Development News

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

Nathan Young, All Star Cards Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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

Eric Tuinstra, Peppino's Pizzeria Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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

Anton Prenaj, Athena's Diner Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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

Kelly R. Bernero, Great Lakes Capital Fund Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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 using 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

Ann Chrapkiewicz, Bikram Yoga Capital Area Wednesday, May 08, 2013

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

Veronica Isham, Park Dental Okemos Wednesday, May 08, 2013

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

Max Dalman, iScream Wednesday, May 08, 2013

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

Mark Criss, City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift Wednesday, May 01, 2013

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

Nag Yeasu, Apothecary Shop of Grand Ledge Wednesday, May 01, 2013

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

Matthew Kleinknecht, Advance Auto Parts Wednesday, May 01, 2013

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

Chris Roelofs, Tannin Wednesday, May 01, 2013

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

Dr. Paul DeWeiss, NBO Medical Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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

Danielle Mackay, Buttons and Beanstalks Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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

Mike Dowdle, Wolf Development Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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

David DeWitt, MSU College of Natural Science Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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