I agree Hood, a good sign from an external investment in downtown. What I'm excited about is that as Tavern moves down the street, the 200 block of Washington Sq. is going to be a net zero change in numbers of bars. This is important for me because the 200 block is the core block for bars in addition to the core Stadium district bar scene. With Tavern and Troppo at the corner of Mich. and Wash., hopefully these two cores will be significantly more connected with walking traffic, especially with the addition of Tin Can. But with the Wild Beaver Saloon, this is accomplished without any loss to one of the two core districts so this is really looking promising for one large entertainment district from MBC all the way to Stobers. As this builds, I think some places like the Pita Pit will be more likely to stay open late as they tried unsuccessfully before. Jimmy John's already seems to be doing well at this, and in the summer with the bbq going Downtown Subs is doing well also at this.
On a similar note, I had lunch at Tavern today, and there was steady seating so much that the manager had to help serve a little and he apologized saying "we didn't expect this many people on a Sunday and especially on Easter so we only have the one server." JJ's was open till 10pm tonight and seemed steady also.
I thought that I even heard that the owner of Tavern on the Sq planned to open up a new bar in its old location after it moves. Also, I had seen an application for a liquor license with dance permit for 408 S Washington a couple months ago. That would be just down from MBC, next to the cigar shop. As for the Stadium District area, there's that new bar/restaurant slated for the Stadium District building and the supposed re-opening of 621 and the Blue Coyote. That should end up being a gain of five bars assuming all of go through.
I agree on the Downtown Doghouse. It would be really nice to see Allegan go two-way, it may allow for more businesses to open up on that street. The only thing that may have a chance in that location as-is would be a bar or club of enough significance to grab peoples attention. Who knows though, Downtown Doghouse may get lucky.
Eyde Co. is expected to discuss the future of a downtown Lansing landmark at a news conference today.
The East Lansing developer is slated to outline what it says is the "fate" of the Knapp's Center building at 300 S. Washington Square at a 1 p.m .event.
This is out of left field. I seen on the news they said that Bernero was meeting with Eyde and State officials to discuss a possible development for the building. I'll be eagerly awaiting hearing more details on this one. I think the best case scenario would be that Eyde himself has decided to step up and get involved in (non state office) downtown development, he could be a major player.
Well it turns out Eyde wants to renovate the building for mixed-use office/retail/residential. Eyde would relocate their headquarters there. The catch: it all depends on if they can get Federal, State, and City tax incentives and loans.
The project includes residential on the top floor, office in the middle floors and retail/restaurant for the first floor. The Lansing EDC would open a business incubator in the building and Eyde would move its headquarters back into the building. The facade would be saved, although the architect at the event gave the impression that the details were still being worked out on exactly how to do that.
Incentives, according to the LSJ:
Eyde is seeking more than $21 million in tax credits, loans and grants, including:
» $7.3 million in state and federal tax credits for the rehabilitation of a historic building.
» A $5.4 million loan through the federal Housing and Urban Development Department.
» A $4.8 million federal New Market tax credit.
» A $2 million federal Brownfields Economic Development Initiative grant.
» $1.8 million in Michigan Business Tax credits.
Comments
On a similar note, I had lunch at Tavern today, and there was steady seating so much that the manager had to help serve a little and he apologized saying "we didn't expect this many people on a Sunday and especially on Easter so we only have the one server." JJ's was open till 10pm tonight and seemed steady also.
Sorry if that was a bit rambling.
Eyde to discuss Knapp's building's future
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100406/NEWS03/304050014/-1/RSS
Here's the LSJ story from this afternoon on the announcement.
Plus, they have some old photos and some stuff from their archives.
The project includes residential on the top floor, office in the middle floors and retail/restaurant for the first floor. The Lansing EDC would open a business incubator in the building and Eyde would move its headquarters back into the building. The facade would be saved, although the architect at the event gave the impression that the details were still being worked out on exactly how to do that.
Incentives, according to the LSJ:
Plus, Renaissance Zone tax-free status.