senior living, professional offices, administrative offices or patient/employee housing; then they just have to tear down the wing that sits on the land they need, put a little effort into buttoning up afterwards, then sell the building to a developer. I'm sure the city would be happy to work with them on putting together and promoting an RFP for the site.
@Lymon89 It's refreshing to hear that a professional opinion more or less supports what I've been arguing regarding the renovation process/needs of the structure itself. I have experience in residential construction/design and a general working knowledge of heavier construction/historic renovation but my observations on the viability of restoration here are ultimately anecdotal. Good to hear that I'm not off base.
I believe that Walter French was in much worse shape, but somehow it will soon be full a lot of residents who will become a community of neighbors. I may have adolescent opinion, but I believe the U of M seems to take some satisfaction in placing their yellow block M everywhere possible in Lansing including their employees. I know it is a world class institution, and all that, but they don't seem to respect our local Lansing culture. It could be me who thinks that way but Eastern H.S. seems to be another issue where the U of M is not considering Lansing's culture and history.
All the more disappointing that there's local developers actually willing to take the project on and they're being snubbed.
And yeah, throughout my arguments with people on Reddit I was referring to Walter French, Holmes St and Cedar St schools as recent local examples of school buildings that were abandoned for years and in much worse condition.
EDIT: City Pulse has a story on the Eastern saga and LSJ's poor reporting. Events are increasingly making it seem as though UofM is being intentionally hostile to this community.
I wondering if you forgot that or were talking about something else lol
A friend who's a CATA employee said there were rumors of the CATA offices going in the LSJ building, not directly from anyone of authority though. I think @citykid mentioned there was at least talk of them possibly being included in the city hall plan? I know LSD was considering joining the city in their Masonic Hall move, I've wondered if that's still possible with the new building? Lots of things still up in the air.
Both Riverview 220 and Grand Vista Place showed up in the planning committee's agenda this week, the staff reports state that construction is imminent on both, December and January respectively. Neither had any site plans or renderings, not even a floor count for Grand Vista. Also a bit of a disappointment in that Grand Vista will have no commercial/retail space.
Comments
Sparrow/UofM are making silly statements about Eastern, justifying its destruction because of a lack of air conditioning along with out dated electrical and HVAC... As if any of those things would be saved in a renovation of the building. They even mentioned falling tiles as if they are somehow indicative of the building's inability to be restored or the presence of asbestos as if that's not in every single old building. Vague statements about an apparent foundation issue. They're really playing on people's ignorance of construction and renovation. The leaky roof has no doubt caused damage but I can't imagine anything terrible, in the video/pictures I saw from the people that got in there a few weeks ago, most things looked in very good condition. The LSJ article is pretty much a joke, very nearly a press release for UofM. There's a reason they don't want people taking pictures or videos.
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/community/2024/08/13/lansing-eastern-high-school-alumni-sparrow-um-psychiatric-care/74771508007/
What I'm getting at is that a health system, especially UM, has the money to do this. It is entirely feasible for them. What should be done, if they're playing this game, is to hire an AE firm to do a facility assessment. I'd really love to get in there and see what is so detrimental. Schools are easily adaptable and solid buildings. Rarely have I come across an old school building with any serious structural concern. "Foundation issues" is just another term that helps to scare/concern the public that it's beyond help. So, overall...I'm just agreeing with all your statements lol. The are absolutely ridiculous with this situation.
This will be a huge mark against City of Lansing and UM Sparrow if they don't at least keep a portion of it. Agreed that they should get no incentives or support from the city if they choose to demolish the whole thing.
@Lymon89 It's refreshing to hear that a professional opinion more or less supports what I've been arguing regarding the renovation process/needs of the structure itself. I have experience in residential construction/design and a general working knowledge of heavier construction/historic renovation but my observations on the viability of restoration here are ultimately anecdotal. Good to hear that I'm not off base.
And yeah, throughout my arguments with people on Reddit I was referring to Walter French, Holmes St and Cedar St schools as recent local examples of school buildings that were abandoned for years and in much worse condition.
EDIT: City Pulse has a story on the Eastern saga and LSJ's poor reporting. Events are increasingly making it seem as though UofM is being intentionally hostile to this community.
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/lansing-state-journal-story-on-eastern-high-school-lacks-credibility,106164
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/um-sparrow-ends-talks-with-group-that-wants-to-preserve-old-eastern-high-school,106432
A friend who's a CATA employee said there were rumors of the CATA offices going in the LSJ building, not directly from anyone of authority though. I think @citykid mentioned there was at least talk of them possibly being included in the city hall plan? I know LSD was considering joining the city in their Masonic Hall move, I've wondered if that's still possible with the new building? Lots of things still up in the air.