The State of Michigan is investing $1.2 million to keep the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) in Downtown Lansing. 

The state signed a $1.2 million, five-year lease to stay in the 110 Michigan Ave. building. The MDCR occupies two floors of the building, totaling more than 13,000 square feet.

“I think this is consistent with the state’s strategy of maintaining its occupancy rate and presence in the downtown market,” says Joe Gentilozzi, who worked on the deal.

The MDCR has been in the building for five years. The Michigan Hospital Association and Butzel-Long law firm are also in the 100 Michigan Ave. building, which is between Lansing City Hall and Comerica Bank.

Source: Joe Gentilozzi

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

As a result of a partnership between Hometown Housing Partnership (HHP), the Ingham County Land Bank and the City of East Lansing, a former 600 square foot rental property at 1237 Wolf Court in East Lansing was purchased and turned into a newly constructed 1700 square foot home for a future homeowner.

“There are several reasons to develop new construction units in the City,” says executive director of HHP, Michelle Reardon. “Increased numbers of high quality, affordable housing units within the City improve and stabilize neighborhood home values, [while] low maintenance and high efficiency units add to the affordability."

“It is important to maintain and improve the affordable housing stock in the City of East Lansing to allow a diverse resident base that will strengthen our community,” adds Reardon.

HHP hosted an open house of the property on April 21. The three bedroom property also features 5 Star Plus energy standards and eco-friendly building materials. 1237 Wolf Ct. is the first of three new homes to be built on Wolf Court.

“HHP recently purchased another parcel of land on Wolf Ct. and has begun the process to build two more units comparable to the existing product at 1237 Wolf Court. We hope to continue this model in the future as opportunity and needs arise,” says Reardon. 

Source: Michelle Reardon, Hometown Housing Partnership

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here.

On Friday, April 24, Izzo’s Pizzeria in REO Town hosted its official grand opening, celebrating with an all day, all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, to give customers a taste of the many options the pizzeria offers.

Geno Abbey and Mary Izzo opened the 1,200 sq ft pizzeria right next door to Izzo’s Pub in December of last year, and have intended to have an official grand opening for some time.

The weather was perfect for the official grand opening, enabling the use of the pizzeria’s outdoor patio.

“The turnout was fabulous,” says Abbey. “The place was packed to the capacity, and [Mayor Virg Bernero] was here in the afternoon. I had the chance to teach him how to toss pizza dough which was really exciting, and very fun. He was very supportive.”

Before being cooked in a stone oven, Abbey impressively tosses and twirls the dough through the air. He has been making Neapolitan-style pizza since he was 18 and is passionate about his work.

“Our REO Town Board was here, too. They were also very supportive,” adds Abbey. “The patio was packed, the weather cooperated and it was an absolutely fantastic grand opening.”

Source: Geno Abbey, Izzo’s Pub & Pizzeria

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Sylvania Dye is preparing to open her new 2,500 square foot, Grand Ledge-based fabric store, Grand Ledge Yardgoods & Notions.

Dye has been in the fabric business for more than 15 years and in that capacity, has been making costumes for the annual Grand Ledge Victorian Days festival.

“This will be a traditional fabric store, not a quilting shop,” Dye says.

One of the unique aspects to Dye’s shop is its international flair. “We’ll have apparel fabrics and costume supplies. We’ll be importing some of these things from England.”

Dye spent most of her life in Arizona, but was introduced to Grand Ledge by her father.

“When I was a teenager, my father lived in Grand Ledge and I just loved this town,” she says. “It’s adorable and safe. The schools are good and it’s just gorgeous over here, especially in the autumn.”

The lively festival season prompted Dye to view Grand Ledge as economically viable from a business standpoint.

“There are a lot of things going on down here, and the downtown is really craft-oriented,” she says.

Dye hopes to open her 221 South Bridge St. store by May.

Source: Sylvania Dye, Grand Ledge Yardgoods & Notions

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Capital City Wireless at 1026 West Saginaw in Lansing has renovated its interior after a small space heater caught on fire and caused smoke damage to the interior walls and ceilings.

"We had to replace the display walls, ceiling, and HVAC system,” says Peter Boldt, who owns the store with his wife, Linh. “We cleaned the smoke with a combination of cleaners and soda blasting, all the walls and woodwork were sealed and repainted and we managed to clean the display cases and floor tile."

All of their inventory has also been refreshed and replaced. "We carry as wide a selection of wireless providers as possible,” says Boldt. “Each provider has strengths and weaknesses. Our job is to find the best product [and] plan for each customer's unique needs. We strongly believe that honestly serving the customer's needs is the best path to success."

The following carriers are available at Capital City Wireless: Sprint/Nextel, T-Mobile, Centennial, Helio, MetroPCS, VirginMobile, PagePlus & Boostmobile,
 
The store closed for a month, but officially opened again on March 2 after the renovations were made.

Source: Peter Boldt, Capital City Wireless

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

The 115-acre University Corporate Research Park is located south of MSU along Collins Road and is home to several corporations and research facilities, the most notable two being MSU’s Composite Vehicle Research Center and MBI International.

The expansion at the park will link the northern sector—which currently houses LyondellBasell, the Composite Vehicle Research Center, the MSU Foundation offices and The Innovation Technology Center—to the southern area of the park adjacent to MBI.

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon notes the significance of the project.

“We are fostering a culture of collaboration, connecting technological breakthroughs driven by public university research with the private sector entrepreneurial activity,” says Simon. “The University Corporate Research Park is an important venue for bringing the two sectors together.”

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero describes the expansion as “an exciting milestone on the path toward diversifying our local economy, fostering innovation and creating new jobs in the fast-growing sectors of the emerging economy.”

The planned road and infrastructure build-out of the park is designed with the future in mind. Nearly half the project’s cost is being funded by a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant and is expected to be completed this fall.

Media Contact: Dennis Green, Fahrenheit Creative Group

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

On April 23 at 11:30 a.m., The New Daily Bagel will celebrate the completion of their building façade improvements with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

With the help of Marchelle Smith, Special Projects Manager of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Facade Design Sub-Committee of the EDC and the Principal Shopping District Design Committee, the building at 309 S. Washington Sq. received what they deemed a “face lift.”

Smith believes that when one business improves its façade, it encourages surrounding businesses to do the same. “It’s had a domino effect,” Smith says. “It’s been very positive.”

Owner Michael Mahdi spoke with Capital Gains in January, and at that time he was working with the City of Lansing to make sure his façade improvements would honor the historical integrity of the building.

The New Daily Bagel also took advantage of the Design Committee's Sign Grant Pilot Program that helps business owners with the design and implementation of creating a fresh, new look for their business.

Source: Mindy Biladeau, Principal Shopping District

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Menna’s Joint owner Hank Andries opened his first Lansing-based location Oct. 10, 2008. The new Washington Ave. sandwich shop is his fifth. He also has two in East Lansing, one in Kalamazoo and one in Mt. Pleasant.

The Downtown location is a bit different than Andries’ four other locations, which sit in the middle of or near major college campuses. The Downtown location hits a more business-oriented crowd, but also benefits from Cooley Law School and Lansing Community College (LCC) traffic.

“Here we have two campuses—Cooley and Lansing Community College. That’s been a pleasant surprise,” Andries says.

Andries considered opening the Lansing-based Menna’s Joint further south on Washington Ave., but wanted to be close to the Capitol. Business for the Downtown Lansing location started out slow—Andries says it’s because they opened in the winter —but is doing well.

“Oddly, our revenues (across the stores) have increased steadily by double digits every year,” he says. “The key is that everyone seems to love our unique sandwiches,” Andries says.

Menna’s Joint is known for it’s massive “dub” sandwich, and stays open until 3 or 4 a.m., a definite perk for the bar-crawling crowd. Andries employs 30-40 people per location.

Source: Hank Andries, Menna’s Joint

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Nimlok Grand Rapids is in the middle of a statewide expansion that includes opening up the Lansing market.

Nimlok Grand Rapids is an independently owned and operated authorized distributor for the Nimlok Company, a global solutions provider for the trade show industry.

“Lansing is a viable market for us,” says Derrick Johnson, company co-owner. Nimlok is already working with East Lansing-based Outer Graphics, but hopes to open to a physical space in the next few months.

"We’re still in the development plans, and haven’t found a spot yet in Lansing to call home,” says Johnson. “Our goal over the next six months is to bring in someone."

Nimlok sets up trade shows for large and small companies and has worked with General Motors, Stryker Corporation and Gordon Food Service.

“There isn’t really a specific company that we target,” Johnson says.

Nimlok is also moving into Detroit. Johnson says the added markets will mean up to seven new jobs and $1 million in new revenue.

Source: Derrick Johnson, Nimlok

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

Petal and Forrest, a floral design company with a focus on corporate and special events, has moved to a new 1500 sq ft storefront on 1491 Haslett Rd. in Haslett.

Business partners, Fréda Cruel, Dawn Hall, Rachel Levinshohn and Judy Moran have been running Petal and Forrest together successfully for five years now. “We started out in Dawn’s basement, and we grew so much every year that we needed extra space,” says Levinshohn.

The move from Lansing to Haslett came after the group determined that a storefront was necessary. “Even though we’re not open nine to five because we’re appointment-only, a storefront would get us more exposure.”

The colorful, well-designed interior provides a comfortable space to meet clients and showcase their work, while room in the back allows them a work space and a place to store items. “We try to collect unique, individual items that we can offer people. [However,] we do try to downsize every year and get rid of some things because we want to be new and fresh every single year,” says Levinshohn.

Their corporate client base includes TechSmith, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. and Centennial Group in Lansing. “We also did a huge event for MGM two years ago when they were launching their casino in Detroit.”

Source: Rachel Levinshohn, Petal and Forrest

Suban Nur Cooley, Interim Development News Editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Grumpy’s Diner, “home of the mean cuisine” opened its doors in November 2008, taking up a space that once housed two businesses on the corner of Pennsylvania and Mt. Hope in Lansing. Approximately 2,000 square feet in size, every inch of the space is now being utilized.

“On the far side of the diner, which used to be a Thai restaurant when [Grumpy’s] was still the Korner Kitchen, we now have our conference room which can hold up to 50 people for private meetings, anniversaries, family get-togethers or whatever you’d want,” says kitchen supervisor, Richard Langstaff.

Owners Bill and Kay Walker will soon be changing the exterior aesthetics of the building by painting it fire-engine red with white trim, like a true old-time diner.

With many years of industry experience under his belt, Bill Walker is also one of the cooks on staff. He once owned the Snow Snake Truck Stop on Cedar Street some years back.

“At Grumpy’s, you get the true diner experience. It’s a place with home-style cooking where everything’s made from scratch,” says Langstaff. “I mean we do all of our gravy’s and sauces . . . even the baked goods are made from scratch. Everything is also made fresh every day; nothing is kept overnight.”

Source: Richard Langstaff, Grumpy’s Diner

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

The City of Williamston has a very successful industrial park that includes businesses like Tri-State Hospital Supply and MC Molds. This year, the City of Williamston will use a $400,000 federal grant to build more in roads to the industrial park, an investment Michelle Aniol, speaking on behalf of the City of Williamston, says will attract more businesses.

“This is a big boost to Williamston’s job creating efforts and the efforts to attract and retain renewable energy firms, the alternative energy industry and the medical industry,” Aniol says.

“This is more than just a road project,” Aniol says. “This is a project that really expands the opportunities for industrial investment in the industrial park.”

The U.S. Department of Commerce gave the city the grant. Aniol says construction should be complete by the end of this construction cycle.

Source: Michelle Aniol, City of Williamston

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

After losing the Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor, St. Johns entrepreneur Jim Ortman and his wife, Cindy, opened Cindy’s Ice Cream and Treats.

The 500 square foot ice cream shop is in a renovated bank at 207 Spring St. The bank was empty for 10 years before the Ortmans took on the project.

“It was an eyesore,” Ortman says. “There were holes in the bulletproof windows and the landscape was overgrown.”

They renovated the entire building as well as the drive-up portion of the bank, which adds at least another 3,000 square feet to Cindy’s Ice Cream and Treats.

“We came up with the idea that, in the back of the parking lot, we could create a place for families to gather,” Ortman says. “It’s a safe place. We wanted to take the 1950s and 1960s theme and make it fun.”

The renovation was completed in April 2008. Cindy’s Ice Cream and Treats is open seasonally, April through October.

Source: Jim Ortman, Ortman Photography

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Far From Standard (FFS) opened an East Lansing tutoring location in the fall of 2007, expanded in the spring of 2008 and is looking at yet another expansion.

FFS is a Michigan-based tutoring company owned by Neel Chheda that has facilities in Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills and East Lansing. They have three suites in East Lansing on Michigan Avenue above Urban Outfitters. They have about 1,800 square feet, but Katy Demitruk, COO and head marketer for FFS, says they’re looking at expansion options.

“My goal is to run out of space,” she says. “Hopefully we should be able to get that fourth suite by this fall.”

FFS’s first semester in East Lansing yielded 25-30 students. The spring of 2008 brought in about 40 and the fall of 2008 boosted that number to 60.

“It’s gone up by about 50 percent each semester,” she says. “Eighty percent of our students return for our classes with another recommendation. A lot of it is word of mouth.”

FFS has roughly 25 employees.

“We take almost any topic, but we really focus on math and science courses,” Demitruk says. "All students don't learn in the same way; there is no standardized way of teaching. We change our styles based on the individual student. We don't have a standard way of teaching; we are Far From Standard."  

Source: Katy Demitruk, Far From Standard

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

After seven years on Turner Street in Old Town, Ethel Artis, owner of Ja’Meshas’ Ruffles and Lace, moved her family business to 5124 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in South Lansing.

The quaint boutique that specializes in elegant children’s dress wear has been operating in the Lansing area for more than 19 years. Ja’Meshas’ Ruffles and Lace just recently celebrated their first year at the new location.

Although business has improved for the store at this new space in South Lansing, the Artis family misses the Old Town area. On the counter sits a picture of Golden Harvest owner, Zane, and his children wearing clothes purchased from Ja’Meshas’ Ruffles and Lace. 

“It was that family atmosphere where every business owner knew other business owners and their employees,” says Betty H., Artis’ daughter. “We looked out for each other and were there for each other.”

The new space is approximately 1900 sq. ft., which Betty estimates is a little more than double the size of their previous location in Old Town.

Source: Betty H., Ja’Meshas’ Ruffles and Lace.

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here.

Turkeyman, a dine-in and takeout eatery with a focus on all things turkey has been operating in Lansing for about 14 years. Owners Tammy and Craig Harris have decided to expand their business and are opening a second store on Washington Square in Downtown Lansing.

“We previously were in the Downtown area and we were just looking to get back into that area of the city again,” says Tammy Harris. “I believe we will get much more exposure over there. There’s a lot of traffic that comes through Downtown that doesn’t necessarily come out into the other parts of the Lansing area.”

Aside from sandwiches, subs, salads and soups, Turkeyman also offers turkey drumsticks and some homemade dessert options on the menu. Their current open location is at 5021 W. Saginaw Highway in Lansing and it won’t be long before the second store is up and running.

There may also be more stores in the future, says Tammy. “This is a step in that process. We would like to eventually have many stores, but we’re starting with the space on Washington first.”

Source: Tammy Harris, Turkeyman

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here.

A space that used to be the St. Johns Fire Station was turned into Sirens, a full-service salon and clothing boutique. 

“There are no boutiques downtown in St. Johns, so we decided as long as we have the space why not go ahead and use it,” says Laila Hoover, a stylist at Sirens.

Coincidentally, the salon was called Sirens prior to moving into the old St. Johns Fire Station. “We actually named it at the old place after the Greek mythology sirens, and so it just kind of came with us when we moved here," says Hoover. "Now people just go by the firehouse sirens.”

The owner, Lisa Kurncz, wanted the interior décor to look as much like a fire station as possible. “There are toolboxes used at our workstations, and our cords come down from the ceilings like a real garage. The massage room is also in the old bell tower,” says Hoover.

The boutique sells accessories, shoes and clothing, while the full-service salon provides a myriad of services from massages to permanent makeup. You can shop for shoes and wait for your hair to dry without leaving the building.

Sirens is located in downtown St. Johns at 119 E. Walker St.

Source: Laila Hoover, Sirens Salon and Body Shop.

Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here. 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Nearly $30,000 in recent grants will help propel the renovation of Red Ribbon Hall in Eaton Rapids.

Red Ribbon Hall is a widely recognized community center in downtown Eaton Rapids that’s in need of some functional renovations, including electrical updates.

“We’re very close to finishing Red Ribbon Hall,” says Kim Byerly with the City of Eaton Rapids.

The first grant, an $18,600 Department of Homeland Security grant, will specifically allow the Red Ribbon Hall to serve as a care center in the event of an emergency.

The second grant, a $10,000 grant from the Jeffris Heartland Fund will help fund the historic preservation of the building.

“This will make sure that we do this in a historically correct way,” Byerly says about the renovations.

Several months ago, the city received an $11,089 grant from the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund for the renovations.

Source: Kim Byerly, City of Eaton Rapids

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Eric and Danielle Merckling, owners of Scavenger Hunt Vintage in East Lansing, have always had a soft spot for Old Town. So when the time came to expand their business, they opted for a space located at 317 E. Grand River Ave.

Specializing in vintage, handmade, eco-friendly and local artists' work, Scavenger Hunt Eco opened its doors on March 25.

“We feel positive about this venture,” says Eric Merckling. “With eco-living, the more you think about it, the better you get at finding ways to be better at it.”

This is true for the Mercklings. They take pride in the fact that almost nothing but the cash register is new in their Old Town space. Most of the furniture was purchased at thrift stores, and the space is divided by a row of doors acquired from Habitat For Humanity.

“We’re also working with local artist Tom Sheerin. He’s doing our signage artwork,” says Merckling. Tom Sheerin just received first place at the Recycled Art and Fashion Show held in the lobby of Lansing’s City Hall.

At present, Scavenger Hunt Eco is open 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is also open those same hours for the First Sunday Gallery Walk which happens once a month.

Source: Eric Merckling, Scavenger Hunt Eco

Suban Nur Cooley, Interim Development News Editor, can be reached here.

After managing Two Fer’s Pizza & Mexican for 16 years, Julie Sangster started her own restaurant in Southside Lansing, Julie Joe’s.

The closing of Two Fer’s in June 2008 put Sangster out of a job. In August, she took over the lease and remade the restaurant. She renovated the entire 2515 E. Jolly Rd. space and opened as Julie Joe’s in January 2009.

“I really wanted to create some ambiance and make it my own,” Sangster says about the renovation. “It really needed to be cleaned and updated.”

Sangster changed the menu when she took over the restaurant. Her pizza is already getting media attention. The City Pulse recently included Sangster’s pizza on it’s list of must-have pizza in Lansing.

“People do have to eat and we have really good food at a really good price,” she says about business. “We have a lot of repeat customers.”

Sangster says Julie Joe’s is a in a great location. She’s right between CATA, Dean Transportation and the post office.

“I plan on this restaurant being here for another 20 years, if not longer,” she says.

Source: Julie Sangster, Julie Joe’s

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie