Greater Lansing has had a little over a week to take pride and marinate in the fact that Lansing was named by well-respected finance and business news publisher, Kiplinger, as one the “Ten Great Cities for Young Adults”. The ‘Top 10’ list made several rounds throughout the Twitterverse and conventional media circuit. It was refreshing, the number of sources that cited our region’s amorphous, but ever-growing “Love Lansing” movement as an undeniable asset, elevating our community to compete on the national stage for the hearts and desires of young professionals.
Kiplinger’s analysis really does speak volumes for the Love Lansing ethos and its significant economic impact throughout the Greater Lansing region. Several favorable statistics, such as Lansing’s “medium monthly rent” - almost $200 lower than the national average- helped place Lansing in contention. It was, however, the persistent and pioneering efforts by hundreds of Love Lansingites that nurtured the Capital Area into a place that could make this esteemed list and become what Kiplinger called a “hotbed for young professionals”.
Kiplinger’s praise will result in more than just good vibes and high-fives for those in Greater Lansing. It will also lead to increased exposure, interest and economic activity in our community. Recently, several multi-million investments, such as plans to revitalize the Knapp’s building downtown and to redevelop the site of the historic Lansing Depot in REO Town, have further reinforced the economic impact of Love Lansing.
In early March of this year, the always anticipated and well attended Ignite Lansing held its third event in the long vacant Knapp’s building. Hundreds of enthused and inquisitive Greater Lansing residents packed the atrium of Knapp’s and breathed life back into the forlorn structure. Just one month after the Ignite Lansing 3, the owners of the Knapp’s building announced an over $20 million redevelopment at the site. The owners of the property confirmed that Ignite Lansing’s event was a tipping point in their decision to explore and pursue a redevelopment strategy for the location.
Another story of Love Lansing’s tangible economic influence is currently being written in REO Town. With the resurgence of Downtown, the Riverfront and Old Town fresh in the minds of Love Lansignites, many in the community have focused their social entrepreneurial spirit and positive energy on REO Town. In particular, a number of groups envision REO Town as the potential epicenter for a bold artistic renaissance in Lansing. This past summer, two initiatives have launched with the goal of infusing art into the community. In early July, the Center for New Enterprise Opportunity (NEO) hosted an inaugural event its REO Town storefront and invited the community to view exhibits from Greater Lansing artist.
Then, come late July, Leap employee and Accelerate Lansing Vice Chairperson, Joe Manzella; local artist Samskee DeBourbon; and Ingham County Treasure and Land Bank Director, Eric Schertzing, formed a formidable partnership with the intent of transforming the dilapidated Deluxe Inn property at the gateway to REO Town. In one weekend, an eclectic group of over 40 accomplished graffiti artists from throughout the Midwest descended on the Deluxe Inn property, transforming a site that once represented depravity and despair, into one that embodied creativity and community.
This increased commitment in REO Town has culminated in what may be the neighborhood’s largest investment and makeover to date; the proposed construction by the Lansing Board of Water and Light of a $182 million state of the art natural gas facility on the site of the old Lansing Depot train station. The BWL’s development, which will also incorporate the reuse of Lansing’s venerable train depot, may not have been located in REO Town if not for the critical mass of new residents and ingenuity that continue to flow into and from within the community.
These examples, coupled with the Kiplinger article, affirm that the Love Lansing movement is paying dividends. That is why, as a community, Greater Lansing must not undervalue, but empower and invest in Love Lansing. Leap’s Greater Lansing Next plan is a prime example of a long-term strategy for continually supporting one of our communities’ pivotal assets. More concerted efforts like Greater Lansing Next are needed to help further elevate and leverage the successes attributed to Love Lansing.
So, to those who continue to propel the Love Lansing movement forward, whether you self-identify with the tagline or not, keep up the compelling, inspirational and increasingly potent work.
To those living in admittedly fine metropolitan areas like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Los Angeles, Boston, etc., who cannot fathom how or why Lansing is on this list - we invite you to come visit. Such negativity only strengthens our resolve and commitment to our community and we promise that what has been accomplished thus far in Greater Lansing will be dwarfed by our achievements in the near future. Lansing’s “Top 10” nod by Kiplinger is not a fluke, and we certainly intend for our region to continue to flourish into a beacon for bright, innovative minds from throughout the Midwest and the globe.