Guest Writer: Meegan Holland
Dear Downtown Lansing,
If you remember what Michigan Avenue around Larch and Cedar looked like in the 1980s, then you know that city government and good developers can team up to a create miracle.
Forty years ago, the Lansing thoroughfare that dead ends at the state Capitol was dubbed Sin Strip, with adult book stores, porn shops and a topless bar or two. It was a sad entrance to Lansing’s core downtown.
Today, it’s the Stadium District, where Jackson Field – formerly Cooley Law School Stadium and before that Oldsmobile Park – is home to the Lugnuts, a High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics and one of the reasons I love Lansing.
Former Mayor David Hollister and city leaders decided erecting a stadium on Michigan between Larch and Cedar would help give that key urban neighborhood a boost. Soon after it opened in 1996, I remember gloating a bit when I introduced a Grand Rapids friend to the Lugnuts’ home and he lamented that the Whitecaps stadium was plopped in suburban Comstock Park.
Since then, bars and restaurants arrived. Meijer opened the Capital City Market, and a new Courtyard Hotel is right next door. Apartments built near the stadium – and some just beyond the outfield wall! - are desirable landing spots for young and older professionals. Best of all, I feel safe walking after a game to my favorite parking spot (no, I’m not going to share that info).
As you plan your warm-weather adventures, include some Lugnuts games, even if you’re not an avid baseball fan. There’s nothing like watching, with a hotdog in hand, mascot Big Lug wiggle around the park, young athletes take their best shot, and baseball fans belt out the goofy Lugnuts theme song, described as “an absolute 90s jam.”
Go Nuts!
Lugnuts!
Love,
Meegan Holland
