When I moved to Lansing back in 2005, I toyed with the idea of moving Downtown to be closer to work. The obvious benefit would be that I could walk to work and not only save on gas but the monthly fee I have to pay to park for work, which is something I hate.
Being fresh out of college and not accustomed to living in an urban setting, I instead chose an apartment complex on Lansing’s Westside. Whenever my lease comes up for renewal, I think about relocating. I try to decide if I should move Downtown—and when gas hit over $4 a gallon this summer, I seriously considered it.
Downtown has its fun draws: Thirsty Thursdays at Lugnuts' games, the City Market and all of the tasty restaurants to name a few. However, I wish there was more than that.
When I visit other cities, such as Royal Oak, Ferndale or (gasp) Ann Arbor, I think to myself, “If only downtown Lansing was like this.” All of the happening night spots, the stores and the scores of people.
Not that Downtown doesn’t have people around—during the summer there are some great events like Common Ground, and I’m a big fan of Blues on the Square. However, I wish there were more to bring folks Downtown on a regular basis.
I do like that groups and companies are investing in Downtown. A great example is the Stadium District. I think this is a great idea, because drawing young people Downtown to live in these apartments is an excellent way to encourage more interest in Downtown living. My only complaint of the Stadium District apartments is that they are rather pricey, at least for someone with my salary.
I originally thought they would have a hard time leasing these apartments, but after a quick visit to their Web site it appears as if most of the units are rented. That’s encouraging. The only units available are the condos on the fourth floor, according to the Web site.
The Stadium District apartments are a good starting point, but what else can be done?
Jobs that would draw young Michiganders to the city would be a good start. I recall hearing about a possible movie studio being built in or near downtown that would take advantage of Michigan’s new film incentives. As someone who studied film in college, I know how great this would be for Downtown. If this actually happens, a studio like that would draw lots of creative minds here for work. With all of these creative types around, I’m sure more businesses would start popping up.
I’d love to see Downtown Lansing comparable to a Royal Oak, especially for those in my age range. East Lansing is fun and all, but I’d like something closer and hanging out in college bars ain’t always my thing. Old Town is a step in the right direction with regard to what Downtown Lansing could be like—in Old Town you have a great mix of the arts and dining.
I’d love Downtown Lansing to have some kind of art house movie theater, or even more types of shops in Washington Square and not so many restaurants. I like the variety of dining (the Knight Cap is a favorite), but it really hit me how few shops there are in Washington Square when I was Christmas shopping last month.
I really miss the Way Station used bookstore Downtown. I’d spend my lunch hour looking through the old novels, hoping to find a lost gem—and I usually did. Quirky shops such as this are a great draw to Downtown and make it unique.
Or instead of an art house theater, how about a “brew and view” place? Somewhere you can watch films and have drinks? And I’d prefer seeing old movies at a place like this, not new releases. Watching Escape from New York over beers with friends? Yes, please.
It will take a lot of effort to make Downtown Lansing comparable to a Royal Oak or an Ann Arbor, but I believe that the community is taking steps in the right direction.