Change.  A word that can inspire fresh perspectives and create new possibilities that can evolve into something even better over time. Some struggle with change, yet others flourish. But viewing change as a positive aspect of life can bring limitless opportunities.

It’s hard to ignore the changes happening in Downtown Lansing. Thinking back to a time when it struggled with its identity and lacked focus as the centerpiece of our state … today’s downtown offers new business, urban redevelopment and a new way of life for the community.

From aesthetic improvements on Lansing’s main street, Michigan Avenue, to the development of the Stadium District, the new Lansing City Market, and the redevelopment of the old Ottawa Street Power Station (soon to become the future Accident Fund headquarters), Lansing is on the move.  With a commitment to developing a future economy that is driven by creativity, entrepreneurship, diversity and an innovative mindset, Lansing has taken a big step forward to become that vibrant centerpiece for the region.

In order to create a thriving and sustainable Lansing, change must happen—and we are doing it. Just look around.

Knapp’s building

Recently, East Lansing developer Eyde Company announced plans to renovate the Downtown Lansing landmark, J.W. Knapp’s building, and turn it into a mixed-use facility which will include office and retail space, a business incubator, apartments and underground parking.

Ottawa Street Power Station

Over the past two and a half years, an incredible transformation has taken place before our eyes. What was once the old Ottawa Street Power Station with its giant smokestack adorning the city landscape will now become the new headquarters for the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. The project is on schedule with a completion date of early 2011.

Gillespie/Lansing Metro Marinas boat tours

Starting in mid-June, Pat Gillespie and Lansing Metro Marinas will begin offering boat tours of Downtown Lansing from the river in an effort to expose Lansing visitors and residents to a side of Lansing they might not have been able to appreciate from land. Lunch and dinner tours as well as a fall color tour will be available every day throughout the season.

Market lace/Ball Park North

Market Place, along with Ball Park North, are two projects planned by local developer Pat Gillespie that will create a new urban village centered around the new Lansing City Market and will include retail and residential spaces.

Kalamazoo Gateway

This mixed-use, green project proposed by Lansing developer Gene Townsend on the north side of Kalamazoo Street will be LEED certified and include apartments and condos. A new entrance to Lansing’s River Trail is also proposed and would be constructed as part of the plan.

These are but just a few of the current and future initiatives that are in store for Lansing. The research has proved that Downtown Lansing and the Greater Lansing region can handle it.

When one thinks about a downtown and all that it encompasses, one might imagine a place where people, businesses and institutions including schools, museums and churches thrive together, a sense of ownership is created and establishes a rewarding environment to live and do business. This collaborative effort is essential to growing resources that work together to empower a strong community and bringing regional prosperity to the area.

Leap has developed strategic partnerships and vital resources to help support regional growth and development. Greater Lansing Next, the SpringBoard program and BusinessFirst are just three of multiple programs Leap offers to attract and retain business, plus help build a stronger and more knowledgeable workforce that can call the Greater Lansing area home.

		Denyse Ferguson is the president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (Leap, Inc.), the region’s leading economic development organization.