Capital Gains - Development News

All Star Cards more than quadruples space in new W. Saginaw store

Natalie Burg — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Nathan Young has been into collectables since he was five years old and his grandfather tossed him his first pack of baseball cards. Now, after 20 years in business, his All Star Cards has expanded into a new, larger location on W. Saginaw.

All Star Cards began in a small shop on Michigan Ave. two decades ago. After moving a couple of times, Young transitioned out of his 600 to 700 square foot Cedar St. location into his new 4,500 square foot space at 6119 W. Saginaw.

The new location opened on April 1, and the additional space allows Young to carry an expanded inventory, better organize his selection of cards, comics, toys, DVDs and other collectibles, as well as gives his customers more room to sit down and look through cards.

"I'm now able to give the collecting community a full line of supplies, and place to be able to relax and shop and not be bothered," says Young.

All Star Cards also carries hobby supplies and gaming cards.

Source: Nathan Young, All Star Cards
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Grand Rapids pizzeria to open downtown East Lansing location

Natalie Burg — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Another popular Grand Rapids destination is coming soon to East Lansing. Just as construction on the new HopCat is getting underway, Peppino's Pizzeria and Sports Grill has announced it will occupy an approximately 11,500 square foot space in St. Anne's Lofts. The restaurant will include a first-floor dining area, as well as a second floor with a patio and three-season bar area and retractable garage doors.

"The upstairs will be the smaller portion, but it'll be a really happening spot," says Eric Tuinstra, Peppino's chief marketing officer. "Overall, it should look and feel a lot like our downtown location, with the brick, the televisions and the wood panel ceilings."

The pizzeria specializes in fresh, handmade foods. Tuinstra says opening an East Lansing location made sense, considering how many of their Grand Rapids-area patrons are MSU fans, and have suggested a Peppino's near campus would do well.

"We just kept hearing that people [in downtown East Lansing] were starving for a good place to eat, with good, real food that is reasonably priced," says Tuinstra.

The East Lansing location will be the fourth full-service Peppino's Pizzeria, joining restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids, south Grand Rapids and Allendale. The franchise also includes six carryout restaurants.

The Peppino's franchise is owned by founder Joe DiLeonardo, and the East Lansing location will be operated by franchisee Kris Elliot. Tuinstra expects the new restaurant will employ between 65 and 75 workers and will open in August.

Source: Eric Tuinstra, Peppino's Pizzeria
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Hannah's Koney Island owner to open Athena's Diner on S. Cedar

Natalie Burg — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Fans of Greek cuisine will have a new place to get their fix when the new Athena's Diner opens on S. Cedar St. in the former Jon's Country Burger building. The new restaurant, which will serve both Greek and American fare, will be owned by local restaurateur, Anton Prenaj.

Area diners may be familiar with Prenaj's restaurant of eight years, Hannah’s Koney Island in East Lansing's Hannah Plaza. The new Athena's Diner, says Prenaj, will be both similar to and different from his existing restaurant.

"We will have great food, and our service will be very nice," he says. "It's not going to be a Coney Island, but it will be a family diner."

Prenaj hopes to open Athena's Diner in about one month, and expects to employ a staff of about 15 employees.

Source: Anton Prenaj, Athena's Diner
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Great Lakes Capital Fund expands into renovated REO Town building

Natalie Burg — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The REO Town-based Great Lakes Capital Fund may not have moved their headquarters far in terms of distance, but the nonprofit community development finance organization's new digs are helping them move forward in a big way. The GLCF's new space in the recently redeveloped historic building at 1118 S. Washington Ave. gives the organization more space, new amenities and expanded communications technology.

"From a technological standpoint, we'll be able to do a lot more with our staff, and also with our partners and our investors," says Kelly R. Bernero, GLCF advocacy and public relations specialist. "We're looking forward to suing video conferencing in training, and to connect with people all over the country on a more personal basis."

The new space also includes a workout facility and showers and a larger conference room and collaboration areas for GLCF staff. The non-profit employs about 50 employees nationwide, including 35 in the Lansing office. Between 2011 and 2012, GLCF hired 14 new employees.

GLCF is also expanding its programming with the recent launch of Develop Michigan, a not-for-profit development finance organization, created in partnership with the State of Michigan and the Development Finance Group.

"Development Michigan will be one of the partners that transforms some of the larger development project in the state," says Bernero.

The GLCF will share some space in the former Michigan Electric Building with Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. A forthcoming restaurant and luxury apartment will also be located in the 27,000 square foot, 1901 building.

Source: Kelly R. Bernero, Great Lakes Capital Fund
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Bikram Yoga Capital Area to be region's first, opening in East Lansing

Natalie Burg — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Ann Chrapkiewicz still remembers how she felts after her first Bikram Yoga class in 2003.

"My whole body seemed to be functioning in a different way," she says. "I felt so good so quickly that I couldn't stay away."

Chrapkiewicz immediately began practicing six days a week, and a year later attended Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Los Angeles. After teaching at Bikram Yoga studios throughout the state, she's now opening her own business, Bikram Yoga Capital Area (BYCA) right in East Lansing's Brookfield Plaza.

The 3,600 square foot studio is now under construction, transforming from a former grocery store space to a studio for yoga practiced at 105-degree heat and 40 percent humidity. The renovations include flooring, lighting, a new sound system, mirrors, new showers and changing rooms.

Chrapkiewicz, who moved to the area five years ago to begin work on a doctoral degree in anthropology at MSU, says the nearest Bikram Yoga studio is 60 miles away.

Bikram Yoga students all around the state of Michigan have been asking for a studio here for nearly as many years," says Chrapkiewicz. "So, after a long wait, the capital region and MSU will have access to this yoga."

BYCA will open in mid-June offering more than Bikram's Beginning Yoga class 30 classes each week. The studio will begin with a staff of five teachers with the support of four out-of-town instructors teaching occasional classes.

Source: Ann Chrapkiewicz, Bikram Yoga Capital Area
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Park Dental Okemos opens in Doctor's Approach building

Natalie Burg — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The healthcare services at the new Doctor's Approach building in Okemos have expanded with the opening of Park Dental Okemos inside the facility. The practice is owned by Dr. Wallace Walker, who has practiced dentistry in the Metro Detroit area for more than 30 years.

Park Dental Okemos offers traditional family dentistry, as well as additional services some dentists refer out to other practices, including wisdom teeth removal.

"Dr. Walker has taken courses to expand his knowledge," says Veronica Isham, office manager for Park Dental Okemos. "He does that continuously."

In addition to extra services, Isham says what makes Dr. Walker's practice unique is his laid-back, friendly personality.

Park Dental Okemos opened on March 1 and is currently open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and the first Saturday of each month and employs a staff of four. Isham says Dr. Walker hopes to expand to fulltime hours as the new practice grows.

Source: Veronica Isham, Park Dental Okemos
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Family ice cream business connects with community in Dewitt

Natalie Burg — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Dalman family has long had a dream of running an ice cream shop, and now that plan has come to fruition in their hometown of Dewitt with iScream. The new 1,000 square foot shop serves ice cream, soft serve and low-calorie, high-vitamin smoothies.

"We are in the center of Dewitt," says Max Dalman, who manages the store owned by his parents. "We're right by the schools, and are tons of neighborhoods over here."

The Dalmans have been working on iScream since last fall, and the ice scream shop opened about a month ago. The shop currently employs a staff of eight. Despite the snowy weather during their opening, the community has come out to support the business, and they've found themselves even busier than expected.

The concept of iScream includes reciprocating that community support. The Dalmans also have a smoothie booth that they bring to local events to offer smoothies to attendees. The organization running the event receives a portion of the proceeds of every smoothie sold.

"We're in it for the fun," says Dalman. "We're trying to keep prices as low as we can and offer the best we can to the community."

Source: Max Dalman, iScream
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift to open in 10,000 sq ft W. Saginaw space

Natalie Burg — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

City Rescue Mission has long utilized their clothing distribution center to provide garments to people in need. The local non-profit will soon be expanding their reach into the used clothing industry with the launch of City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift on West Saginaw.

"We have so many people who want to support the rescue, we have stuff we have to give away," says Executive Director Mark Criss. "We decided to be better stewards of the donations by opening a thrift store."

Though City Rescue Mission will continue to provide free clothing to those in need, the new, 10,000 square foot thrift shop will allow the non-profit to give people a new way to support their mission, by shopping, donating or volunteering to help out.

City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift is a partnership between City Rescue Mission and Holland-based Rescue Mission Alliance. The shop is set to open on May 7, with a grand opening planned for June 5. In addition to providing upscale clothing items and both new and used furniture, Criss hopes the store will help City Rescue Mission spread the word about what the non-profit does.

"We sheltered 142 people per night last year," says Criss. "About 90 of them were women and children at our shelter on S. Cedar Street. Most people are only familiar with our shelter on Michigan Ave. for men."

Work on City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift has been underway for two years. In addition to being staffed by volunteers, the shop will employ four workers.

Source: Mark Criss, City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

87-year-old Apothecary Shop opens new Grand Ledge location

Natalie Burg — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

For 87 years, the Apothecary Shop has been serving the Lansing community. When an independent pharmacist in Grand Ledge retired and sold his business to a big box pharmacy, it became an opportunity for the long established business to expand it reach.

"We have seen [Grand Ledge] customers driving all the way up to Lansing to see us because they like the service of the independent pharmacy," says Nag Yeasu, pharmacist with the new Apothecary Shop at Grand Ledge. "We decided we had the opportunity to open our second location."

The new Apothecary Shop opened in April in a 1,400 square foot location on Charlevoix Dr. in Grand Ledge. It's proximity to other, big name pharmacies, says Nag Yeasu will work as a benefit to the new store.

"People have to come to this corner to get their medicine already," says Yeasu. "If they know that this is the best service in the town, they will go to the independent pharmacy."

Those exclusive services include home delivery of medications, quick turnaround on prescriptions and personal customer service from a consistent staff. The Apothecary Shop also offers a service that many pharmacies long ago abandoned: mixing custom compounds for patients with special prescription needs. Yeasu adds that clients can always expect a human to answer the phone.

The Apothecary Shop will celebrate its grand opening today. The pharmacy currently employs a staff of four, and Yeasu hopes to grow that number as the business continues to develop.

Source: Nag Yeasu, Apothecary Shop of Grand Ledge
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Advance Auto Parts opens 6,800 sq ft Mason store

Natalie Burg — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

If doubling their sales goals in the first two weeks of being open is any indication of how well Advance Auto Parts will do in Mason, things are looking pretty good for the new 6,800 square foot store.

"It's got a very large footprint so we can get a lot of different part numbers in store," say Matthew Kleinknecht, general manager. "We have the same number of part numbers as our two local competitors combined."

The new store opened on April 19, after being in the works for several years. According to Kleinknecht, the national brand researched the former video store location some time ago, but the downturn in the economy slowed the opening of new Advance Auto Parts stores. After approval last year, work began on the Mason location in January.

"We've been welcomed with open arms," says Kleinknecht. "It's been phenomenal."

The new Advance Auto Parts employs a staff of 10 team members. They offer free battery and wiper blade installation and can check engine lights on 1996 vehicles and newer.

Source: Matthew Kleinknecht, Advance Auto Parts
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

New contemporary Italian restaurant seeks to bring new dining experience to Okemos

Natalie Burg — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

A different kind of restaurateur is planning to bring a different kind of dining experience to the Lansing area with Tannin, a new restaurant coming to Marsh Rd. in Okemos this spring.

"We love interesting, novel food for their own sake," says Tannin owner Chris Roelofs. "We hope to make money, but our goal, first and foremost, is to make great food."

Roelofs was a Ph.D. candidate in political theory while working at a restaurant in Williamston before taking the leap to going into business for himself. He and partner James Sumpter hope to add something new to the Lansing dining scene.

"We really want to raise the level of food discourse in the area," says Roelofs. " One of the many aspirations I have is to produce a level of food that would be considered excellent in any location."

Tannin will open in a 2,500 square foot space on Marsh Rd. in late May. The restaurant will feature a unique menu of contemporary Italian dishes as well as influences by other cultures. Roelofs says in-house ingredients will be key to their identity, and even on-site cured meats and cheeses will be integrated into the menu over the next six months to two years.

Tannin will employ 15 to 20 workers upon opening.

Source: Chris Roelofs, Tannin
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

NBO Medical expands into new 6,000 sq ft office

Natalie Burg — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

NBO Medical launched in Lansing two years ago with the idea that people needed better access to a new treatment option for neuropathy. Now, with offices in Brighton, Flint, Grand Rapids and Naples, Florida, NBO Medical has serviced 5,000 patients suffering from numbness, pain, tingling and discomfort. That number is set to rise with NBO Medical's expansion into a larger facility on Belle Chase Way.

The quick expansion of NBO Medical is undoubtedly connected to its innovative treatment of neuropathy, which treats nerve damage, rather than attempting to mask symptoms through medication. Though medication is still considered the conventional treatment for neuropathy, says NBO Medical founder Dr. Paul DeWeiss, it comes with side effects, and it is only beneficial in about half of patients.

"Because of the way neuropathy is currently treated, people have this chronic, degenerative condition, so their life shrivels up," says DeWeiss. "They stop playing tennis, they stop walking the dog, they aren't as socially active, so there is a lot of insolation and depression. It's been very gratifying to see people get their life back."

NBO Medical opened the doors to their new 6,000 square foot facility in December. That's quite a jump from the company's original, 400 square foot office in East Lansing. After outgrowing their first office, NBO moved to Jolly Road, but now plans to continue to grow in their new location.

Now with a staff of 15, DeWeiss says his staff has grown about 25 percent over the past year, and he expects continued growth in the future. The Lansing facility is home to both his local practice, as well as the administrative staff servicing all of his offices. DeWeiss plans to grow his number of offices, including a future Florida office, as well as a possible forthcoming partnership with a Metro Detroit area hospital.

Source: Dr. Paul DeWeiss, NBO Medical
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Buttons and Beanstalks brings kiddie chic to Williamston

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

As a stay-at-home mom, Danielle Mackay loved to shop for her kids at children's boutiques, but kept running into the same problem: there just weren't enough options for boys. As both of Mackay's children are boys, this posed a problem for a boutique shopper like herself that she was determined to solve. Her answer was opening Buttons and Beanstalks.

"I do everything one-for-one between girls and boys," says Mackay. "I carry a lot of accessories that are really hard to find. I hand-make a lot of the hair ties and ties for little boys."

The children's boutique began online about a year ago, and has now expanded into a physical shop in Williamston's Keller Plaza. The new Buttons and Beanstalks opened on April 13 in a 220 square foot shop.

"I like that it is all indoors," Mackay says. "The size of the space is perfect."

Mackay now operates the shop on limited hours, but hopes to soon expand into full retail hours. She anticipates hiring up to three employees once Button and Beanstalks has expanded its hours.

Source: Danielle Mackay, Buttons and Beanstalks
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Local firm to begin second Michigan Ave. mixed-use development

Natalie Burg — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Wolf Development is on a roll in East Lansing. As the local firm is completing an estimated $2.9 million mixed-use project on Michigan Ave. that includes 16 new apartments, they have announced a similar project will soon be underway right next door on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Louis St. on the site of a current BP gas station.

"We really have found East Lansing is a very reasonable place to work," says Mike Dowdle of Wolf Development. "They make clear what they want, and it's a clear, clean communication back and forth."

The four-story, 36,000 square foot development will include 39 residential units, including one and two-bedroom apartments. The first floor will include 1,200 square feet of commercial space for lease.

Dowdle expects construction on the project to begin in July or August of this year and to be completed in July 2014. The exterior will be similar to the neighboring development now underway, with enough variation to keep things interesting, Dowdle says.

Creating an aesthetically pleasing entrance to East Lansing along the region's most development-focused corridor is one of the attractions for Wolf Development to continue investing on Michigan Ave.

"This was a great opportunity, because in the end, between the print shop and the gas station, this was probably the least attractive part of the drive down Michigan Ave.," says Dowdle. "Now, we believe it'll be the most attractive. Everybody wins."

The neighboring development is set to be finished in July. All units have been leased. Dowdle says Wolf Development plans to continue developing in East Lansing in the future.

Source: Mike Dowdle, Wolf Development
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

MSU to foster collaboration with $60.8 million Bio Engineering Building

Natalie Burg — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

A new $60.8 million facility that aims to foster collaboration among Engineering, Human Medicine and Natural Science is moving forward on Michigan State University's campus. The new Bio Engineering Facility was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees this month.

"You get a lot of synergy by getting these interdisciplinary groups together," says David DeWitt, associate dean for research for MSU's College of Natural Science. "The sum of the parts is greater than the pieces themselves."

The Bio Engineering Building has been under development for about six years. The four-story, 130,000 square foot facility will include office and open laboratory space. The effort to connect related areas of research together is nothing to MSU, says DeWitt. The college has previously combined bio chemistry and agriculture teams to collaborate on projects that make sense from the lab to farmers' fields.

"I think this is a really good investment," says DeWitt. "It'll be a good opportunity for us to do some new research in translational medicine that will have an effect on people's health."

MSU is awaiting $30 million in funding from the State of Michigan to fund the project. Approval from the state is expected in May, and DeWitt hopes to break ground in late July or early August. Construction is expected to take about two years.

Source: David DeWitt, MSU College of Natural Science
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

American Board of Emergency Medicine expanding facility by 6,000 sq ft

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

When the American Board of Emergency Medicine found they were outgrowing their East Lansing building, the national organization with board members on both coasts and a testing site in Chicago could have moved anywhere.

"When we first started their master planning almost two years ago, they really spent some time looking at where they wanted to be located," says Alan Goschka of Bergmann Associates. "They did their due diligence and decided that East Lansing was the best place for their home. They are very proud of their facility."

That's good news for East Lansing, as well as Bergmann Associates, which is now managing the renovation and expansion of the ABEM's facility. First built in 1993, the 13,000 square foot building is receiving a 6,000 square foot addition.

In addition to the extra space, Bergmann Associates have worked with local office interior experts DBI to renovate the existing space so the organization can make better use of the original portion of the facility.

"Times are changing, and how people are working are changing," Goschka. "We gave them smaller, more efficient work stations but gave them more conference spaces."

Work on the project began about two weeks ago and Goschka the renovation will be complete by the end of the year. ABEM will continue to work from the facility throughout the duration of the project.

Source: Alan Goschka, Bergmann Associates
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Edtior

ServiceMaster Clean rebuilds in Mason, grows staff by five

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

After the loss of their building to fire nearly a year ago, ServiceMaster Clean of Mason has broken ground on a new 15,000 square foot facility. What's more, the family-owned business has managed to keep going, and even grow in the interim.

"We're doing better than we ever have, actually," says Jesce Howard, president of ServiceMaster Clean.

Howard's parents opened ServiceMaster Clean, a cleaning and restoration company, 22 years ago. After the fire, the business was able to temporarily relocate next door. After expanding into janitorial services, the company added five new employees, bringing the staff total to 25.

The new $700,000 facility will be much like the original, but about 1,000 square feet larger with an additional story. The extra room will be used for expanded classroom space in which ServiceMaster will host training sessions for the insurance industry.

Work on the new building is now underway, and is expected to be completed by October.

Source: Jesce Howard, ServiceMaster Clean
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

CBRE|Martin signs 45,000 sq ft of space in Park Place Office Park

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

March was turned out to be a stellar month for East Lansing's Park Place Office Park, which secured two new tenants that together will occupy 45,000 square feet of the commercial property.

"They were both significant transactions in the marketplace," says Eric Rosekrans, senior vice president with CBRE|Martin. "They happened independent of each other, but both tenants were out looking for large suits and Park Place just happened to have what that needed. The Class A market in Lansing is very tight."

The two new tenants are Coverys, a medical professional liability insurance company, and CLEAResult, an energy optimization firm based in Austin, Tex. The companies will occupy 26,000 and 18,500 square feet respectively, and both plan to move into the office park this summer. Both offices are moving from existing Lansing-area locations, and Rosekrans says the ability to expand in their new spaces was a factor for both growing businesses.

The Park Place Office Park was built in the early 2000s and offers a total of about 105,000 square feet of space for tenants. After the new tenants enter the complex, just 12,000 square feet will remain vacant. Rosekrans says the space would be ideal for a variety of tenant types, such as attorneys, associations, insurance companies or medical practices.

"It's a wide ranging and flexible type of space," Rosekrans says. "If you want anybody in particular going into a project like this, you want someone in growth mode."

Source: Eric Rosekrans, CBRE|Martin
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Panopoulis Salon grows staff in new Eastwood Towne Center space

Natalie Burg, News Editor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

After 20 years in East Lansing, Panopoulos Salon moved westward to Eastwood Towne Center in late 2012. The full service salon and spa opted for a new space that was similar in size, but far greater traffic.

"It's been a lot busier here," says Panopoulos Salon's Renee Vanatten. "We've been much busier with walk-ins."

The salon has seen such an increase in business, in fact, that the staff has had to grow to keep up. Two new stylists have been hired since Panopoulos' move to Eastwood Towne Center, and Vanatten expects more to be added soon. The salon currently employs nine stylists and four receptionists. A flexible staff is cited as a key factor in Panopoulos' success.

"We're a full service salon, so all the girls are qualified in all the services we offer here," says Vanatten. "Seeing one person for color and cuts allows customers to have a connection with their stylist."

Source: Renee Vanatten, Panopoulis Salon
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Southside Tattoos opens westside location as Noble Ink

Natalie Burg — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

According to manager Roxy Hayes, the newly opened Noble Ink on W. Saginaw isn't your ordinary tattoo shop.

"We're all very family oriented," she says. "We're not that stereotypical idea of tattoo shop."

Noble Ink is owned by Southside Tattoos owner Bill Brown who had a vision top open a new location on Lansing's Westside. Hayes says fans of the original shop will recognize the same level of cleanliness, skill and personable service at Noble Ink with a new aesthetic.

"We have a lot of cool, aged décor," says Hayes. "A lot of local shops are darker with dark imagery on the walls. We have decorative mirrors and very old, cool tchotchkes everywhere."

Work on Noble Ink has been underway for a couple of months, and the new shop opened in March. The business currently employs three tattoo artists and one piercer. Hayes says the staff is looking forward to building a new clientele base on the west side of town.

Source: Roxy Hayes, Noble Ink
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Michael's opens in former Brannigan Brothers space

Natalie Burg — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Now on its third identity in the last year, the former Brannigan Brothers location in Downtown Lansing recently opened as a new restaurant and bar called Michael's. According to bartender Benjamin May, the new name comes with a classier atmosphere.

"We have a lot more top shelf alcohol," he says. " We're trying to attract a different crowd, a little bit older, such as the grad students at Cooley."

The restaurant's interior has been completely renovated since its time as Brannigan Brothers. Michael's now features live blues music on Wednesday nights and is also focusing on catering to sports fans with several TVs, as well as the local lunch crowd.

Michaels currently employs a staff of approximately 14, and May says the new business has been busy since their opening in mid-March.

"It's been a lot busier since the new owner has come in," he says. "We've got a pretty awesome staff."

May says Michael's hopes to soon add live music on the weekends in addition to Wednesdays.

Source: Benjamin May, Michael's
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Beyond the Fleece expands in Williamston

Natalie Burg — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Less than a year after moving into Williamston's Keller's Plaza, the family-owned specialty yarn shop Beyond the Fleece has already expanded into a new location.

"We had great interest in store in Keller's Plaza, but we had many customers that were not able to climb the stairs," says owner Jill Blain. "I had also run out of room."

The shop's new, 2,000 square foot home on Grand River more than quadruples Blain's former location. The additional space allows Blain to do all of her fiber dying in the store, as well as provides a larger classroom area.

Beyond the Fleece is an outgrowth from the Blain family farm, Frosty Acres where Blain and her husband Brandon raise fiber animals, including lamas, alpaca, angora goats, Shetland sheep and angora rabbits to make handspun and dyed yarns.

"We support local artists and are a natural fiber store," says Blain. "We love to encourage the use of natural fiber and support local farmers."

The new Beyond the Fleece location opened on March 5. The store has grown in several ways over the past year, including carrying spinning wheels, looms, drum carders, and other yarn crafting accessories. The store also offers a variety of classes, workshops and lessons, and sells products from local artists in their in-store Michigan Fiber Artist Shoppe within the store.

Source: Jill Blain, Beyond the Fleece
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Howell's Jonna's 2 Go to expand to East Lansing

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Great Lakes Family Dental opens new, 3,300 sq ft DeWitt Twp location

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Great Lakes Family Dental did more than simply double its footprint when it expanded into a new, 3,300 square foot building in DeWitt Twp on January 1. From new dental services to a new community outreach program, the practice has grown in all sorts of ways.

"We outgrew our space," says Patricia Hart, general manager of Great Lakes Dental Group. "It was outdated."

Growth has been the name of the game for Great Lakes Dental Group since it purchased retiring local dentist Dr. Tomkie's practice, which had been in business for 30 years. Under new ownership, the practice grew by three employees, and now plans to add two additional staff members in the new office.

"Moving out of that space allowed us to do more," says Hart. "It's pretty homey. It's meant to take away from being hit with that feeling of being nervous to be at the dentist."

Great Lakes Dental Group broke ground on the new building in mid-August of 2012. Since moving into the new location in January, the practice now offers such new services as digital x-rays, free cancer screenings and new teeth whitening techniques.

In addition, the growing office is offering a free dental clinic on April 16 for those without dental insurance or other assistance.

Source: Patricia Hart, Great Lakes Dental Group
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Frozen yogurt and sweet bun shops come to Downtown East Lansing

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

East Lansing just got sweeter in two new ways with the opening of Tutti Frutti and O' My Buns on E. Grand River downtown. Kayla Nguyen brought the frozen yogurt and sweet bun stores together under one roof on March 7.

"I went to visit my friend in California and I fell in love with frozen yogurt," says franchisee of both businesses, Nguyen. "It's non- or low-fat and it's good for digestion."

Located in a 1,800 square foot, second floor location next to Yoga State, Nguyen built out Tutti Frutti and O' My Buns to be a place where students can comfortably relax, study or hangout between or after classes.

"I designed it to be more like a lounge," she says. "I personally prefer places like that, where students can move the tables together and come and do their homework."

Tutti Frutti offers frozen yogurt with a topping bar containing 50 choices of toppings. O' My Buns offers plain or cream cheese-filled buns with either coffee or vanilla topping.

Nguyen currently employs a staff of three across the two stores, but plans to soon grow to 12 to 15 employees.

Source: Kayla Nguyen, Tutti Frutti and O' My Buns
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

MODI Gallery offers new option for local artists

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

It began with Brendan Martin's desire to find the right place to show his own work, but now into its second show on Michigan Ave., the new MODI Art Gallery has the potential to become much more.

After moving back to the Lansing area where he grew up after living in Philadelphia and studying art in New York, Martin noticed a gap in the local arts scene.

"There are [local galleries] with older, more accomplished artists, and others that sell postcards and jewelry," says Martin. "There isn't a professional environment for young, emerging artists. We wanted to be a tradition style gallery with one show per month."

Together with partner Pat Abdood, Martin set about changing that with the 600 square foot space at 605 E. Michigan Ave. A former medical marijuana dispensary, the pair invested some serious time and elbow grease into the storefront to transform it into a gallery, aided by funds raised on Kickstarter.

MODI Gallery opened with a showing of Martin's work on Feb. 1. A second month-long showing is now underway, and artists have expressed interest in showing in April as well. That all depends, says Martin, on how MODI continues to take shape as an organization, as he hopes it will become more of a community project than a proprietorship.

"We want to stay open and be able to let people show there," he says. "We're looking at how we can do that."

Martin is optimistic about MODI's future. He and Abood have already partnered with such organizations as the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and Lansing Art Works.

Source: Brendan Martin, MODI Art Gallery
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Williamston bridal offerings complete with Wedding Gallery

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Dawn-Marie Joseph knows a thing or two about Williamston, having opened the popular Gracie's Place and Vivee’s Floral Garden and Café. One thing she's known for some time is that the town is becoming a destination for wedding businesses, with florists, caterers, invitation printers and a new cake shop. There's just one thing missing: a bridal shop.

Joseph and partner Tina Benington will change that in April with the opening of The Wedding Gallery at the corner of Grand River and Putnam in Downtown Williamston.

"What we really found in our research is basically customer service is key," says Joseph. "That business is 100 percent about the customers. We're not going to have every dress in the bridal magazines, but we'll work our hardest to find it for them, for what they can afford."

To really complete the town's collection of wedding vendors, the building will also include Gallery Travel, a travel agency.

"The building offered me the opportunity, so right across from the bridal shop, we'll have the travel agency," says Joseph. "So, we'll be able to book honeymoons for our brides."

The Wedding Gallery and Gallery Travel will both open in April, sharing about 3,000 square feet of space and employing staffs of about three and two, respectively, in addition to Joseph and Benington.

Source: Dawn-Marie Joseph, The Wedding Gallery
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Blowout bar trend hits East Lansing with Salon Karma

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The new Salon Karma brings hairstyling secrets from all over the U.S. to East Lansing. First, there's owner Dawnn Gibson, who brought her talents to the Lansing area from Toledo about six years ago. Then, the salon is also a blowout bar offering a shampoo, blow-dry and one of six chic styles.

"The blowout bar came after us opening," says Gibson of the 2,200 square foot Salon Karma, which opened in December. "The idea came from an outside source form Arizona. I got online, and I saw that this is really big all over."

The idea, Gibson says, is to offer regular salon services to women that mimics the atmosphere of salons of years gone by, with ladies coming in weekly or monthly for a style and to socialize with friends.

"We're working on getting a liquor license so people can have a beer or wine and relax while they're here," says Gibson.

Salon Karma is located in the former location of Panopoulos Salon on Lake Lansing Rd. The business also offers regular salon services, including men's styles, nails, tanning, and aesthetician services. Gibson currently employs a staff of eight.

Source: Dawnn Gibson, Salon Karma
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Williamston Barbell Club brings powerlifting to 2,800 sq ft Grand River space

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Tom Donnelly's Williamston Barbell Club is a new kind of gym for the area, offering a focus on powerlifting, as well as other workout options such as classes and cardio. The venture is another project from Grace's Place owner Dawn-Marie Joseph and her partners.

The 2,800 square foot facility at 350 W. Grand River Ave. has been under renovation for about three months and is now open for new members. While the gym is a new business for the family, Joseph says they also see the Williamston Barbell Club as a benefit for the community.

"The gym will partly be used for goodwill," she says. "We'll have powerlifting, classes and kids' yoga here. People from LCC and different organizations have gotten in touch with us. We'll do boxing and different competitions."

With vacant land adjacent to the property, the partners have plans to add outdoor activities to their services, such as volleyball and outdoor powerlifting.

The partners have invested about $200,000 into the renovation project, and hope to continue improving the facility, perhaps adding a screened-in workout area facing the Red Cedar River in the future. Tom Donnelly's Williamston Barbell Club currently employs a staff of three, in addition to contracted trainers and the four partners.

"It's a nice thing that my family is really involved," says Joseph. "It's nice that we're in a potion that we can work with our family the way we do."

Source: Dawn-Marie Joseph, Tom Donnelly's Williamston Barbell Club
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Old Town General Store to bring specialty groceries to former Redhead space

Natalie Burg, Development News Editor — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

With all of the growth Old Town has experienced over the past decade, one type of business has been missing from the mix of retail, dining and service that has been drawing people to the neighborhood: a grocery store.

Maria Van Atta is looking to soon change that void, giving Old Town residents and workers a place to pick up specialty foods, fresh produce and more with the forthcoming Old Town General Store.

"We have somewhat of a food desert here in Old Town," Van Atta says, "and I think if I can create a little oasis of reasonably-priced healthy, and tasty, specialty foods, the Old Town General Store will do quite well."

The idea for the General Store began several years ago when Van Atta made a career change and searching for a new venture that would appeal to her sense of community and appreciation of nature.

"I enjoy and appreciate the goodness of nature, a sense of community and giving back, and supporting the local economy as much as possible," says Van Atta. "A general store has traditionally been a gathering place, where you would find interesting and unexpected things as well as convenience items."

The 1,500 square foot E. Grand River location will do just with specialty foods, fresh produce, beer, and wine, with an emphasis on Michigan companies and sustainable and organic items. The Old Town General Store is expected to open May 3, and celebrate a grand opening on June 15. Van Atta plans to employ a staff of approximately four part-time workers at the store.

Source: Maria Van Atta, Old Town General Store
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor