A small update on EL's Evergreen properties, they have selected the firm to represent the property (Savills) and set an asking price, $4.435m, they make it clear that they do no necessarily expect to get that price. It's always seemed implied that this is something of a RFP process where the DDA/city will be reviewing bids with the prospective developers plans and their ability to execute those plans considered before accepting a bid, as opposed to more straight up no-strings-attached sale, but nothing I've read here makes it clear exactly what the sale process would look like.
As disappointing as it has been to see EL fail to capitalize on and continue their recent construction boom, this property sale moving forward is good to see.
The top floor of the MSUFCU building downtown is being prepared for occupation which I can see from my patio. I believe with the MSU Museum leasing also renting a floor that the building is fully leased out. Perhaps this is a good sign that businesses are returning employees to office spaces. It is interesting that the credit union and my building Newman Lofts have no free or included parking spaces, we do have a gated parking area, but the ramp is owned by the city and parking is not included in the rent. While downtown Lansing has [too much] more space for parking perhaps more new developments could be built without the expectation of free or included parking creating a denser downtown neighborhood where one could actually live without a car.
East Lansing could just make the Hannah Center it's new city hall. It's a big enough building and addresses the issues that they have with their current location. The parking lot is only busy after work hours, so it wouldn't conflict with the current uses.
I walked over to the EL post office where I noticed the demolition of the unusual Marathon service station was nearly done. I hoped they would keep the '60s modern layout that basically hide the pumps from the street. I was just a kid when East Lansing had planned a new business center in that area with architectural modern designs as in the building across the street. I think they may have even had some standards to meet, which may be why not much else was built with that sort of design. I don't not know why maybe it was the economy; I am hoping that someone will lease the old Michigan Medical Society Building who will respect the beautiful design of that building.
thanks for the information. As service/mini-market station it is not as bad as it could be, and will be an improvement over the decaying but cool old building.
There are tow new restaurants moving into the remodeled store fronts next to El Azteco which have been mostly vacant for years. A slider burger joint and a pizza place. OK I hope they serve good food they have a lot of competition in this neighborhood.
A new building is already being built where the old Bank of Lansing building stood behind Trader Joe's. I did not see any signs saying what is be built, I am hoping it is not going to be another bank branch office.
Wow I was hoping for another Starbucks! The Bank of Lansing had several branches that were great examples of Mid-Century Modern design. Look at all the marble, and the simplicity of the design. I wonder if Kenneth Black designed this building it looks like his style. Maybe they could use some of that marble for Lansing's new city hall, this little building looks better than that current design.
Comments
As disappointing as it has been to see EL fail to capitalize on and continue their recent construction boom, this property sale moving forward is good to see.
https://eastlansinginfo.news/dda-hires-firm-to-market-evergreen-properties-sets-asking-price/
https://eastlansinginfo.news/city-hall-to-be-moved/