DLI Highlights Growth & Investments Expected in the Next 36 Months at 2025 State of Downtown
LANSING, Mich. (April 25, 2025) - On Thursday, April 24, Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) hosted its annual State of Downtown Address at Grewal Hall to provide updates on progress made, challenges ahead, and the shared vision shaping Michigan’s Downtown. DLI leaders announced that the district is expecting to see more than $682.8 million in investments come to fruition over the next 36 months and urged attendees to join in fueling this growth by signing the Downtown Lansing Pledge to “Build Michigan’s Downtown Together.”
During the event, DLI highlighted the measurable strides Downtown Lansing is making in economic development, placemaking, and cultural growth, while inviting the community to play a role in the district’s continued transformation. Business owners, city leaders, partners and residents signed DLI’s Downtown Lansing pledge, encouraging the community to do their part by investing their time, ideas, dollars or voice to help Downtown Lansing grow stronger.
“What’s happening in Downtown Lansing now is real, and it’s meaningful momentum,” stated Cathleen Edgerly, DLI Executive Director. “Our visitors are increasing, new businesses are opening, major developments are currently breaking ground—and most importantly, people believe in and are investing in Downtown’s future. This is Michigan’s Downtown, and we’re building it together.”
DLI revealed that data from Placer.AI shows that in just four years, Downtown Lansing has seen a remarkable 133.5% rebound in foot traffic since the height of the pandemic, with total visits now at 3 million, just 14% shy of pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, unique visitors surpassed 2019 numbers by 56,700 more visitors this past year, meaning more visitors are coming to Downtown Lansing not just because they have to for work, but to experience its vibrancy, culture and events.
Over the past year, Downtown Lansing has also experienced:
- The addition of nine new businesses, with seven being priority businesses outlined in DLI’s Comprehensive Market Analysis.
- A decrease in first-floor vacancy rates by 5% from the prior year to 25%.
- A surge in annual events hosted by DLI and other community partners, attracting thousands of attendees throughout the year
Ongoing and upcoming investments were highlighted by Julie Pingston, CEO of Choose Lansing, and Edgerly shared a curated collection of public and private developments currently underway, including:
- The Ovation, a major new residential development now under construction
- The Macotta Club, a culinary accelerator set to transform the hospitality ecosystem
- Upcoming Demolition of the long-vacant site at Grand Avenue & Michigan Avenue
- Groundbreakings at multiple Lansing Housing Commission sites, New Vision Lansing’s Tower on Grand, and the new Lansing City Hall
As part of the evening’s focus on culture, inclusion and community impact, Ozay Moore, Founder of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy (AOTA), spoke to the importance of intentionally creating space for belonging in Downtown Lansing.
“We chose Downtown not just because of the location, but because it speaks to our mission,” said Moore. “Downtown is undergoing a transformation, and it’s the place where culture, commerce and community converge. That’s what makes it powerful and a place we wanted to be.”
Additionally, DLI previewed upcoming initiatives supported by fundraising efforts like its inaugural Big Red Ball it held in December 2025, including:
- A new interactive mapping tool featuring public art, businesses and construction navigation
- Expanded lighting and art installations across the district
- Enhanced event programming and wayfinding improvements throughout the Stadium District, S. Washington Square and the riverfront corridor
For more information on Downtown Lansing, visit DowntownLansing.org.
