For most students, the majority of their world lies within the boundaries of MSU. However, there are many developments moving forward in East Lansing that will affect both students and permanent residents in the near future.
Avondale Square
E.L. projects aim to transform city, sense of community
Along the 600 block of Virginia Avenue, the city of East Lansing has started a $11.3 million housing project aimed at keeping permanent residents in the area.
It’s been in the planning stages since 2004, but has gained momentum during the summer and fall of this year.
The project includes 30 units of permanent housing in an area formerly targeted at student renters.
The city has acquired all but one property for the project and has completed four homes in the area.
Earlier this fall, the city hosted a housing fair to get buyers interested in the homes.
The homes start at about $150,000 and are aimed at anyone planning for permanent residence in East Lansing, said Jodie Unkovich, a sales associate for Mayberry Homes in September.
“It’s something for everybody,” she said. “We are seeing a lot of families with kids move in.”
City Center II
City Center II is a $116.4 million mixed-use development slated for the corner of Abbot Road and Grand River Avenue.
The project has been proposed since 2001 and has been a point of controversy for the past few years. Earlier this summer, the properties slated for the project went into foreclosure and were close to being auctioned off at a Sept. 17 Ingham County sheriff’s sale.
The developer, Strathmore Development Company, owes back taxes to both the city and the county.
Since October 2008, the company has received four extensions on the development agreement to secure funding for the project.
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A fifth extension is pending on the developer’s ability to pay the city for its summer taxes.
Mayor Vic Loomis said at the Sept. 22 East Lansing City Council meeting an extension would not be voted on until Strathmore Development Company’s debts are paid.
East Village
The area bounded by Bogue Street, Grand River Avenue, Hagadorn Road and the Red Cedar River also is a potential for a downtown mixed-use development.
The project, called East Village, would rework the current area, which includes Cedar Village, and create mixed-use facilities including retail and housing for both students and permanent residents. It would bring more diversity to the people living in the area.
In June, East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said the East Village has not been financed and the city was not planning on starting the project any time in the near future.
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