I don't beleive I've ever posted this before, it's the hotel that used to be where Deluxe Inn is now. It was almost as ugly as Deluxe Inn, but at least it was somewhat unique.
Lansing peak population was about 130,000. Many other Michigan cities are far off from their peak population. I was watching the news and the state of Michigan has hit record for people moving out of the state. It was said that 67% of the nations movers are ones moving out of Michigan. I was surprise by those numbers, and wonder what type of residents are we losing?
I agree, I miss the Civic Center. Granted, I don't know much about it, I moved to the area in 1997. I grew up near Saginaw (and their Civic Center/Dow Event Center is one of the bright spots of downtown). I don't imagine that we'll see a new arena in Lansing (near downtown) for some time. Especially with Breslin and the Wharton Center nearby. Hopefully I'm wrong. Perhaps the best chance would be when Munn Ice arena on campus is eventually rebuilt. (They are currently planning/beginning renovations in lieu of rebuilding. Don't get me wrong, I do like Munn.) Perhaps a new MSU hockey arena would someday be built in Lansing eastside, shared with a new semi-pro team (OHL, etc). Probably wishful thinking. I can't imagine MSU would have a sports tram play off-campus. Apologies for getting off-topic, but I would also like to see MSU offer a few classes in downtown Lansing (similar to Davenport, LCC, Cooley), perhaps a specific major. Not sure that they ever would?
Thanks for posting the pictures. On the 1990s pics, what comes to mind being built since then is the State Police, Anderson House, Capital View, Accident Fund, and City Market buildings. The latter three would be visible on the bottom photo only. I'm sure there are a couple I'm missing? Yes, the "backyard" area along Grand Ave is striking and unfortunate. It's almost more noticeable from the aerial view then when driving along Grand Ave. It would be nice to see a larger/midrise building across the street from the Grand Tower.
On the 1959/1960s photos, I agree, it is sad and unfortunate to see some of the historic retail building go (neighborhood-centered as you put it). Some of the newer housing developments are incorporating that somewhat (street level retail, top floor residential).
I'm almost certain it will become mixed use someday, and I think the Red Cedar Renaissance project will probably make it happen sooner rather than later. I'd bet the Frandor area ends up like a second downtown over the next few decades, it's already on it's way there.
I miss the indoor part of the mall too, the only things I clearly remember are when Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny were there and the Baskin Robbins.
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Found this while wasting time on Flickr. Been a long time since I saw this sign.
Schmidt's Grocery on Flickr
Vintage Lansing video
Source
On the 1959/1960s photos, I agree, it is sad and unfortunate to see some of the historic retail building go (neighborhood-centered as you put it). Some of the newer housing developments are incorporating that somewhat (street level retail, top floor residential).
I miss the indoor part of the mall too, the only things I clearly remember are when Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny were there and the Baskin Robbins.