Lansing's Downtown Revitalization: A Surge in Business and Housing Developments

Downtown Lansing is experiencing a significant transformation, marked by a series of ambitious business and housing developments aimed at revitalizing the city's core.

One of the most notable projects is the Tower on Grand, a 28-story residential high-rise that, upon completion, will become Lansing's tallest building. This $318 million development is set to introduce 287 apartments, along with commercial spaces and parking facilities, significantly enhancing the downtown skyline. Construction commenced in May 2025, with completion anticipated in late 2027.

Complementing this is the broader New Vision Lansing initiative, a $316 million endeavor encompassing five buildings across downtown and Old Town Lansing. This project aims to add nearly 600 residential units and 600,000 square feet of mixed-use space by 2027, injecting new life into previously underutilized areas.

In addition to these large-scale projects, the Lansing Housing Commission has broken ground on two new apartment buildings: Riverview 220 and Grand Vista Place. Riverview 220, located across from the CATA Transportation Center on South Grand Avenue, will offer 56 apartments for low-income families and retail space. Grand Vista Place, situated just south of Lenawee Street, will provide 55 affordable housing units. Both developments are expected to be available for rent by mid-2026.

Further enhancing the downtown landscape, the Macotta Club is set to transform three floors of Lansing's historic Knapps Building into a kitchen incubator and food hall. Final designs are underway, with the community anticipating visible construction in the coming months and an opening in the second quarter of 2025.

These developments are part of a concerted effort to address Lansing's housing shortage and stimulate economic growth. The Michigan Municipal League has proposed an $800 million investment over five years to support affordable housing projects across the state, aiming to develop or rehabilitate 10,000 housing units. This initiative encourages communities to adopt flexible zoning laws to facilitate construction.

As these projects progress, Lansing's downtown is poised to become a vibrant hub of residential and commercial activity, reflecting a commitment to revitalization and growth.