LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Many buildings in Downtown Lansing sit vacant, and fewer workers commute to work, leading to even fewer businesses setting up shop.
Following a decline in foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic business leaders and officials are looking to bring back a thriving downtown.
The challenge Downtown Lansing is facing is moving beyond the nine-to-five routine it currently has. State employees commute downtown for work but that simply isn’t enough. Repurposing unused space is one option in hopes of transforming the heart of the city.
A study from Downtown Lansing Inc. found that increasing retail, housing, walkability, and public spaces could improve the city. They estimate downtown has around 1 million square feet of vacant business space and has enough demand for housing downtown to fill 1,100 housing units each year for the next five years.