capitalgains - Development News

Grand Ledge Receives More Than $400,000 To Rehab Downtown Rental Lofts

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Rental Rehabilitation Project looks to increase the number of available apartments in downtown Grand Ledge. The apartments are located above businesses downtown.

"We're excited," says Kalmin Smith, mayor of Grand Ledge. The total funds are a combination of $323,500 in Community Development Block Grant Rental Rehabilitation funds and $140,000 in Leverage Funds from Grand Ledge businesses. The funds allow for 10 new apartments downtown.

"We're kind of bystanders," says Mayor Smith, explaining that, per the project requirements, a third party has to decide on the construction contracts, so "the city doesn't decide who does the construction."

A similar project took place in Eaton Rapids. "That attracted our attention," says Mayor Smith "And we liked what we saw."

The project is currently at the environmental review stage, in which any possible environmental impact issues of the rehabilitation project are determined. After this stage, funds will start being released. $35,000 will be allotted for each new apartment. One of the premier locations could have four or five apartments alone. Restoring older apartments is a possibility, but those projects will receive fewer funds.

"We'll have more people downtown, it will help to stabilize downtown and bring in more revenue," Mayor Smith says of the 10 planned apartments.

Grand Ledge's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is this Saturday and its route goes past many of the proposed locations.

Source: Mayor Kalmin Smith

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

New Prep School Targets Young Professional Parents in Downtown Lansing

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Little Scholars Preparatory School will be opening its doors in Downtown Lansing in late April or early May.

The school is "very small and elite," says founder and owner Audrey Pallone. "We are only taking four kids under the age of two-and-a-half, and 12 over the age of two and a half."

Pallone invested $12,000 into a three-story building located at 416 W. Ottawa. The bulk of the investment went toward getting the building up to code. The children will only occupy the 1,000 sq. ft. first floor, and Pallone says, "we're making sure the fixtures are safe for kids."

"Local day cares have waiting lists," she says of her inspiration to open the school. A lack of day care options Downtown was another reason.

"There is a big crowd of young professionals in stages of having kids," Pallone says. Her focus is to target professionals that work Downtown with extended hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. "That helps parents who have different hours," explains Pallone.

"There will be three teachers," explains Pallone, each certified and licensed to teach in Michigan. "Your child is going to be learning," says Pallone, who taught first grade for five years at a charter school. The curriculum will feature reading, math, writing and music, as well as character education.

Little Scholars is located at 416 W. Ottawa, half a block West of the Capitol. Online enrollment is open now.

Source: Audrey Pallone

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Replay Entertainment Exchange Owner Adds Online Apparel Service

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Wilson, owner of Replay Entertainment Exchange in East Lansing has added an online apparel service: Michigan Shirt Works. Wilson says the service goes beyond printing shirts to sell in his store. "We provide web fulfillment for people wanting apparel," he says.

The concept is that a person, band or business can partner with Michigan Shirt Works to handle production and distribution of apparel. The site offers locked-in printing rates as well as "Baker's Dozen Pricing"—every 13th shirt is free when you order 12.

Michigan Shirt Works offers in-store pick up (at Replay) or on-site drop off anywhere in the Capital region. Wilson says they will drop off shirts at your event. Michigan Shirt Works will even design apparel for you.

"In five years I want to be the Threadless of Michigan," Wilson says, referring to the popular apparel website based in Chicago.

Michigan Shirt Works provides apparel for Mid-Michigan businesses and bands, such as the radio station 94.1 FM The Edge and the Lansing-based band, Year 200X.

Wilson sees Michigan Shirt Works as an investment in his future as more and more media becomes available online. "You can't download a t-shirt," he says.

Michigan Shirt Works and Replay Entertainment Exchange are located at 1385 E. Grand River Ave.

Source: Ted Wilson

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Fabinelli's Handmade Candy Shoppe Opens in Downtown Williamston

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new candy shop opened its doors in Williamston last month: Fabinelli's Handmade Candy Shoppe.

"Business has been wonderful," says Nichole Stiffler, a co-owner of Fabinelli's along with her sister and husband. The new Fabinelli's moved into a pre-existing space in Keller's Plaza. "We get a lot of foot traffic because we are in a plaza with other businesses," explains Stiffler. "The hair salon next door brings us new customers every day."

Stiffler worked at a previous candy store in Williamston, owned by her family. "My father opened the [previous] store in 1996 and sold it a few years later to his mother and sister." After selling the old store, Stiffler and her father moved north to open another business while she attended school.

Eventually, Stiffler wanted to open her own store. "It was time to open up my own place with the help of my sister, husband and my mentor—my mentor being my father," she says. "This place wouldn't be together if it wasn't for him in my ear every day, saying you have to do this or that!"

Stiffler is a one-woman army when it comes to candy making, "I am the only employee," she says. "I believe you have to run your own business to make it work." And she is happy to be back in Williamston. "When I was given the opportunity to open a new store of my own, I knew it had to be in Williamston," says Stiffler. "The town is great, the people are great, and the business is in a great spot."

Fabinelli's Handmade Candy Shoppe is located at 107 S. Putnam St.

Source: Nichole Stiffler

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Haze Art Gallery and Studio Move into New Buildings in Old Town

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Haze Art Gallery has relocated for what owner Hazel Hotwagner calls, "the final time."

This is the third move for Haze Art Gallery and its studio. Hotwagner moved her gallery and ceramics studio into two separate but neighboring buildings in Old Town: 304 and 306 Grand River Ave. The move netted Hotwagner more studio space for "classes, parties and all kinds of goodies."

The additional studio space was not the only benefit of the relocation. "[We have] a beautiful courtyard in the back," says Hotwagner.

She hopes to use the courtyard for events once the weather warms up. Being on Grand River Ave. has also increased foot traffic for the gallery and studio.

Haze Gallery is unique in that it is a rent-based gallery, and not commission based. An artist pays to have their work displayed instead of giving a portion of their sales to the gallery owner. "We're the only one like it in the state," says Hotwagner. "60% of our artists have been around for over five years."

This coming May marks the 14th anniversary of the gallery and the seventh of the studio. The gallery and studio moved this past October.

Source: Hazel Hotwagner

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

New Vendor Features Great Lakes Fish and Special Orders in the New City Market

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Lansing City Market has added a new vendor, City Fish. "The opportunity was there," says co-owner Stephen Joseph. City Fish resides in a 17 ft by 14 ft space in the new City Market Building, located at 325 City Market Dr.

"We try to put emphasis on Great Lakes fish," Joseph says of City Fish's offerings. "Everything from the Great Lakes is available or can be ordered." A large cooler houses a cornucopia of fresh fish by the register, which is restocked every two days.

Joseph handles all of the duties himself. "We wanted someone full time," he says, adding that he hopes to add additional staff soon.

City Fish's offerings are not limited to the bounty of the Great Lakes either. "We will be adding beer and wine," says Joseph. City Fish also sells many all natural Michigan organic foodstuffs, including the Honey Boy Bob line of products. Specialty chip dips are also available, and are kept in the cooler along with the fish.

"Trout is pretty popular," Joseph says when asked which of his fish is the best seller, but he adds that whitefish is another favorite. City Fish can also special order fish for customers, Joseph explains as he points to a full red snapper in the cooler waiting to be picked up by a customer.

Source: Stephen Joseph

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Gravity Works Design & Development Open for Business, Plans Move to TIC

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"Busy—all kinds of stuff going on," Jeff McWherter responds when asked how business has been.

McWherter started Gravity Works Design & Development with his friend Amelia Marschall, who serves as the shop's creative director. Gravity Works went live at the end of January, and things could not be better. "We have 15 clients already," says McWherter, who is a partner and director of development.

The start-up company offers "a full cycle of branding for companies," explains McWherter. Gravity Works can generate logos, websites and stationary to name a few, as well as applications for mobile devices such as Android phones and iPhones.

Despite all of their early success, Gravity Works is still waiting for a real office. "[We're] the first virtual tenant of the TIC," says McWherter, adding that Gravity Works is at the top of the list to move into the East Lansing business incubator when space becomes available.

Until then, the Gravity Works team meets with clients either on site or at Gone Wired Cafe on Lansing's Eastside, and sometimes at a nearby Biggby Coffee.

McWherter and Marschall both left their old jobs to form Gravity Works, and the pair worked together before. "We decided we wanted to go into business together," explains McWherter.

Even without an office, McWherter is already planning on expanding the fledgling company. "We definitely want to grow," he says, but he cautions other start-up companies that "some grow too fast." McWherter says that Gravity Works will grow, but cautiously.

Whatever the future holds for Gravity Works, McWherter and Marschall are not going anywhere. "Somewhere around here," McWherter says when asked where Gravity Works will move after they outgrow the TIC.

"We're sticking around Lansing or East Lansing."

Source: Jeff McWherter

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

South Lansing Brunch House Offers Traditional Breakfast and a Lebanese Flair

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing citizens have a new restaurant to get breakfast or lunch: the Brunch House. Located at the corner of Hazel and Pennsylvania, the Brunch House used to be the Home Town Diner. "[The] space was available," says owner Leo Farhat, Jr.

There was not much downtime between the change over: the Home Town Diner closed for good on Dec. 24th and the Brunch House opened for business on Dec. 28th. "I've been here every day since we opened," says Farhat.

There has been no shortage of mouths to feed since the Brunch House opened its doors. Farhat says that business has been "better every week," adding that he has had to hire additional staff.

"[I've] hired four more since opening," he says.

The new hires include an additional cook and more waitresses.

The Brunch House is smoke free and has plenty of seating, allowing for large early morning meetings.

Farhat describes the clientele as "a blend of everybody." Construction workers, lobbyists, doctors—they all frequent the Brunch House.

The restaurant's hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but Farhat wants to start opening at 6:00 a.m. soon, so he can lure in more early morning meetings.

What gives the Brunch House a unique edge over similar restaurants around town is its menu: it not only features standard breakfast and lunch offerings, but Lebanese food as well. Wednesday's special is homemade cabbage rolls, which Farhat helps make. Another favorite is Lebanese style seasoned beef with pine nuts, mixed with scrambled eggs.

The Brunch House is located at 1040 South Pennsylvania Ave.

Source: Leo Farhat, Jr.

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Salon 130 in Mason Expands to 3,000 Sq Ft, Offers New Services

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Salon 130 in Mason recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate an expansion, growing from "only 1,100 square feet to 3,000 square feet," says the salon's owner, Jenna Keller.

Located at 130 W. Ash Street in downtown Mason, the salon offers a range of services, thanks in part to the new expansion. Salon 130 is now full service—offering nail services, skin care and massages in addition to haircuts and styling.

The expansion also allowed Keller to hire five more stylists. The salon now includes an 800 square foot spa area, which Keller described as a "very tranquil place to spend an hour or a day."

When asked how business has been, Keller did not hesitate to call it "explosive."

Keller said that in addition to luring in new clients, her regulars are trying more and more of the newly offered services.

An open house was held to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new expansion and it was very well attended. One of Keller's make-up sales reps described the open house as one of the most well attended events they had seen in the past ten months.

"We are grateful to expand," says Keller.

Source: Jenna Keller, Salon 130

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Log Jam in Grand Ledge Gets Renovation, Goes Smoke Free and Updates Menu

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Log Jam in Grand Ledge reopened last March with a new owner and a cleaned up interior. Chris Fata took over the popular Grand Ledge watering hole last year and made plenty of changes, including going smoke free.

"We have a new menu," says Fata, "and we cleaned everything."

The old Log Jam had a smokey reputation which Fata was quick to fix with a new bar, ceiling, lights, carpet and furniture. Looking to draw in more Michigan State University sports fans, Fata added a few more televisions around the bar and restaurant.

In addition to offering a new menu, Fata has expanded the Log Jam's liquid offerings as well, with ten microbrew and craftbrew beers on tap.

While the Log Jam is no longer open for breakfast, there was one thing Fata dared not to change: the pizza. The Log Jam's popular pizza recipe remains unchanged, as do the fish frys. "We go through tons [of fish]," says Fata.

Located in downtown Grand Ledge, just off the corner of Bride Street at 110 West Jefferson, the Log Jam offers a cozy, friendly atmosphere one can only find in a small town restaurant.

Source: Chris Fata, Log Jam

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Law Offices of David L. Zoglio Move to New Old Town Location

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing attorney David Zoglio has moved his office to Turner St. in Lansing's historic Old Town neighborhood. "I thought it'd be a good spot for us, with good exposure," Zoglio says of the remodeled store front location.

Zoglio's new location opened on Jan. 1st, 2010, but he has been practicing law in Lansing since 1997. He graduated from Cooley Law School in 1996.

"I like it so far," Zoglio says of his new Old Town address.

While Zoglio enjoyed his old office across from the Capitol in Downtown Lansing, he enjoys paying a lower rent in Old Town as well as the frontage and foot traffic the first floor office provides.

Zoglio employs a full time secretary as well as a part-time law clerk. Partitions were added to the first floor to create separate office spaces, granting Zoglio privacy to meet with clients.

Even though his office is in Lansing, Zoglio is willing to travel for work. "I want to be a state-wide person," he says. "Traveling to me is not a big deal."

Zoglio's practice covers a wide range of legal issues, ranging from family law and criminal law, to contracts and business.

Source: David Zoglio

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

AnnaBelle's Pet Station Adding Staff, Introduces New Day Care Depot

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Downtown Lansing now has a place for the four-legged members of your family to spend the day: the Day Care Depot at AnnaBelle's Pet Station.

The idea of the Day Care Depot is to help socialize dogs, especially high-energy breeds. "Well-socialized dogs are happier, healthier and better-behaved," according to the Day Care Depot website.

In addition to adding this new service, Annabelle's has added more staff. "We've hired three new employees as well as eight interns from Michigan State University," sayts Ann Andrews, a part-owner of Annabelle's.

The Day Care Depot is available Tuesday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. A variety of passes are available for sale, starting with a half-day pass, all the way up to a 20 day full-day pass.

Dogs are placed in play groups, limited to 12, based on size, temperament and play style. All dogs must have all their required vaccinations and be play-tested before being allowed to attend the Day Care Depot.

The service started on January 19th and the word is quickly spreading around town. "We opened last Tuesday and we had nine dogs waiting for us," says Andrews.

Annabelle's Pet Station can be found at 600 Capitol Ave. in Downtown Lansing.

Source: Ann Andrews, AnnaBelle's Pet Station

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Entrepreneur Institute Moves to 1,000 Sq Ft Space in Downtown Lansing

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In an effort to increase its visibility and attendance, the Entrepreneur Institute of Mid-Michigan, has moved into a renovated space on the Impression 5 Science Center property.

"We have have received commitments for donations of many kinds from the community to help make this a reality," says Camron Gnass, a member of the Entrepreneur Institute board and owner of Traction. "[The move] puts us on the premises of Impression 5 for a better connection to the youth we are developing an entrepreneurial curriculum for."

The build-out for the Institute contains enhancements worth more than $20,000 and includes more than 1,000 square feet of space. Moving the Institute to the space was a shared vision of Camron Gnass and Ryan Henry, of Kincaid Henry Building Group.

"Erik Larson and his staff of Impression 5 have been very accommodating as they share the same vision of our future for the region needing to encourage more employers, not just employees," says Gnass.

The space includes three offices, a lounge area and instructional space for 20-to-30 people. Additionally, the instructional space will be made available to rent for other organizations.

The Kindcaid Henry Building Group coordinated nearly all of the equipment and material donations from local businesses.

Source: Camron Gnass, Traction

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Replay Entertainment Exchange Thriving, Expands Space

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The ever-traversing Replay Entertainment Exchange has changed its address for the fifth time since 2006.

The popular used-media shop can now be found at 1385 East Grand River Ave. in a strip mall complex that includes Grand Traverse Pie Company.

Replay moved to the new location back in November. While owner Ted Wilson misses being in downtown East Lansing next to Barnes & Noble, Replay benefited from the change of scenery.

"We're the coolest thing happening on the strip," says Wilson regarding the lack of competition within the strip mall.

The location offers perks other than lack of competition: Wilson reduced his rent, doubled his square footage and now has free parking in front of the store.

The new location is in close proximity to a few Michigan State University (MSU) dorms and is bringing in more local, non-student costumers.

"We're on the edge [of campus] and much more accessible to locals," he says.

As he did at the old Replay locations, Wilson plans on having live music and movie nights.

"Everything is on wheels," Wilson explains, pointing to the racks of used DVDs, records and video games that can easily be moved to create more floor space.

Always looking to expand, Wilson plans on adding used books to Replay's offerings in the near future.

Source: Ted Wilson, Replay Entertainment Exchange

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

The Tin Can Opens in Downtown Lansing

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A "world class dive bar" has come to downtown Lansing: The Tin Can. The bar, according to its website, specializes in "cheap booze, cheap food and cheap friends."

As the name states, the Tin Can only offers beer in cans — no bottles or drafts allowed. Co-Owner Dave Sell says bars like the Tin Can are gaining popularity on the West Coast, and that he wanted to be on the "leading edge" in Lansing.

This cozy bar, which holds 60 to 80 people, also offers hard liquor and chili dogs that Sell says are "Detroit style."

Sell also plans on bringing in Better Made Potato Chips, another Detroit favorite. Sell says he wants to "keep locally minded," by offering chip dips and the like from local delis and restaurants. He also plans on buying food from the nearby Lansing City Market.

The Tin Can opened Friday, February 12th at 414 E. Michigan Ave. next to Harem Urban Lounge.

The space was renovated for the new bar, which includes a new build out. Several stand-up coolers are on site to keep the Tin Can stocked with plenty of beer. Microbrews and craft brews are available along side old standbys like Pabst Blue Ribbon.

The Tin Can is smoke free and may eventually include live music.

Source: Dave Sell, the Tin Can

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Cravings Popcorn Moves to Old Town

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Things are popping for Chad Jordan's Cravings Popcorn, as he moved his business out of the Lansing City Market and into the storefront at 1220 Turner St. in Old Town.

The new, larger location offers more space for not only popcorn, but also staff. Jordan says the store will have two-to-four employees. The expansion does not stop with the store or the staff as Jordan looks to expand his product line with "eight to 12 [new] flavors." Jordan is also looking to add more seeds, oil and seasoning at the new Cravings Popcorn shop.

Jordan plans to venture into organic and microwavable popcorn as well. Jordan says there are many regional types of microwavable popcorn he would like to showcase at the new store. His goal is to lure consumers away from the big name microwavable popcorn by offering a much wider variety of flavors.

Cravings Popcorn is open for business Feb. 22 and Jordan will have a week long celebration of the opening, featuring "sweet deals and sweet treats."

Source: Chad Jordan, Cravings Popcorn

Writer: Daniel J. Hogan

Portable Feast Changes to Pastry Palette With New Owners, Name and Menu

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Old Town’s Portable Feast is now the Pastry Palette, a restaurant that offers a similar menu to Portable Feast, but with a sweeter twist.

“I do have a lot more pastries and baked goods,” says Pastry Palette's Vicky Morgan. The new sweet treats include brownies and gourmet cupcakes. “There are similarities, but also differences.”

Morgan and her husband William purchased the business at the end of 2009. Due to Old Town’s 2007 IKEA makeover, which added a new flair to many of Old Town’s businesses including the former Portable Feast, renovations were unnecessary.

“We’ve always wanted to own a place like this,” Morgan says. “When we saw this was for sale, we just jumped at it. It was a dream come true.”

Pastry Palette is a traditional family business. Morgan even recruited her nephew Travis Dominguez, who was living in Tennessee, to help out.

Morgan wants to expand the company’s catering sector,which she says has been going fairly well.

“We’re hoping that’s the part of the business that really starts picking up,” she says. “I think that will bring us through the slow time of the year.”

Pastry Palette is located at 1216 Turner St.

Source: Vicky Morgan, Pastry Palette

Writer: Ivy Hughes

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

New 6,000 Sq Ft, High-End Men's Consignment Store Opens in East Lansing

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

East Lansing has a unique consignment store that includes a small lounge area, a large TV tuned to ESPN and a lot of suits.

The Man Store is a high-end consignment store for men only and includes name brand clothing, sporting gear and some jewelry. The 6,000 square foot building was a Hollywood Video before Kellie Johnson opened The Man Store.

“I’ve never seen another men’s-only store,” says Johnson about what she perceives as an untapped market. “I certainly haven’t seen one around here.”

Johnson, who also opened four-year-old K2 Boutique, a high-boutique geared toward women, also offers style assistance.

“A lot of men don’t know how to dress or don’t take the time to dress and we help with that,” she says. “No one does that anymore.”

The Man Store is located st 2786 E. Grand River in East Lansing near Tom’s Party Store.

“We wanted to be on Grand River,” Johnson says. “Women will find K2, but for men it needs to be right there.”

Johnson is gradually adding a furniture consignment spinoff to the space next to The Man Store.

Source: Kellie Johnson, The Man Store

Writer: Ivy Hughes

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Regency Beauty Scoops Up 6,361 Sq Ft Space on Lansing’s Westside

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Regency Beauty Institute is opening its fifth Michigan campus in Lansing. Plans are to renovate its 6,361 square foot space at 3415 W. Saginaw in time for March enrollment.

“We’recontinually adding new campuses across the country and we’re alwayslooking for communities where we think there will be demand for ourparticular approach to cosmetology,” says Paul Ariloff, vice presidentof marketing. “We don’t have any campuses in Lansing and this was anatural community to expand into.”

RegencyBeauty Institute is a Minnesota-based cosmetology education companythat has more than 62 campuses located in more than 15 states.

Theschool will bring some jobs to the area. Ariloff says the school willlikely hire five to six local instructors and central staff for itsMarch opening.

“For years the employmentand growth in cosmetology has very closely mirrored population growthand often gets tagged as a recession-proof career,” Ariloff says.

Classsizes are dependent on enrollment, which rotates every four weeks forthe full-time program. Ariloff says students are already showinginterest in the Lansing school. The facility has two classrooms and aperformance floor.

Source: Paul Ariloff, Regency Beauty

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association Moves to 1,600 Sq Ft Westside Location

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MADHH) moved from Lansing Township to Lansing’s Westside at the end of 2010, a change MADHH Executive Director Nan Asher says will give members greater access to the association.

“Size-wise, it’s the same, but the floor plan is a little better,” Asher says about the 1,600 5236 Dumond Ct. location. “We’re hoping to expand our services at this location.”

The MADHH provides multiple service to those with hearing loss including parental group education and interpretation. Asher wants to expand services to include remote video interpretation for those residing in locations such as the Upper Peninsula.

“We’ll be able to handle more functions at a centralized location,” she says. “These groups are statewide and this relates to our mission to help people.”

Source: Nan Asher, MADHH

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Against the Grain Studio Renovates, Expands Two More Old Town Buildings

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First there was 110 Grand River. Then 1220 N. Washington Ave. Now there’s 1221 Turner St.

In less than a year, against the Grain (atG) has opened three shops in Old Town Lansing. atG is a studio and sustainable millworks company that creates eco-friendly woodwork, flooring and furniture.

The company first moved from Eaton Rapids to 110 Grand River about a year ago. Now the nexus of the company’s studio space occupies 5,000 square foot on Washington Avenue. The third building, the 1221 Turner St. location, was recently acquired and will serve as a living showroom for atG work.

“I came down here for the community,” says atG's Jay Belous about his decision to move and expand in Old Town. “I really liked it down here and when we opened the small show room, the owners and the building owners really took to it.”

atG is renovating 1221 Turner, an 1,100 square foot space and future showroom. Belous says the company hopes to eventually open an industrial arts school in the area.

atG recently added a full-time industrial designer for interior furniture and is designing a sustainable bed and breakfast in Ann Arbor.

Source: Jay Belous, owner of atG,

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Downtown Lansing Advertising Company Creates New Online Subscription Business

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Queue, a Downtown Lansing-based advertising company, just finished Advertising180.net, a site that offers online advertising how-tos for business owners who want quick, cost-effective advertising solutions.

Advertising180.net is a subscription service that’s run through Queue. Users have access to multiple four-minute videos about media planning, ad copy writing and other advertising components.

Queue Owner Lori Cunningham says Advertising180.net, a project Queue employees worked on for more than a year, is a way for the company to diversify.

“What we’ve found is that, as the economy shrank, and more and more people are being let go from larger agencies or media outlets like radio and TV, they’re starting their own businesses, so everyone seems to be a competitor,” says Cunningham.

Cunningham says many small businesses don’t have the resources to invest in advertising, but do have the ability to learn basic advertising principles.

“Everything’s on the website and it’s at their fingertips 24/7,” she says. “It really is an agency on-line for a low, annual subscription cost.”

The service costs $249 to $199 a year and gives users access to more than 20 videos. Cunningham says videos are constantly being added.

“This is very innovative,” she says. “We can’t find anything like it.”

Source: Lori Cunningham, Advertising 180

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Alma Doctor Buys and Opens 1,000 Sq Ft Animal Clinic in Stockbridge

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After operating an animal clinic in Alma, Mich. for 16 years, Tom Armstrong decided to open a second location in Stockbridge.

Armstrong wasn’t looking to add a practice, but found himself purchasing a 1,000 square foot clinic that was closing.

“In going through it, my wife and I and [our] office manager saw some potential there to do some good things,” Armstrong says. “It would have been sad to see that practice go, and it seemed the community could support a practice so we sort of took it on.”

When Armstrong purchased the building, he hired a new staff and completely renovated the building.

“So far so good,” Armstrong says about business. “Anytime you’re starting what essentially amounts to a new venture you get a little worked up about how it’s going to go.”

Stockbridge Animal Clinic is a full service animal hospital and is located at 214 S. Center St.

Source: Tom Armstrong, Stockbridge Animal Clinic

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Simplified Tax Renovates Old Carnegie Library in Charlotte for Fifth Office

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Simplified Tax’s new 3,600 square foot Charlotte location, as well its 15 new part-time staffers, will help the tax company get through the ensuing months of filing madness.

Simplified Tax opened first opened in Lansing in the late 60s and has since expanded to Owasso, Williamston and DeWitt. The 15 tax season staffers will be distributed across the branches.

“Over the years we’ve opened a number of satellite offices and we were looking for a new location west of Lansing,” says Ryan Lowe, Simplified Tax office manager. “We didn’t want to be in Grand Ledge or the west Saginaw area because it’s more suburban than Lansing. Charlotte is kind of its own community.”

Simplified Tax renovated the original Carnegie Library building in Charlotte before moving in, restoring the original woodwork and making improvements to the outside of the building. The library served as a law office before Simplified Tax took over.

“We’re growing and the service we provide is something that everyone needs,” Lowe says. “What differentiates us from national chains is that we’re quite a bit more private. When we meet with someone we meet in a private office.”

One third of the building is available for commercial space. Simplified Tax is located at 200 N. Cochran Ave. in Charlotte.

Source: Ryan Lowe, Simplified Tax

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Broads Donate Additional $2 Million to Growing Pot for $45 Million Art Museum

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Eli and Edythe Broad contributed another $2 million to assist with the projected $40 to $45 million construction costs for the new Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

The 46,000 square foot contemporary art museum will be located on the corner of Grand River Avenue and Farm Lane in East Lansing and is being designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. More than 69 percent of the three-level building will include gallery space.

The Broads have contributed $28 million to the project. Total private investment includes $33 million.

“Edye and I are pleased to expand our commitment to create a world-class art museum for MSU and the broader Lansing and central Michigan region,” says Broad. “This new museum, designed by one of the world’s leading architects, will become a contemporary art destination, and it extends our mission of enabling art to be seen by the broadest public.”

Michigan State University (MSU) will break ground on the project March 16. Construction will take an estimated 23 months, with a targeted opening of 2012.

Source: MSU
Writer: Ivy Hughes

State Police Employees Set to Move Into New $45 Million Downtown Headquarters

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Michigan State Police employees are scheduled to move into the new, $45 million police headquarters in February.

The 148,000 square foot building is ready, but the Michigan State Police are organizing the move, which will uproot employees from three other locations.

“This building was built for the employees so there’s not a whole lot of room for expansion,” says Shanon Banner, spokeswoman for the State Police. “This is a newer building and will allow them to reconfigure much more easily.”

The existing Michigan State Police headquarters is in East Lansing near the Breslin Center on the Michigan State University (MSU) campus. Employees are also located in the Hollister building and in a building on Collins Road. Shanon says the structural division of some of the buildings makes employee interaction difficult.

“There was a desire to have an office for the Michigan State Police in Lansing,” she says about the decision to build in Downtown Lansing. The new building is on the corner of Grand Avenue and Kalamazoo.

Source: Shanon Banner, State Police

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Mayotte Group Architecture Firm Moves to 5,000 Sq Ft Delta Township Space

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After 21 years in an office suite, the Mayotte Group architectural firm has moved to a 5,000 square foot, stand-alone building in Delta Township.

“This is just a larger overall space and gives us more meeting space,” says Nicki Badgero, designer with the Mayotte Group.

The 5,000 square foot space is substantially larger than the group's former 3,700 square foot space and includes a basement.

“We’ll also be able to bring our archivals over,” Badgero says about Mayotte’s substantial reference materials.

The move keeps the Mayotte Group near one of its largest clients, Delta Township's Auto Owners Insurance.

The Mayotte Group has 11 employees. While the group isn’t currently hiring, Badgero says future growth is possible.

“We’re busy now and it’s hard to say, but there’s potential,” she says.

The new address is 6240 W. Mount Hope.

Source: Nicki Badgero, Mayotte Group

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Grand Ledge Cycle & Sports Moves to 9,000 Sq Ft Building, Adds Equipment

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sean O’Connor, of Grand Ledge Cycle & Sports, is not only expanding the physical space of his business, he’s also expanding the line of products and services he offers.

“When I started the company I wanted the name to include ‘sports’ because I knew we’d want to expand beyond bicycles,” says O’Connor.

Now O’Connor has the space to grow. He recently moved his business to 221. S. Bridge St., a 9,000 square foot space that's a significant increase from the 2,000 square feet of floor space he had at his former location nearby. The new facility also allows for plenty of storage space.

O’Conner started his business selling bicycles, but now sells snowboards, snowshoes, climbing gear, kayaks and other athletic equipment.

“Anything that people do in Grand Ledge, I’m going to do it here,” he says.

O’Connor has been selling bikes since the 1990s. He also repairs bikes and sells a significant amount of merchandise on eBay.

“I really wanted to stay local here in Grand Ledge,” he says about keeping his business in the region.

Source: Sean O’Connor, Grand Ledge Cycle & Sports

Writer: Ivy Hughes

Direct from Arizona, Smoking Specialty Shop Blows Into Old Town

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Not long ago, Teusdae Bradley moved from Phoenix, Ariz. to Michigan, a climatically shocking experience for a West Coaster, and one she accepted gracefully. When she couldn’t find a job in the city, she again rolled with the punches and opened her own smoking specialty shop in Old Town.

“All of my savings were going out the window so I decided to take a risk at this,” Bradley says of Blown, the Old Town specialty smoke shop she launched in the fall of 2009. Blown is located at 523 E. Grand River Ave.

While living in Arizona, Bradley worked for one of the largest specialty smoke shops in the country and when she moved to Michigan, she felt she had enough training and knowledge to open her own store.

“It’s important to me to show the art in glass blowing,” says Bradley of the beautiful pieces displayed in her store.

Bradley supports local artists as much as possible, including showing their work in her sizeable stock, which includes other glass products such as wine glasses, decanters and pendants as well as discs for disc golf. She also works with other Old Town businesses and even had the Golden Harvest cater her grand opening.

“We felt to be secure, the first step was to integrate with the local community,” she says. “That’s been pretty good so far.”

Blown also hosts events to expose the public to local artists and musicians by bringing in live and local DJs on a scheduled basis.

Source: Teusdae Bradley, Blown

Writer: Ivy Hughes

MSU Student-Entrepreneurs Launch Nonprofit Scholarship Organization

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s been less than six months since Michigan State University (MSU) students David Spitzer, Adam Root and Joseph Brummitt launched Spartanicity, but they’re already rolling out another new venture.

Thethree recently received nonprofit status for Student Solutions, a nonprofit designed to offset the rising cost of higher education. Student Solutions will provide $1,000 tuition scholarships and $500 textbook scholarships for qualified Michigan students.

“Wewanted to do something where we could help MSU students because the Promise Scholarship got cut and the economy is so bad and tuition got raised. So we thought a nonprofit that gave money to students would be good,” Spitzer says.

Students Solutionsscholarships are available to students attending public and privateMichigan-based colleges and universities. Students will have to apply for the scholarships and the first round of scholarships will be awarded in the summer 2010 or fall 2010 semester.

So far, the Student Solutions team has raised $10,000 in scholarship funding.

“I think our first-year goal is $40,000, and the second year is $100,000,” Spitzer says about fundraising goals.

David Spitzer, Adam Root and Joseph Brummitt launched Spartanicity, a product delivery service for MSU students in the fall.

“Spartanicity is doing really well,” Spitzer says. “We just started delivering text books for the student book store.”

Brummitt is a recent MSU graduate. Spitzer and Root graduate this spring.

Source: David Spitzer, Student Solutions

Writer: Ivy Hughes