HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-11-22 Historic District Commission1
CITY OF LANSING
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
316 N. CAPITOL AVENUE LANSING, MI 48933-1236 (517) 483-4066 FAX: (517) 483-6036
PLANNING OFFICE 316 N. CAPITOL AVE., SUITE D-1Andy Schor, Mayor
Minutes – Approved 7/11/22
Lansing Historic District Commission
Monday, April 11, 2022
Regular Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Sonnenberg called the meeting to order at 5:27 pm.
a. Roll Call:
Present: Curtis Sonnenberg, Carol Skillings, James Bell, Heather Goupil,
Jacklyn Lillis-Warwick, Cassandra Nelson,
Absences: Sam Troutman (excused), Jim McClurken (excused),
Staff Present: Andy Fedewa, Planner
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – “Presentations – Temple Lofts Development, Eric Kehoe,
Michigan Community Capital” moved to follow Approval of Agenda. Approved as
revised.
3. PRESENTATIONS – Temple Lofts Development, Eric Kehoe, Michigan Community
Capital.
The Temple Lofts is a part of the ‘North Lansing Historic Commercial District’ listed on
the National Register of Historic Places (1976) and the State of Michigan Historic Sites
(1976).
Mr. Kehoe, Development Manager, Michigan Community Capital, stated that Michigan
Community Capital (MCC) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that lends and invests
in Michigan communities to counter gentrification and create upward mobility and
wealth-building opportunities for underserved individuals and families.
MCC took on the building in 2019 after it sat vacant for nearly ten years and started
construction during 2020. Redevelopment plans altered the building from three floors to
five, resulting in four floors of 31 apartments over the first floor commercial. The
development has confirmed Strange Matter Coffee will occupy the commercial space
while Michigan Community Capital will headquarter itself in the office space.
Mr. Kehoe said that there were not many original interior features to retain or highlight in
the redevelopment because so much has changed over the years with the different
owners. The arched window openings will be highlighted, and the original stained-glass
windows will be repurposed into art throughout the building.
Ms. Lillis-Warwick asked at what price will the apartments be listed. Mr. Kehoe said
they have not advertised a specific rate yet, but 49% of the units will be market rate.
Ms. Goupil questioned if MCC has more development plans for metro Lansing. Mr.
Kehoe said they are looking at additional properties in the City and Old Town because of
their move into the building.
Lansing Historic District Commission April 11, 2022 Page 2 of 2
Commission members thanked Mr. Kehoe for presenting.
4. COMMUNICATIONS – None
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION
a. Minutes for Approval – January 10, 2022 meeting. Approved by unanimous consent.
b. Historic Preservation Outreach (Comprehensive Plan Update, proposed
Deconstruction Ordinance)
Comprehensive Plan Update
Mr. Fedewa informed the Commission that the Planning Office is undertaking an update
of the 2012 Design Lansing Comprehensive Plan. Historic Preservation is mentioned in
the Plan as a placemaking tool and strategy of economic development. The Plan as a
whole is focused on the form and perception of Lansing. This direction left out a lot of
analysis about how the City’s history continues to effect economical, educational,
environmental, and health outcomes for Lansing’s residents.
The Planning Office proposes keep working on the goals and objectives of the 2012 Plan
but to discuss with the community current issues more holistically and what possible
strategies could improve resident access to resources and opportunity.
Mr. Fedewa welcomed Commission members to review the Design Lansing Plan and
suggest topics, community members that could be involved in the planning process, and
what sort of historic-focused meetings the City could facilitate.
Proposed Deconstruction Ordinance
Mr. Fedewa informed the Commission that a group of interested stakeholders proposed a
new ordinance for the ‘deconstruction’ of houses built prior to 1950 before their
demolition. This process would allow contractors or a skilled trades group to salvage
materials not typically recovered like flooring, trim, windows, hardware, fixtures, etc.
This would recycle irreplaceable historic material and divert usable construction material
from landfills.
Mr. Fedewa asked the Commission to review the draft and to please suggest any
contractors, builders, craftspeople, or resale businesses that could be involved in this
work.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
8. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS - None
9. OTHER BUSINESS – None
10. PENDING ITEMS – None
11. ADJOURNMENT – 6:20 p.m.