Today I read in the LSJ.com that Gary Granger is planning to invest $300 to $400 in downtown Lansing! He has already acquired the One Michigan Avenue Building and is going to rehab. the building and rename it Granger Place. He is also buying the Kositchek's building and the old "Y"/Grants Department Store Building. This is where Granger is planning to build high end housing with new buildings that will have doormen! He is also going to redevelop the vacant lots at Michigan and Grand. Wow that is exciting news!
He's been saying this for decades at this point. I think we're just going to see a lot more decaying and vacant buildings, unfortunately. Sorry to be a pessimist with any of his "developments", but with my personal experience, he's a bit of a joke.
This line says it all to me: "There's a lot of market study work and a lot of work that's got to go into planning something like that, so I want to make sure that we do something that appeals to those that want to live in downtown Lansing."
Nothing is happening anytime soon and thos buildings will rot like the Walter Neller. Even if they do succeed and I have to eat my words, I'm not sure I will be able to support businesses in them just knowing how horrible the guy is and how he's screwed Lansing over for ever.
Oh, also, these really won't happen unless the City of Lansing gives insane tax breaks. Gary doesn't pay for his projects...
I had a little more faith when he announced the last version of his plan for the lot at Michigan and Grand. That he doesn't even state whether the Kositchecks or YMCA building would be replaced or remodeled is probably telling as to the seriousness of his proposals. I hope those buildings don't rot in his hands. Time will tell I suppose.
Wow it seems you guys know this guy pretty well. I understand that he is a major BS'er but I wonder what his motivation would be by giving this interview to the State Journal. How is he going to make money off of vacant buildings. Does really just hate Lansing so much he wants to screw up development? This artical was just like one they wrote about Gillespie dreaming about what to do with the Sear's building a few weeks ago. How many years has Pat been dreaming about that. He does have a different attitude than Granger regarding Lansing, but what are they waiting for? It has been amazing to see the New Vison project started and growing over the skyline, maybe Granger wants to outdo that project so he can brag about it!
I don't think Gary hates Lansing, but I also don't think he cares one way or another about it. He is indeed in it to make money, but only if he's able to spend little to no money developing it. Unless that's changed, I don't think he'll have much luck. Especially with his relationship with the City at this point. I don't think they're going to do him any favors.
Why the big press release? Other than he likes to be in the news, I have no idea. It is reminiscent of Gillespie with a project that really had no chance. Granger had his big announcement when the Walter Neller building was coming down because the city forced him too...now to only be a poorly maintained grass patch. Meanwhile, Gentilozzi came out of nowhere with huge proposals and is quickly progressing. It shows you it can be done, if they want it to actually happen and are willing to put the funds and effort forward. Granger will only proceed with this if it's as cheap as possible and little cost to him (relatively speaking).
Again, these would be great projects. I'm just very leery of him.
I have less familiarity with him but I see how he's handled the Walter Neller building and that that parking lot over the past few decades. I also lost a little faith just based on the seemingly grandiose plan coming out of of nowhere with no timeline or specifics whatsoever, all while he's already failing his deadline for the five floor building to be finished before Tower on Grand. Why make an announcement now? He's probably about to go for some tax incentives to do an uninspiring rehab of One Michigan would be my guess.
Him buying those buildings on North Washington could be a sign that he's serious about finally doing something, or it could be more property hording without any real plans for the future.
Comments
This line says it all to me: "There's a lot of market study work and a lot of work that's got to go into planning something like that, so I want to make sure that we do something that appeals to those that want to live in downtown Lansing."
Nothing is happening anytime soon and thos buildings will rot like the Walter Neller. Even if they do succeed and I have to eat my words, I'm not sure I will be able to support businesses in them just knowing how horrible the guy is and how he's screwed Lansing over for ever.
Oh, also, these really won't happen unless the City of Lansing gives insane tax breaks. Gary doesn't pay for his projects...
Why the big press release? Other than he likes to be in the news, I have no idea. It is reminiscent of Gillespie with a project that really had no chance. Granger had his big announcement when the Walter Neller building was coming down because the city forced him too...now to only be a poorly maintained grass patch. Meanwhile, Gentilozzi came out of nowhere with huge proposals and is quickly progressing. It shows you it can be done, if they want it to actually happen and are willing to put the funds and effort forward. Granger will only proceed with this if it's as cheap as possible and little cost to him (relatively speaking).
Again, these would be great projects. I'm just very leery of him.
Him buying those buildings on North Washington could be a sign that he's serious about finally doing something, or it could be more property hording without any real plans for the future.