HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEDC Lansing Economic Development Corporation 2020 Annual Report Lans 'iOng Economic
Development Corporat'i0on
2020 Annual Report
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LANSING
Andy Schor, Mayor
City of Lansing, M I
Lansing
I EID Econom is
Development
Corporation,
The Lansing Economic Development Corporation 's
mission is to attract and grow businesses to create
and retain jobs, redevelop vacant and contaminated
properties into great places to live and work, and use
public/private partnerships to benefit the citizens of
Lansing.
Table of Contents
About the LEDC and Economic Development in Lansing 1
Executive Summary 4
2020 Projects Compared to Previous Years 6
The Lansing Small Business Recovery Program 9
Major LEDC Projects Approved in 2020 17
Major LEDC Projects Under Construction in 2020 20
Major LEDC Projects Completed in 2020 23
Projects in the Pipeline 26
Facade Improvement Program 26
Corridor Improvement Authorities 29
Opportunity Zones 33
Southwest Lansing Initiative 34
Business Financing Assistance Program 34
EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant 35
MEDC Site Readiness Grant 38
Public Art for Communities Gran 38
Marketing and Promotion 39
Looking Forward to Helping Small Businesses in 2021 40
About the LEDC and Economic Development in Lansing
What is the Lansing Economic Development Corporation?
The LEDC is a nonprofit organization created in 1976 to attract and grow businesses; create and
retain jobs; redevelop vacant, underutilized, or contaminated properties; and create
public/private partnerships to make Lansing a great place for everyone.
The LEDC Board of Directors
The Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) y
Board of Directors is a diverse and experienced group " �-
of professionals who volunteer their time and expertise
to oversee, provide guidance, and make decisions that ;
profoundly impact Lansing's economic health and the
welfare of its citizens. The LEDC Board of Directors also
serves on the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment
Authority (LBRA) and Tax Increment Financing °
Authority (TIFA) boards. The LEDC coordinates the LBRA
and TIFA efforts and contracts with the Lansing ,
Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) to provide, manage,
and administer the programs and services offered by
these three respective nonprofit entities. LEDC Board Meets at sleepwalker
Memorial to James Butler
James Butler III was an LEDC Board member for over 20 years. He passed
away in August 2020 after a lifetime of leadership and advocacy for
economic development in the city of Lansing. As an LEDC board member,
Mr. Butler was instrumental in reviewing and approving hundreds of LEDC
development projects from the smallest microenterprises to major
corporations like GM, AF Group, and Jackson National Life. James was also a
board member of the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (LBRA),
providing critical feedback and asking tough questions to ensure all decisions
made were in the best interests of the residents of Lansing. Mr. Butler was a
champion for providing economic opportunities for often overlooked and
underserved business owners so they could share in the success of Lansing's
local economy. Mr. Butler's service to the community extended well beyond the Member Butler
LEDC, and he held positions on many other boards and organizations, including the Lansing
Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sparrow Hospital Board of Directors, Cooley Law School, MSU
College of Arts and Letters, Lansing Center, and MLK Holiday Commission. The LEDC Board is
deeply saddened by his passing and thankful for his lifetime of invaluable service to the City of
Lansing.
1
2020 LEDC Board
Calvin Jones Tom Donaldson Kimberly Coleman
Chair Vice Chair Secretary
I
Blake Johnson Andrea Binoniemi James Butler
Treasurer
Ak
rim
Shelley Davis Boyd Brian McGrain Frederick Schaible
All photos provided courtesy of each LEDC board member
The LEDC is pleased to welcome Tom Muth to the Board! Tom begins his
term as an LEDC Board Member in January 2021. He brings experience from
the Ingham County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
Why is Economic Development Good for Lansing? Lr+t
Attracting and growing businesses strengthens our economy by providing ---
locally produced goods and services. Strong businesses pay taxes supporting
vital services such as schools, roads, fire departments, and first responders.
Businesses also provide good jobs that put money in people's pockets and
elevate quality of life.
Tom Muth, the LEDC's
The impact of a new business extends beyond the workers they employ; newest Board Member
businesses support other local businesses by purchasing goods and
services they need to operate, and their workers invest back into the local economy by
purchasing the goods and services they need to live. Money changes hands many times as it
flows through the local economy and creates overall prosperity enjoyed by all citizens, whether
or not they interact directly with the business.
Economic development also fosters the entrepreneurial spirit that resides in our creative and
ambitious citizens. By providing access to ideas, investment, and expert advice, new companies
can be created to help assure Lansing's economy stays innovative and diverse.
Putting vacant or abandoned buildings and land back into productive use is another major
function of economic development. This helps keep businesses located in urban areas where
sewer, water, and other services are already present. Urban redevelopment reduces the impact
of blight and environmental contamination while also preserving the psychological and physical
benefits of green space.
Economic development can also address systemic inequities by expanding economic
opportunities for low-income people and communities that are primarily Black, Indigenous and
people of color (BIPOC). This includes: Increasing successful entrepreneurship and small-
business ownership among historically underrepresented populations and partnering with the
public and private sectors to increase job training and educational opportunities for previously
disenfranchised city residents.
Communities that provide quality jobs and great places to live and work are a magnet for
people of all ages. As a result, these places have a strong future.
3
Executive Summary
2020 was certainly a remarkable year for the Lansing Economic Development Corporation
(LEDC). The year started very promising, with economic development projects and businesses
making plans for expanding along with the economy. January was fairly normal, but by the end
of February, COVID-related events in the world and US were garnering a lot of attention and
descending on Michigan and Lansing with a rapidness and uncertainty that shocked and scared
our entire region. In early March, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of
emergency and later issued a stay-at-home order to slow the virus's spread. Mayor Schor was
quick to act locally, declaring a state of emergency in the city. Hundreds of local businesses
were closed, and thousands of employees found themselves out of work and ordered to stay
home. The LEDC and Mayor Schor recognized that quick action was needed to help businesses
hunker down and survive, prepare to restart when the time came, and learn to adapt to the
new post-pandemic world. Throughout 2020, the LEDC continually adapted to changing
conditions and business needs to provide timely help when and where it was most essential. By
the end of February 2021, more than $3,000,000 of state and local funds will have been
distributed to over 260 small businesses in the City of Lansing. Over 100 of these small
businesses are owned by BIPOC, women and veterans.
The LEDC created the Lansing Small Business Recovery Program immediately after the
pandemic's seriousness became apparent, based on principles from the National Development
Council. During Phase 1—Survive, the LEDC helped Lansing small business owners apply for the
Michigan Small Business Relief Grant and Loan Programs, funded by the MEDC and
administered by LEAP. The LEDC also allocated $400,000 of its own funds toward the COVID-19
Rescue Fund, which provided $5,000 and $10,000 grants to Lansing small businesses that had
not yet received any COVID-19 grant assistance. Within the first 60 days of the crisis, 72 City of
Lansing businesses received $820,000 in grants or low-interest loans between the regional and
local programs. In Phase 2— Restart, the LEDC helped City of Lansing small businesses prepare
strong applications for the statewide Restart Grant Program funded by federal CARES Act
dollars provided to LEAP through the MEDC. The program provided $1,685,000 in grant funds to
140 City of Lansing small businesses and nonprofits. We are currently in Phase 3—Adapt, which
includes funding through LEAP and the MEDC's Survival Grants Program, the Lansing CARES
Small Business Assistance Program, and support for a new position designed to bring more
financial resources to the community to support COVID-19 recovery. The LEDC's swift and
comprehensive response to COVID-19 provided critical help to many City of Lansing small
businesses during this extremely challenging time.
In addition to the LEDC's COVID-19 response, we remain committed to the redevelopment and
revitalization of existing vacant and obsolete buildings, new construction projects, and
developments that utilize Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF). During the 2020 calendar
year, the LEDC gained approvals for three development projects, working closely with Mayor
Andy Schor's office and the Lansing City Council. LEDC projects represent $21,303,284 in private
investment and will create 20 jobs and retain 42 jobs in the City of Lansing. These projects vary
in size and will continue to make Lansing a wonderful place with the benefits of a big city and a
small town's affordability and convenience. The LEDC also supported placemaking projects in
2020, including a new public art piece in Reutter Park funded through LEAP's Public Art for
Communities Grant. From the events of this year, it is evident that cities like Lansing offering
great jobs and quality of life for residents will attract the most economic and residential
growth. The Lansing area was ranked #18 best place to live post-COVID by Business Insider,
and the LEDC looks forward to continuing to support the city's growth.
In addition to development projects, the LEDC managed the city's Fagade Improvement
Program, which provides matching dollars to assist Lansing business owners in making
improvements to the exterior of their commercial properties. While most businesses focused
solely on staying in business in 2020 rather than making exterior improvements to their
locations, the program still impacted 11 businesses in highly visible and critical areas of the city.
Promoting business attraction, retention, and expansion within the City of Lansing is a top
priority of the LEDC. The LEDC supports ongoing business retention efforts as well as expansion
and attraction projects. In 2020, the LEDC carried out 30 business retention calls and an array of
attraction and expansion activities, including local, regional, and statewide site search
responses. The LEDC is also actively involved with Downtown Lansing, Inc. to improve and
revitalize the downtown area.
The LEDC also had a very successful year managing Corridor Improvement Authorities (CIA) in
Lansing. These authorities can use special financing tools to revitalize older and declining
commercial corridors along key major streets in Lansing. The Saginaw Street CIA and Michigan
Avenue CIA had their Development and Financing Plans approved in December 2019, making
2020 a year to begin the administration efforts needed to serve the Boards and start
implementing the plans. Additionally, both boards were able to apply for their first grants since
their plans were approved. The LEDC worked with the Mayor's office to select board members
for approval to serve on the South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (S.MLK) CIA and North Grand
River CIA, Lansing's newest CIAs. These boards and their members are critical to the long-term
success of the CIAs.
The LEDC continues to work closely with the Mayor's office and the LBRA to use economic
incentives and financing tools for mutually beneficial solutions that encourage economic
development. In 2019, the Brownfield Plan Policy was adopted by the LBRA. This policy governs
developer requests for incentives and ensures development projects positively impact the City
and its citizens by sharing new tax revenues, promoting private investment in public
infrastructure, encouraging sustainability, building density, historic preservation, shorter
incentive durations,job creation, landscaping, and quality building materials. The LEDC also
helps implement the new Universal Development Agreement issued by Mayor Schor on
October 1, 2019. This agreement promotes local labor use and further ensures that
development in the City of Lansing is transparent, accountable, and beneficial.
2020 Projects Compared to Previous Years
2020 will be remembered for many years to come as perhaps the most challenging year in
memory. However, the LEDC's strong history of success in economic development in the City of
Lansing laid a strong foundation for our continued work, even during an unprecedented global
crisis like COVID-19. Since 2018, LEDC projects have infused $549,547,810 in private
investment, created 1,211 jobs, and retained an additional 134 jobs in the City of Lansing. From
transformative real estate developments to facade improvement projects along major City of
Lansing corridors, projects of every size have improved every area of the city.
Project Job Creation and Retention
1,211 Jobs Created&134 Jobs Retained over 3 years in Lansing
ZA" ■Jabs Created ■Jobs Retained
770 1,211
1,U24
slx 421
256
1Z8 65 134
64
32
27 42
20
16
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2018
2019
202D
Total
Project Private Investment
48 Total Projects over 3 years in the City of Lansing
Total Private Investment=$550 Million
5600,000,000 $549,547,810
$500,000,000
$400,000,000
$311,O07,941
$300,000,000 $217,236,585
$200,00a,aaa
5100,000,000 $21,303,284
$0
2018 2019 2020 Total
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The COVID-19 Pandemic brought the LEDC's adaptability and resiliency to the forefront of our
economic development initiatives. Our project work continued, resulting in three projects'
approval, leveraging a total of$21,303,284 in investment, creating 20jobs, and retaining 42
jobs. The Pandemic caused economic uncertainty and industry shutdowns resulting in many
real estate and business development projects put on hold and smaller project totals compared
to past years. However, the projects approved in 2020 will greatly impact the City of Lansing,
and all previously approved projects are still on track to be completed. This stability is a
testament to Lansing's resiliency, the LEDC's hard work, and the dedication of developers and
businesses to their projects and our community.
2020 was a year of resiliency. Besides continuing with regular project work and business
attraction efforts, we also greatly expanded our small business support in response to the
Pandemic by creating the Lansing Small Business Recovery Program. The LEDC is incredibly
proud of the work done to support Lansing's small businesses this year and is dedicated to
continuing to seek additional resources to support our city's economic vibrancy into 2021 and
beyond.
The Lansing Small Business Recovery Program
When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, it became very clear that small businesses in Lansing were
impacted dramatically by the economic shutdown and shelter-at-home measures. The City of
Lansing and the LEDC quickly assessed the situation and used National Development Council
guidelines to establish the three-phase Lansing Small Business Recovery Program. A summary
of these phases and the LEDC's actions is below:
PHASE I - Help small businesses to survive until conditions improve
• Small businesses needed immediate assistance to stay in business amid mandatory
closures.
• The State of Michigan, through the MEDC and LEAP, allocated $600,000 in Michigan
Small Business Relief Grants and $600,000 in loans to the Lansing region. The LEDC
conducted outreach and assisted City of Lansing business applications. LEAP awarded 22
grants and 4 loans to City of Lansing businesses.
• The City of Lansing and the LEDC worked together to provide additional funds to City of
Lansing small businesses not awarded in the regional Michigan Small Business Relief
program. The LEDC authorized the creation of the COVID-19 Rescue Fund, which
allocated $400,000 of LEDC funds to 46 City of Lansing small businesses.
• Between the regional and local programs, 72 City of Lansing businesses received
$820,000 in grants or low-interest loans within the first 60 days of the crisis. These funds
were particularly impactful because they were distributed very quickly before other
federal programs, like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), became available.
Getting grant and loan funds to Lansing's small businesses took great effort and
coordination between the City of Lansing, the LEDC, LEAP, and the MEDC.
9
PHASE II - Assist small businesses to restart their operations as conditions improve
• Small businesses needed assistance to reopen. The Restart Grant Program, another
regional grant program available through the MEDC and LEAP, provided over $5 million
in federal funds to 412 businesses and nonprofits throughout the region. The LEDC
conducted outreach to build awareness of the grants among City of Lansing businesses
and provided application assistance to help City of Lansing applicants submit the
strongest applications possible. As a result of the program, $1,685,000 in grant funds
was awarded to 140 City of Lansing small businesses and nonprofits.
PHASE I 11 - Help small businesses adapt to the new normal
• Phase III began as 2020 came to a close. Through a partnership between the City's
Department of Economic Development and Planning and the LEDC, $600,000 of the
City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allotment is allocated to the Lansing
CARES Small Business Assistance Program. These funds will further support eligible
Lansing small businesses in 2021, which continue to struggle due to the Pandemic.
• In late December 2020, the MEDC and LEAP announced the Michigan Small Business
Survival Grants for businesses affected by the Michigan Department of Health and
Human Services December 7 Gatherings and Mask Order. LEAP received $3 million to
provide 194 $15,000 grants throughout the region. The LEDC helped Lansing businesses
learn about and apply for the program, resulting in 50 awards in the City of Lansing in
early 2021.
• The LEDC and the City of Lansing partnered to hire an Economic Recovery Resource
Developer (ERRD) using $100,000 from the LEDC. This new contract position is housed
within the city and focuses on seeking resources in response to the negative economic
impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The ERRD will be tasked with developing a response
plan, collaborating with community partners, and matching organizations with funding
opportunities. The ERRD will also address funding equity and support of organizations
representing and assisting disadvantaged businesses throughout the City.
Since the Pandemic began in March 2020, the LEDC has worked very hard to support Lansing
small businesses. We've collaborated with Mayor Schor's Office, City of Lansing departments,
and LEAP to make several emergency funding programs available to City of Lansing small
businesses. In 2020, $400,000 of LEDC funds and $2,105,000 in LEAP-administered funds were
awarded to City of Lansing small businesses and nonprofits. City of Lansing small businesses
received an additional $750,000 in Survival Grant funds in early 2021. Details about each
program can be found in the table on the following page. Additional information can be found
on the City of Lansing's website and LEAP's website.
10
LEAP Michigan LEAP Michigan LEDC/City of LEAP Michigan LEAP Michigan
Small Business Small Business Lansing COVID- Small Business Small Business
Relief Grants Relief Loans 19 Rescue Fund Restart Grants Survival Grants
Grants
Announcement April 7, 2020 June 11, 2020 May 1,June 17 September 21, February 17,
2020 2021
Total Funds $600,000 for $600,000 for $400,000 for the $5.27M for $3M for Clinton,
Available Clinton, Eaton, Clinton, Eaton, City of Lansing Clinton, Eaton, Eaton, and
and Ingham and Ingham and Ingham Ingham Counties
Counties Counties Counties
Funding 60$10,000 12 $50,000 loans Phase 134 77 $5,000 or 194$15,000
Breakdown grants $10,000 grants; $10,000 grants grants
Phase 2 12 for nonprofits;
$5,000 grants 125 $20,000
grants for small
businesses; at
least 200$10,000
grants for
microbusinesses
Where did the Governor Governor The Lansing Federal CARES Governor
funds come from? Whitmer's office Whitmer's office Economic Act funds from Whitmer's office
and the MEDC. It and the MEDC. It Development the state of and the MEDC.
allocated $10M allocated $10M Corporation Michigan $55M of state
of MEDC funds to of MEDC funds to (LEDC) approved through the funds were
grants and loans. grants and loans. the use of MEDC allocated to fund
$400,000 of LEDC grants.
funds for small
business grants
Total#of Awards 60 12 46 412 194
#of Awards in 22 4 46 140 50
City of Lansing
#of Awards in Not available Not available 21 86 Not available
City of Lansing
(women,
minority,veteran
owner)
$to City of $220,000 $200,000 $400,000 $1,685,000 $750,000
Lansing
Businesses
11
Putting over$3.2 million into the hands of the City of Lansing's small business owners was no
small feat, and the LEDC's work will have a lasting impact allowing small businesses to keep
their doors open. The LEDC ensured that underrepresented business owners received equitable
consideration for funding in the COVID-19 Rescue Fund application and review process and
helped shape subsequent regional programs with an equity focus as well. Testimonials provided
by the businesses helped strengthen the LEDC's commitment to Lansing small businesses and
were a reminder of the impact our work has on the community. Mayor Andy Schor and LEDC
Board Chair Calvin Jones visited several Rescue Fund grant recipients at their business locations
throughout the city. Overwhelmingly, the sentiment from small business owners was gratitude
and hopefulness. The LEDC is proud to support small businesses during this time of need.
I'
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Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and LEDC Chair Calvin Jones meet with small
business COVID-19 Rescue Fund recipients
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"The Rescue Fund allowed me to reopen in June and
have a fighting chance to survive this major pothole
of 2020. I've dedicated my life to creating a business
that reflects what made in America is about and
representing the culture of our community. This
funding gave me hope that I'm making a difference
and my self-sacrifice is worth it! Thank you!
Kathy Holcomb, Absolute Gallery
Very, very helpful! From March to June, we had almost
no revenue. This money was vital for utilities and
rent. We are SO grateful for this opportunity!
Steven R. Bohnet, Bohnet Electric
Our company feels cared for and valued as a family-
owned business in the City of Lansing. With the grant
we received, we are able to continue to pay our
employees and ease their financial burden and stress.
It reinforces our commitment to doing business in
Lansing where we've enjoyed 30 successful years.
BJ Rycus, Rycus Flooring
This grant was so helpful in meeting salaries and
expenses. Prices on supplies doubled in some items
especially meats. I was able to keep my staff working
during this time. We were closed the month of April
due to the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you for your
ongoing efforts and dedication to help small
businesses in the community to stay open. I am
grateful we are still open.
Alicia Gonzales, Alicia's Enterprises
My business has faced a lot of hardship in the past
few months. Starting from keeping up inventory and
amongst other variables, we were in need of some
financial boost. This grant means a lot to my family
business and now we are able to use it as working
capital to maintain stock and other essentials
required. Thank you to the City of Lansing for helping
out! This is a true testament that all the money I've
put into my business has not gone to waste!
Thankful and blessed!
Ryan Herfy 1910 Food Market
When Quality Awning had to shut down, we became
very concerned about what the future would hold.
We are a very small business that relies heavily on
summer months to get us through the slow winter
days. The Rescue Grant helped to relieve some of the
financial burden that was so uncertain. We were
able to retain our employees and have a successful
summer season. Thank you so much for your
generosity. We will never forget 2020 and those that
lent a helping hand.
Tom Caviston, Quality Awning
Small performance venues like ours have been
uniquely affected by the Pandemic. Since our
business is specifically designed to bring audiences,
artists, and communities together in a physical space,
we have faced an industry-wide shutdown. Our last
in-person show was March 12. 1 can only begin to
express how much worry, stress, and hardship the
Rescue Grant helped to allay. This grant allowed us
to cover the overhead of maintaining the business
over six months and gave us the space we needed to
plan for an uncertain future. We fully intend on
reopening when we can do so safely.
Dylan Rogers, The Robin Theal
Small Business Relief Funding Map
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•LEAP Michigan Small Business Restart Grants
•LEDC/City of Lansing COVID-19 Rescue Fund
LEAP Michigan Small Business Relief Loans
LEAP Michigan Small Business Relief Grants
•LEAP Michigan Small Business Survival Grants
16
The map on the previous page shows the City of Lansing business locations that have received
regional or city COVID-19 funding since March 2020. This map includes businesses that were
awarded Survival Grants in early 2021, as the program began in late 2020. This map can also be
viewed online.
The LEDC curated a contact list of over 1,000 City of Lansing small businesses since March 2020,
which we communicate with whenever new funding or assistance opportunities arise. We also
created a new web page, www.lansingmi.gov/smallbusiness, to serve as a gateway to many
local, state, and federal COVID-19 resources for small businesses. This site is regularly updated
to include new resources and funding opportunities relevant to City of Lansing small-business
owners.
Looking forward, the Small Business Recovery Program will continue to help small businesses
adapt to the long-term economic and social conditions resulting from the Pandemic. Small
businesses are a vital component of Lansing's community and economy, and the LEDC remains
committed to ensuring their success and recovery from COVID-19. Within Phase 3 of the
Lansing Small Business Recovery Program, the LEDC worked with the city to develop and is
currently implementing the Lansing CARES Small Business Assistance Program. The program
was developed in late 2020 and launched in early 2021 to provide forgivable loans to City of
Lansing small businesses. The LEDC will provide upfront funds for Lansing CARES loans and will
be reimbursed through Lansing's additional CDBG funding allotment through the CARES Act.
The LEDC will continue to work through Phase 3 of the Lansing Small Business Recovery
Program, seek additional opportunities to assist small businesses, and adapt our response
efforts as necessary.
Major LEDC Projects Approved in 2020
Despite the Pandemic, the LEDC's project work continued. Our robust project pipeline resulted
in the approval of three major projects in 2020, as well as the continued construction of many
significant real estate and business development projects throughout the city. While some
projects were delayed due to construction shutdowns related to COVID-19, construction quickly
resumed and all LEDC projects continue to move forward. The LEDC remains committed to
supporting transformative real estate and business development projects, and attracting new
investment to the City of Lansing.
17
Lansing Shuffleboard and Social Club
Coming to the Lansing Riverfront at the site of the ;
former Lansing City Market, the nearly$3 million
- •
Lansing Shuffleboard and Social Club project will
3
bring new life and vibrancy to downtown Lansing. �LL
Patio operations are set to begin in Spring 2021 and
full operation is slated for Spring 2022. The Lansing
Shuffleboard and Social Club will include a variety of
food and drink options from local food
entrepreneurs, full-sized shuffleboard courts, and Current View of Lansing City Market
community event space. This project will serve as a hub for delicious food and unique
entertainment and continue the momentum of riverfront activation, adding to the flourishing
lifestyle amenities in downtown Lansing. In late 2020, the LEDC approved a secured loan
through its Business Financing Assistance Program to support the start of operations. The LBRA
INSPIRATIONis also considering a request for project financing
to assist with the extensive investment needed to
make the building economically viable. The project
�. includes a full renovation of the Lansing City
Market building and the addition of a mezzanine
c r
level and further public amenities. The reactivation
of this vacant riverfront space will make Rotary
Park and the Lansing Riverfront a regional center
Interior Inspiration of Social Club for recreation and economic vitality.
Michigan Realtors Headquarters
The Michigan Realtors Headquarters project was approved by j
Lansing City Council for a 9-year brownfield in early 2020 and z will be completed in spring 2021. This project is estimated at
$9.2 million, which includes the demolition of the existing, --
functionally obsolete building at 700 N. Washington Avenue
and demolition of the building at 724 N. Washington Avenue. The Previous View of N. Washington Property
entire 1.46-acre property will be redeveloped to include a three-story, 19,443-square foot
commercial office building with a roof deck and 72 paved parking spaces. The development will
be constructed to provide space designed for the Michigan Realtors° headquarters with over
30,000 members statewide.
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The new building will provide space designed for hosting
programs, including workplace and conference space for
Michigan Realtors° staff and training/meeting space to
host dinners, continuing education seminars, committee
r meetings, and other events for members, stakeholders,
and partners from around the State. This new
development will bring visitors to downtown Lansing to
socialize, network, and work together.
Current View of N. Washington Property
The new building is on a highly visible gateway
property, on the newly established Saginaw Street CIA. Improved landscaping, sidewalks, and
parking will create a more inviting, clean appearance and allow for easier access to the site and
to Durant Park. Enhanced lighting on-site will allow for greater
safety. The project includes streetscape improvements with
expanded tree lawns and corner bump-outs with decorative
paving at the southeast and southwest corners of Washington
Avenue and Saginaw Street. Additional landscaping and
decorative paving at the southeast corner will provide a
transition to the project site. The plan was developed in
cooperation with the Public Service Department to extend Rendering of Future Michigan
streetscape improvements on both sides of Washington Avenue Realtors Headquarters and publicimprovements
north to Madison Street at the time sanitary sewers are replaced.
These improvements will enhance the aesthetics and curb appeal for Saginaw Street and
Washington Avenue, create a better connection to Durant Park, and a safer intersection for
both pedestrians and vehicles.
Allen Place Redevelopment
Located in Lansing's Eastside neighborhood at 1611 E.
Kalamazoo St, the Allen Place Redevelopment will bring a ' B ALL ERFLACE
greater sense of community to a well-deserving neighborhood.
With the rehabilitation of an existing two-story building and a -�
- 4
three-story addition, the $9 million project is already underway F
and is expected to be r=
complete by the end of
2021. Allen Place will create Groundbreaking on Allen Place
_ 21 units of age-friendly, mixed-income housing and over
24,000 square feet of new or renovated commercial
l IsA. space. Many services and programs will be offered to
produce an even stronger sense of community. Through
integrated programming with the Allen Neighborhood
Rendering of Future Allen Place Center's food and health services, residents can
19
participate in classes on cooking, dancing, gardening, or visit the weekly on-site market. While
these are just some of that the benefits Allen Place will offer, this redevelopment will continue
to drive the surrounding community's growth and prosperity. To assist with the development's
considerable redevelopment and environmental remediation costs, the LEDC helped secure an
Obsolete Properties Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) tax abatement and an $850,000 grant through
the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Major LEDC Projects Under Construction in 2020
Red Cedar Redevelopment
Located at 203 S. Clippert St, the first and second phases of this
$250 million project are well underway, creating a large, vibrant
mixed-use village along E. Michigan Ave. When finished, the
project will include housing, retail, public parking, a connection to
the Lansing River Trail, and an expected 300 new jobs. The housing
component consists of student housing, market-rate apartments,
and an assisted living facility, providing many patrons for the Previous View of Red Cedar
restaurants and retail spaces within the Red Cedar area and surrounding areas. A 20-acre park
with trails and water features will clean millions of gallons of rainwater runoff currently running
into the Red Cedar and Grand rivers, resulting in a cleaner riverfront for the public to walk
along, wade in, fish, canoe, and kayak for years to come.
The LBRA issued bonds that were sold to finance the
eligible public infrastructure improvements needed to
accommodate the new development. These bonds
are paid back over time from the increase in property
�- taxes that the developer will pay on the new
privately-owned development. The bonds were
structured so there is no risk to the LBRA or City to
_. make any bond payments if a shortfall in new
Progress on Red Cedar property taxes occurs in any future year. In the event
of a shortfall, the developer or development owners
are responsible for making bond payments.
pf
Renderings of Red Cedar Development
20
Temple Club Redevelopment
The $10.5 million redevelopment of one of Old Town's most storied buildings includes the
construction of 31 market-rate apartments, 3,000 square feet of first-floor office space, and
nearly 1,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space. Through a partnership with the
nonprofit organization Michigan Community Capital (MCC), this long-vacant and functionally
obsolete property, which has bested several developers in the past, is finally being revitalized.
With a two-story parking garage constructed next to the building, this project will shine a light
on this iconic building and key gateway between Old Town and the Northtown neighborhood,
paving the path for further redevelopment along E. Cesar Chavez Ave. This project was made
possible with the support of a Brownfield Plan and Accelerated Reimbursement Loan approved
by the LBRA. With the help of this local support, the project received MEDC and Michigan
Strategic Fund (MSF) approvals in 2020 for equity investment under the Community
Revitalization Program (MCRP). Interior demolition is well underway, and site preparation has
started. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2022.
_ 1
AAWA
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Jim
Progress of Interior Demolition Rendering of Future Temple Club
Volaris Lansing Apartments
Units are now leasing at this $52 million project located at 3600 Dunckel Rd. The development
is comprised of four four-story buildings with 286 market-rate multifamily apartments and is set
to house students and medical professionals working at the McLaren Hospital underway
nearby. All units are expected to be online by March 2021. The
project developer has also agreed to fund $500,000 in public
infrastructure improvements adjacent to the site. These funds will >
support public improvements and placemaking critical to the 11 „r 1 '`" I �
4
Collins Corridor, a priority area to support expanding the region's i ; ,10h. e9 wr
r , ' "1 N�,
MeclTech industry. This project was made possible through a 20- Iri�
year Brownfield Plan approved in 2019. The development should
be completed by June 2021, soon followed by the public
infrastructure to improve this gateway into Lansing. Current view ofvolaris
21
New McLaren Hospital and MedTech Corridor
This $601 million investment by McLaren of Greater Lansing in -.
the City of Lansing will become a centerpiece of the area's
flourishing medtech research corridor. To support the
development of the research corridor, LEAP and the LEDC
initiated a collaborative planning effort between the area's
many stakeholders, including the City of Lansing, Michigan „ y
State University, MSU Foundation McLaren Health Care, and t .
many others. This exciting effort continued through 2020 with progress of McLaren Hospital Construction
a corridor study in collaboration with an MSU Urban Planning
Practicum and the National Charrette Institute. The students' work laid the foundation for the
next step of branding and planning for the corridor, which will continue into 2021 with the
support of Landscape Architects and Planners, Inc.
- LEAP and the LEDC also continue to work with McLaren to
repurpose the two existing McLaren facilities in Lansing.
These two campuses offer great redevelopment
opportunities in South Lansing, and the LEDC is ready to
help make that happen.
Y
i
Rendering of McLaren Hospital
The Louie
After overcoming major barriers, renovation of the former Farnum
Building, renamed "The Louie," is nearly complete for tenants to move
in. Located at 123 W. Allegan St, the $20 million project is set to create �!
100 new jobs and retain 25 full-time equivalent (FTE)jobs in the city.
This former home of the Michigan Senate, which had been vacant for
several years, was outdated, functionally obsolete, and in need of
extensive asbestos abatement. A portion of the new taxes from this
project will go to the Lansing TIFA to finance public infrastructure in `
downtown Lansing. y
Current View of The Louie
22
Holmes St. School Building
After sitting vacant for nearly 20 years, a $2.8 million private
investment will rehabilitate the 31,000 square foot functionally
obsolete former school building at 1030 S. Holmes St. The ,
project will provide 40 new studio and one-bedroom
apartments and will greatly enhance the beauty in the area no
longer detracting from surrounding properties. Interior
demolition of the building is underway, and the developer T
received zoning approval in 2020 to pursue residential
development on the several acres of attached property. These Rendering of Holmes St.School
properties will be strengthened and attract investments, Building Rehabilitation
furthering improvements in the area.
Major LEDC Protects Completed in 2020
Capital City Market
This $41.5 million project in downtown Lansing is close to _
fully operational, with the new Meijer grocery store open
to the surrounding community, tenants occupying
apartments, and the hotel taking guests. The long-awaited
mixed-use development located at 600 E. Michigan Ave will
also include a bar and restaurant in the hotel.
Redeveloping a former gas station and former
contaminated industrial area into a clean, safe, and gleaming Exterior View of Capital City Market
new grocery store was
complex! To make this project happen, the LBRA
worked closely with the Gillespie Group and the State
of Michigan to acquire an extensive assistance
package, including a Brownfield Plan to reimburse
$10,432,172 in developer brownfield costs, a
�` $1,500,000 grant from the MEDC, and a $1,000,000
grant from EGLE. The project is also located in an
Opportunity Zone and utilized OZ investment.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
23
Metro Place Apartments
The LEDC and LBRA have persisted and persevered with
development projects, overcoming obstacles and challenges
over many years of effort. Few projects have been longer and75
more challenging than the Metro Place development! After j
ten years of trying, the LBRA, working with the City, EPA,
EGLE, and MEDC, was able to demolish and redevelop the
long-vacant and contaminated site into a four-story mixed-use "- ,�_ _,, N&Mftar
building with 145 apartments and first-floor commercial space, Previous View of Metro Place
which is now open for tenants. The LBRA loaned the developer $800,000 to safely demolish the
former YMCA building to make room for the new project.
The project's completion comes at a time when attracting
more residents downtown is critical to mitigating the loss of
office workers due to the Pandemic. Additionally, the
developer refinanced the building and repaid the LBRA loan
ten years ahead of schedule. Residents at Metro Place
Apartments will also benefit from the City of Lansing's
�r
upgrades to Reutter Park, including a new art sculpture
Completed View of Metro Place detailed in the "Public Art for Communities Grant" section of
this report.
Capital View Apartments
The majority of the 96 apartments at this $14.7 million project are leased. This 8-story building
also includes 1,300 square feet of retail space. Located at 310 N. Seymour Avenue, Capital
View, formerly Oliver Towers, had a troubled past. The building stood vacant for many years
after a fire in 2000 severely damaged the property. The property's deterioration was so drastic
that safe entry to the building required proper hazmat clothing and breathing apparatuses. The
apartment units give people with limited budgets the opportunity to live downtown and enjoy
all the amenities that go with it. This project is another great example of how the LBRA's
Brownfield program brings obsolete, vacant, and contaminated buildings back to life and helps
make Lansing a better place for all.
`4
`mom
Previous View of Capital View Completed View of Capital View
24
Provident Place
Located at 2216— 2224 E. Michigan Avenue, this project turned formerly vacant and
functionally obsolete buildings into new homes for residents and businesses. Currently, 85% of
the residential spaces are leased in this $7 million mixed-use development. Along with the
residential space, the four-story building provides 6,000 to 9,500 square feet of office and retail
space as well as underground parking. This LEDC/LBRA project is another big positive step
forward to link Lansing to East Lansing and MSU along the E. Michigan Corridor.
J
Previous View of Provident Place Completed View of Provident Place
515 Ionia/Belen Building
The complete mixed-use rehabilitation of two existing, functionally
obsolete buildings located in the immediate vicinity of the State
Capitol is now open for leasing. The buildings provide 4,500 square
feet of office and retail space as well as six market-rate residential
units, including the new home of local salon Hair United. This
project utilized the Brownfield Program, an LBRF loan, the 11►'
Michigan Community Revitalization Program, and PACE financing. ZURON ;
Construction on 515 Ionia
Extra Space Storage
Located at 930 W. Holmes, this $4.3 million redevelopment provides 100,000 square feet of
self-storage and $500,000 of public infrastructure improvements, including streetscape
improvements along Holmes Road and S. Washington Avenue. The former EDS building is no
longer the large and vacant property it once was. With new entranceways, the reduction of
several acres of asphalt parking lot, the addition of green space to alleviate drainage issues, and
new lighting in the public right-of-way, this location is a wonderful start to the beautification of
this key commercial center in South Lansing. The surrounding areas have struggled with
vacancy and lack of investment. However, improvements to this property spurred private
investment to flow into surrounding properties.
517 Coffee Company
517 Coffee Company is now open and serving customers out of the former Bake n' Cakes South
location at 6030 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. After struggling to open during the
economic uncertainties of 2020 and facing increased contractor costs, 517 Coffee needed a
25
new home to support roasting operations and retail storefront in one location. The LEDC also
helped 517 Coffee Company refinance an existing LEDC loan to outfit retail operations, expand
beverage options, and find a location where they now offer everything from freshly roasted
beans to a warm brew under one roof. This project is an excellent example of how the LEDC
works with small businesses to adapt to changing needs and find suitable locations.
Proiects In the Pipeline
Most economic development projects take several years to go from an idea (Lead)to a plan
(Prospect) to an approved project, and only then can construction begin. The journey from
initial conversation to ribbon-cutting is a long yet exciting one! Building relationships with local
companies and developers is vital to economic development projects. The LEDC has cultivated
long-term relationships with most of Lansing's mid and larger scale base industries. These
relationships continue to pay off as companies like Neogen, Emergent, Tecomet, Pratt &
Whitney, Niowave, GM, Jackson, AF Group, and many others continue to invest and grow in
Lansing. The City of Lansing is in a constant state of redevelopment, with old properties
becoming new places for people to live, work and enjoy life in Lansing. Thus, the LEDC's project
pipeline for 2021 remains robust, and we are eager to move these projects forward. These
projects have the potential to bring hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to Lansing, as
well as thousands of new jobs. We look forward to working with our partners to make these
projects happen in 2021.
Facade Improvement Program
The Facade Improvement Program assists business owners in making improvements to the
exterior of their commercial properties. Enhancements can include new siding, architectural
features, signage, lighting, awnings, and more. Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar
match to receive the grant, up to a maximum of$20,000. Additionally, a fagade design grant of
up to $2,000 is also available. The Design Grant provides a set of fagade designs for the
applicant's building. More information can be found here.
A Design Committee comprised of local design, building and safety, LEDC Board Members,
neighborhood, and business experts reviews and analyzes fagade project applications and
recommends projects for the Mayor's final approval. After fagade projects are successfully
completed, Mayor Schor hosts a ribbon-cutting at the business location, and the businesses'
story is featured through LEAP's communication channels and the City's social media channels.
Lansing City Council did not approve another round of fagade funding for the 2020/2021 fiscal
year, whereas, for the FY 2019/2020, they approved $162,500, which rolled over to
FY2020/2021. However, due to the Pandemic and construction industry disruptions, it was
difficult to get funds to small businesses. Amid the turmoil, many businesses could not invest in
their fagades and were instead focused on keeping operations going. However, the projects
listed in the table below were completed, $140,000 of the facade dollars were allocated, and
three previously approved projects were completed; Cedar Auto Sales, the Safety Council, and a
design grant for 1603 Turner Street. Approximately$425,000 of private investment has been
committed in fagades for the combined fiscal years of this program.
26
Project Name Address Investment
1603 Turner Street 1603 Turner Street $35,611
MICA 1210 Turner Street $21,600
Safety Council 3315 S. Pennsylvania Ave $4,306
Render Graphic Design 111 E Cesar E Chavez $9,900
1604 Massachusetts Avenue 1604 Massachusetts Avenue $30,615
Allen Neighborhood Center 1611 E Kalamazoo St $46,250
400 S. Pennsylvania Avenue;
Quality Dairy 5100 S Waverly $64,424
Kewpees 118 S Washington Sq $0
2208 East Michigan Ave. 2208 East Michigan Ave. $14,000
1145-1147 S. Washington
Saddleback & REO Pub Ave $73,290
Sleepwalker 1101 S. Washington Ave $3,288
IVIA
ri
Cedars Auto Sales
y
Cedars Auto Sales Before Cedars Auto Sales After
1603 Turner St. Before Rendering of 1603 Turner St.After
27
2020 Facade Improvement Projects
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Underway in 2020
• Completed in 2020
28
Corridor Improvement Authorities
In 2005, the Michigan Legislature enacted Public Act 280 (which is now called Act 57 of 2018),
the Corridor Improvement Authority Act, allowing cities, villages, and townships to create a
Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) to use tax increment financing (TIF) to make capital
improvements within an established commercial district.
The City has four Corridor Improvement Authorities. In 2009, Saginaw Street and Michigan
Avenue Corridor Improvement Authorities were established, and in 2019 both of their
Development and TIF plans were approved. Two new corridor improvement authorities were
established in 2019 on S Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and N Grand River Avenue.
Map of Corridor Improvement Authorities
-Z-�
Michigan Avenue
Saginaw Street
-North Grand River Ave(the Gateway Corridor)
-Sou th Martin Luther King,Jr.Bhd
(Boundaries shGwn on map are approximate)
29
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority(MACIA)
Established in November 2009
Development and Finance Plan approved in 2019
"Good health is contagious, Catch some on the East Side"
Members
Yvette Collins, Secretary
Joan Nelson
Joseph Ruth
Scott Gillespie
Jonathan Lum, Chair
Elaine Barr
Andrea McSwain, Vice Chair
Laurie Strauss Baumer,Treasurer
MACIA Overview:
Since the MACIA Development and TIF plan was approved by the Lansing City Council,
MACIA has continued working towards its goals. The CIA spent 2020 organizing all the
necessary administrative needs within the approved Development and Finance Plan. MACIA will
prioritize funds to accentuate and enhance new and existing infrastructure in line with the City
of Lansing's Capital Improvement Plan and conceptually focus on enabling multi-modal transit,
complete streets, and creating a sense of place. This scope includes the installation of benches,
trash cans, landscaping, pedestrian lighting, median treatments, bicycle racks, public art,
banners, wayfinding signage, and other placemaking elements. MACIA acknowledges the
benefit of cohesive planning, visioning and marketing identified properties and proposes to
correct and prevent deterioration by leading proactive activities like evaluating current
properties, engaging with current property owners, and assisting with marketing available
properties, when appropriate. With LEAP, the authority will identify and pursue city, state, and
federal incentives and any other applicable grant programs that align with the goals of MACIA.
MACIA proposes to offer incentives like facade grant programs, if funding is available, to assist
with building improvements and restoration. To protect existing corridor assets, MACIA
proposes to support and strengthen commercial code compliance and coordinate with the City
of Lansing and community-based organizations on events to clean and beautify the corridor.
MACIA will continue to work closely with community-based organizations and organized
neighborhood groups on community engagement and planning for projects on the corridor,
including the development of strategies for the transition between commercial and residential.
30
Saginaw Street Corridor Improvement Authority (SSCIA)
Established in August 2009
Development and Finance Plan approved in 2019
Members
Tiffany Dowling
Jonathan Lukco, Chair
Diane Sanborn, Treasurer
Jessica Yorko, Vice Chair
Jim Houthoofd, Secretary
SSCIA Overview:
The SSCIA Development and TIF Plan was approved by the Lansing City Council at the
end of 2019. SSCIA will focus on projects in four categories used by the National Main Street
Model: Design, Economic Restructuring, Organization, and Promotions/Marketing. The CIA
continues to reach out to business owners to fill two vacant spots within the authority. Like
MACIA's timeline, the SSCIA took 2020 to understand all the administrative efforts required
now that their Development plan is approved. SSCIA plans to work with the Saginaw St.
stakeholders to incorporate new and innovative features like adding greenery, trees, and public
spaces along both the Saginaw and Oakland corridors to support a variety of retail and other
businesses along the corridor. SSCIA will work towards building the Saginaw-Oakland corridor
into a healthy commercial core by commercial property code enforcement, filling vacant
buildings, facade improvement, and infill development on vacant parcels. The authority will
establish business recruitment programs and a revolving micro-loan fund to attract and assist
new businesses and development to the district. Additionally, to accomplish commercial
corridor revitalization, fundraising and volunteer development will be carried out. The authority
aims to market and brand the district to draw in a strong customer base, help businesses thrive,
create a unique gathering place for residents and visitors, and promote a positive image of the
Saginaw corridor through a variety of cooperative marketing. In the upcoming year and with
the tax revenue, the CIA plans to outline their goals to understand and create manageable
expectations that they will be able to accomplish.
South MILK Corridor Improvement Authority
Established in December 2019
Members
Aini Abukar, Vice Chair
Alexis Carnegie Dunham, Secretary
Don Sober
Jeffrey Johnson, Treasurer
Mike Skory
Nikki Soldan
Price Dobernick, Chair
31
S. MLK CIA Overview:
The S. MLK district and authority was established in December 2019 with the approval
of City Council. In 2020, the authority was able to fill seven of the eight board positions
primarily with residents, business owners, and property owners. The Pandemic shifted CIA
goals and timeline slightly, but the goals for the corridor remain in line with the City's Master
Plan and Capital Improvement Plan. The exploratory committee discussed several key areas to
focus on for the corridor in 2019:
• Improve connectivity to neighborhoods
• Revitalization of vacant spaces
• Multi-modal transportation
• Develop programs for business attraction and development
• Streetscape enhancement
The S.MLK CIA will continue to work on understanding the focus areas and needs for the
corridors in 2021 to create their Development and Finance Plan.
North Grand River Corridor Improvement Authority(The Gateway Corridor)
Established in December 2019
North Grand River Avenue CIA Overview:
Stakeholders and key players helped set the stage for creating and receiving final approval from
City Council in December 2019 to establish the North Grand River CIA. During 2020, the board
received several applications and continuously reached out to business owners, residents, and
property owners to populate the authority.
The North Grand River CIA (the Gateway Corridor) exploratory committees reviewed the City of
Lansing Master Plan and the Capital Improvement Program to help establish and align their
goals and priorities for the corridor:
• Create a welcoming and inclusive gateway corridor
• Establish a well-connected and accessible corridor
• Streetscape improvements
• Revitalization of empty buildings
• Form new programs for business development and attraction
In 2021, the board will populate the authority and start furthering the corridor's goals, which
will require input from corridor stakeholders, residents, business owners, and property owners.
32
Opportunity Zones Map of Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones (OZs) are a federal --
community development program y�
established by Congress in the Tax Cuts and
Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long-term
private sector investments in targeted
urban and rural communities nationwide.
The OZs program provides a tax incentive
Diu—
for investors to re-invest unrealized capital
gains into Opportunity Funds that are
dedicated to investing in designated OZs.
The City of Lansing has designated six OZs,
which are located throughout the city and
include 26,952 residents. These are priority
areas to attract investors and improve vital -
corridors in the city.
The City of Lansing continues to be an
7
Opportunity Zones leader. In 2020, the
LEDC unveiled an updated version of the
Lansing Opportunity Zones Prospectus,
which showcases all that the City of Lansing
and the Lansing region have to offer, and PA4k�
specific development opportunities within
� Cedar Edgewood District
OZs. The prospectus is a great tool to pitch South Downtown District
Old Town
Lansing and its OZs to potential investors Airport Gateway
and has been sent to investors across the Southwest District
0 Stadium District
nation. The prospectus can be found here.
Opportunity Zone Census Tract
In 2020, Lansing participated in the
Michigan Municipal League's Opportunity old Town 66
Zone Investor Summit, which featured
presentations from each of Michigan's Stadium District 66
urban core cities. The LEDC worked with
local developers Brent Forsberg and Jeff South Downtown 67
Deehan of Urban Systems to pitch Lansing
and two projects, the 600 Block and 800 Southwest District 37,36.02, 51
Block of Washington Ave redevelopments
located in the South Downtown Cedar Edgewood District 53.03
Opportunity Zone.
Airport Gateway 33.01
33
LEAP and the LEDC have created the Opportunity Zones Network with local and national
experts to educate and facilitate potential investors and developers interested in
businesses/properties in City of Lansing and regional OZs. Local and national financial
institutions, law firms, real estate development firms, community development organizations,
and municipalities are some of the members of the network.
More information about Opportunity Zones and an interactive map can be found at
https://www.purelansing.com/business/financing-and-incentives/opportunity-zones/.
Southwest Lansing Initiative
The Southwest Lansing Initiative began --�
in 2016 with the Southwest Lansing
Action Plan. The plan process, managed
by LEAP and the LEDC, outlined � -
community-driven steps to increase
investment, support businesses, and
create public amenities in the Pleasant
Grove and Holmes area. Following the _
opening of Beacon SW Soccer Field in ' � o
December 2018, Mayor Schor issued an Y`�
Executive Order to establish and
officially name Beacon Park in April ;
2019. In May 2019, a KaBOOM
Playground was installed by dozens of Site Plan of Beacon Park
community volunteers.
Throughout 2019, planning continued for additional investments in community amenities and
in 2020, the long-anticipated creation of a Town Square at Pleasant Grove Plaza was completed,
as was a walking path around Beacon Park. Several other efforts continue in 2021, including
additional beautification and naturalization at Beacon Park, fagade improvements for
businesses surrounding Pleasant Grove Plaza commercial center, and furthering development
plans for the former Pleasant Grove School site.
In December 2019, Ferguson Development announced plans to work with the City and LEDC to
redevelop the former Pleasant Grove School at the intersection of Pleasant Grove and Holmes.
Plans include the development of a medical services facility, additional community and
commercial space, and potential residential units. The property's redevelopment has been a
primary focus of the Southwest Lansing Initiative and this announcement is a positive step
toward achieving significant private investment in Southwest Lansing.
Business Financing Assistance Program
The LEDC's Business Financing Assistance Program provides low-interest loans to small
businesses looking to enhance their current business or location but struggle to access
traditional capital. With the variety of grant and forgivable loan programs for small businesses
34
in the wake of COVID-19, many businesses and entrepreneurs have secured financing from
other programs rather than the BFAP, shifting the LEDC's small business funding priorities
toward COVID-19 response. However, the program remains available for interested small
businesses.
As described in the "Projects Completed in 2020" section, a BFAP loan was first approved for
517 Coffee Company in November 2018. The company's original location fell through, and the
LEDC assisted them in relocating to the former Bake N Cakes South facility, which was also a
former facade grant recipient. 517 Coffee plans to refinance its loan in early 2021, allowing for
additional funds to support renovations and startup at their new location.
EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant
Brownfields properties include former industrial sites, closed gas stations, dumps, or other sites
that are vacant or underutilized due to contamination, perceived contamination, or blight. The
cleanup and revitalization of brownfields provide many community benefits, including
protection of public health and the environment, opportunities for economic development,
opportunities to grow advanced manufacturing and create jobs, neighborhood improvement,
opportunities for the creation of parks and community spaces, protect our shared water
resources, and other benefits.
The Lansing region, including the LBRA, the City of Lansing, the City of East Lansing, Clinton
County, Eaton County, and Ingham County have collaborated to revitalize brownfields and
secure more resources to redevelop these sites to improve the environmental health of
individual communities and the broader region. These entities formed the Lansing Regional
Brownfields Coalition (LRBC) to address the many challenging brownfield sites throughout our
region. The LRBC was awarded a $500,000 EPA Coalition Assessment Grant in FY2015 with the
LBRA as the applicant in partnership with the region. The FY2015 grant has been fully expended
and funded vital assessment activities at 42 brownfield sites throughout the region; 17 are
located in the City of Lansing, including the LorAnn Oils expansion, Capital View Apartments,
and the Provident Place Development on Michigan Avenue.
In June 2019, the LRBC was awarded another grant from the EPA totaling $600,000 for
brownfield revitalization. Property owners and developers can apply through a project intake
form for hazardous substance and/or petroleum-based Phase I and Phase II environmental
assessments, Due Care Plans, Baseline Environmental Assessments, and more. The grant
window is open from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2022, and project intake requests are
reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis for potential approval. More information, as well as
the Project Intake Form, can be found at http://www.purelansing.com/epa.
In 2020, nine grants were awarded to projects in the City of Lansing, totaling $154,690 of grant
funds. The projects supported amount to $82,887,059 in private investment. These projects can
be seen in the table on the following page.
35
EPA Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant
BF-OOE02710-0
City of Lansing Only
Projected Job Projected Job Projected Contracted Total Assessment
Project Name Address City Grant Type Planned Redevelopment Consultant
Creation Retention Investment Activities Cost
TGC- Michigan Ave Commercial Office 1703-1717 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing HazSub Demolition and 2020 construction of 2 Phase I, Phase II,0 30 $ 6,000,000 Triterra $ 18,000.00
story,25k SF commercial office building ACM/HazMat
Walter French Redevelopment 1900 S.Cedar St. Lansing HazSub Mixed-use:74 apartments, retail, 5 $ 21,889,385 Phase I,ACM, LBP PM $ 50,000.00
community space,2021 pending LIHTCs
Comerica Building 101 N.Washington Sq. Lansing HazSub Rehab of floors,new tenant(s) 20 $ 10,000,000 Phase I, HazMat Triterra $ 10,700.00
Pablo's ReoTown Building 1102 S.Washington Ave. Lansing Petro Restaurant/Bar 12 $ 600,000 Phase I, BEA, DCP,SSD PM $ 15,050.00
Upgrade to Class A industrial site Phase I, II, BEA,
Enterprise Drive 5643 Enterprise Dr. Lansing HazSub through public-facing improvements, i.e. 0 50 $ 150,000 PM $ 27,210.00
landscaping, lighting,surface lot,etc. DCP;BEA, DCP
`160 units,
Lofts at Dodge Park 1506 N.Grand River Lansing HazSub Mixed-use, 0 $ 37,647,674 Phase I, HazMat SME $ 17,000.00
restaurants/enterainment hub
808 Southland 808 Southland Ave. Lansing HazSub Reactivate vacant industrial building 5 24 $ 600,000 Phase II,Soil/Gas PM $ 16,730.00
Sampling
1325 E.Jolly Rd. 1325 E.Jolly Rd. Lansing HazSub New fagade/interior renovation for 45 $ 3,000,000 Triterra $ -
cannabis processing
603 E. Michigan Ave. 603 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing HazSub Building expansion 2 2 $ 3,000,000 Triterra $ -
9 89 106 $ 82,887,059 $ 154,690
2020 EPA Assessment Grant Projects
Tal
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MEDC Site Readiness Grant
The MEDC Site Readiness grant program provides funds for Michigan communities to prepare
key industrial sites for development. In 2019, the LBRA was awarded a $75,000 match from the
MEDC for site preparation activities at a key South Lansing site. Work on the property began in
late 2019 and continued through August 2020. The environmental and site preparation work
this grant supported was necessary before development on the property. The findings will
inform any future projects on that site.
Public Art for Communities Grant
LEAP's Public Art for Communities Grant Program provides funding for strategically placed,
permanent public art pieces throughout the Lansing region. The program is a proven economic
development tool as LEAP works to attract businesses and residents to the region. Funded art
pieces are located in high-visibility locations that have the potential to impact business
attraction, retention, and economic development. In previous years, this grant has funded
additional Lansing pieces including the "Let Me In" mural in downtown Lansing as well as the
impressive "Gateway to Inclusion" sculpture at the Capital Region International Airport. In
2020, the LEDC applied for LEAP's Public Art for Communities Grant on behalf of the City of
Lansing. Out of a record number of applicants, Lansing was chosen to receive a $10,000 grant.
The LBRA also approved a match of up to $5,000 to support eligible activities related to the
project.
The Public Art for Communities grant was used to fund a new
public art piece in the northeast corner of Reutter Park, at the =
corner of South Capitol Avenue and West Kalamazoo Street.
The area directly adjacent to the park is undergoing a rapid
transformation: two new mixed-use housing developments
supported by the LBRA will add over 300 new housing units to ---
� - State Capitol
the neighborhood by 2022, half of which came online in 2020. —•, - ,;� '
Art Location Downtown
The Metro Place development and the 500 Block ,
redevelopment will both add apartments adjacent to the park, j
and ample commercial and office space will be included as Metro Place
well. Interest in renovating Reutter Park has surged in a.
anticipation of the new residents, visitors, and businesses
500 Block
coming into the area. The park's location means it will serve as
the gateway to downtown Lansing. Revitalization of Reutter
Park is critical to continue the area's forward momentum and
to create a welcoming environment Map of New Art Piece Location
for all who use the park.
Following 2019's public listening sessions and this year's public RFP process, local sculpture
artist Doug DeLind was selected to create the art piece for Reutter Park. DeLind has 45 years of
experience, is a graduate of Michigan State University, and is currently associated with the
Residential College of Arts and Humanities, where he has worked with organizations such as the
Refugee Development Center and Peckham.
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"As a child, I can remember our father loading us all in the car on hot summer nights for a trip
to watch the multicolored fountain at Reutter Park," said DeLind. "Looking back on it, the park
at that time was very much like a public square, on open space free of traffic where children
could run, and parents could relax and chat. Today, I am happy to be part of a project that will
return Reutter Park to the energizing and safe place I enjoyed 70 years ago."
DeLind's proposal will create a 5-foot-tall, bronze totemic figure holding an artistic
representation of the words "The People's Park" above its head. The design of these words will
be created from a collaboration with the fourth-grade students from the Mt. Hope STEAM
School. DeLind explained, "[The students] will draw pictures of themselves in their favorite
activity (children at play) and I will use their drawings to create an alphabet for the welcome to
the park sign, "The People's Park." It is important to me that STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art, Math) be recognized as an educational path that children be given an
important role in the future of the park. I would like to thank Principal Ray Freeze II, Kayla
Carnaghi, and her fourth-grade class for their willingness to support and work with me on this
project." The art piece is currently being fabricated and is slated for installation in Spring 2021.
Marketing and Promotion
In 2019, the LEDC began marketing efforts to inform the public of the LEDC's involvement in
Lansing's development projects. Throughout 2020, the LEDC continued these efforts, pivoting
to promote the LEDC's involvement in small business COVID-19 recovery by creating new
promotional signs for Rescue Fund awardees to display, collaborating with the Mayor's Office
to launch a social media campaign illustrating the impacts of these grants, and creating a new
web page at www.lansingmi.gov/smallbusiness to inform businesses of LEDC, regional, and
state programs the LEDC can assist them with.
LANSING SMALL BUSINESS
RECOVERY PROGRAM
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COV10 = 19
RESCUE FUND
The LEDC also continues to work on upgrading its presence on the City of Lansing website,
including success pages for previous projects. The LEDC also continued to work with the City's
Economic Development and Planning office to promote Mayor Schor's Build Lansing Initiative.
The Build Lansing Initiative aims to spur development in several key city-owned properties and
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catalog and make available publicly owned sites throughout Lansing. The development of these
publicly owned properties will put them back on city tax rolls, attract new residents and
businesses to Lansing, and catalyze increased economic activity. The LEDC worked with LEAP
and the City to create a landing page at www.lansingmi.gov/buildlansing and to add Zoom
Prospector property profiles for the City's priority sites. These profiles can be found through the
City of Lansing's Build Lansing webpage or LEAP's regional site selection tool:
https://www.purelansing.com/sites. The LEDC will work with the City to issue RFIs for three of
these sites in early 2021.
Looking Forward to Helping Small Businesses 2021
As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues, the LEDC remains focused on supporting Lansing's small
businesses in navigating these challenging times. Through the Lansing Small Business Recovery
Program, the LEDC will adapt its response to the Pandemic as necessary and provide as much
assistance as possible to support our local economy. In 2021, the Lansing Small Business
Recovery Program will fund small businesses through the Lansing CARES Small Business
Assistance Program, the Economic Recovery Resource Developer contract will hopefully gain
new resources for LEDC and city programming, and the LEDC will continue to inform and
support business owners with applications for regional and statewide opportunities, such as the
MEDC's Survival Grants. The Survival Grant Program was developed in December 2020 and
ultimately awarded 50 City of Lansing businesses with grants in 2021, amounting to an
additional $750,000 for our city's small business owners.
The LEDC's long history of economic development in Lansing laid a strong foundation of
resiliency, which is shown in our work this year. Despite the Pandemic, project work and
existing programming continue, and Lansing remains a great place for real estate and business
investment. The LEDC fully expects economic activity will increase throughout 2021 as recovery
from the Pandemic continues. This increase is already evident in our pipeline full of new
projects located throughout the City of Lansing, which the LEDC stands ready to support
through public-private partnerships. We will continue to attract investment to benefit the
Lansing community. 2021 will be a year of resiliency, hope, inclusion, and creativity in Lansing's
economic development.
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