Lansing has no zip
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6/20/2006
If you look at the Lansing area on paper, it appears like a happening place - East Lansing is a college town, you've got the huge Cooley Law School, there's minor-league basecall, it's the state capital, etc. Despite all of that, Lansing is really kind of a depressing place. There just seems to be this penchant for ugliness, tackiness and an obsession with parking. It also seems to be frozen in the mid 80s, with new ideas not implemented too readily, whether it's new businesses, environmental awareness, etc. The old way is the good way.
True, there are some cool things happening, such as some loft conversions and a revival of East Michigan Ave, including a new bookstore, cafe, cultural center, etc. The problem, though, is that there is still so far to go. Lots of other cities in the Midwest have already done these kinds of upgrades maybe 10-20 years ago, but now it's finally catching on slowly here. Also, so much damage has been done that I fear that Lansing might never be really vibrant place. For example, the downtown riverfront should be a focal point, yet it is permanently blocked off with a HUGE parking ramp. And the main entrance to downtown on Michigan Ave over the river - why not have a graceful, grand structure to know you've arrived? No, it's a bland, concrete block. So Lansing. Also, not only is the capitol building uninspiring, but the government district is a big sprawling mess with nothing connected together and perhaps 500 acres of dead-zone parking. There is no intimacy to the place, nor there can ever be enough parking, whether it's in downtown Lansing or near MSU or wherever. The offerings in downtown Lansing feel fit for a town of 30,000 rather than a capital city with 120K. While entrepreneurs are trying to change this, it just never really catches on. I just think that most people have written off downtown and really just don't like it that much. TGI Fridays is good enough. For instance, there's a new Pita Pit restaurant that was planning to stay open until 12 am. I just saw that they had to change their hours and close at 7 because downtown is still such a no-go zone after 5.
So if you plan on moving here, really check it out first before you dive in. I moved here several years ago for school and regret it. I am looking forward to leaving after I'm done. Let me add, though, that I have nothing against the people here. In general, while a bit provincial, they are as upright, kind and decent as peopl
James | Lansing, MI