The Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Community and Economic Development (CED) is the Eastside’s newest resident.
The CED, which is responsible for improving communities across the state, wanted to move to an area that reflected its commitment to revitalizing Michigan neighborhoods.
“Frankly, we see Michigan Avenue as sort of being the Main Street to the region, so 
we feel like we’ve moved onto the Main Street,” says the Center’s John Melcher. Ironically, the CED moved from Main Street on Lansing’s Westside to the rehabbed 1615 Michigan Avenue address.
Joan Nelson, with the Allen Street Neighborhood Association, says the CED’s presence will create a trickle-down effect for Eastside businesses because the students and faculty that go to the CED will eat, drink and shop on the Eastside.
The CED’s presence also reinforces Lansing’s efforts to get students to explore Lansing.
“I think it bodes well for improvements on the Avenue for the next decade,” Nelson says.
Developer Scott Gillespie rehabbed the CED’s new1615 Michigan Avenue address as well as the neighboring 1609 Michigan Avenue address. Gillespie is looking for tenants for the 1609 address, which used to be the Al Quid Middle Eastern Market.
“The CED is showcasing its support for Lansing and the connection between the University and the City,” Gillespie says.
Source: Scott Gillespie
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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