[dragon_fly_12]

Michigan83, you hit the nail right on the head.

I was a life long Lansing area resident until 2007. Up to that point, I had absolutely no idea what we were missing out on. I have lived near Cleveland, Toledo and now in Charlotte, NC. Each of these areas have more of a downtown vibe than Lansing ever had, and it mostly has to do with the lack of things to do. The Lugnuts are a good start, but.. (the below are all points my husband and I have discussed at length about Lansing).

The Lugnuts are the farm team for Chicago. There are not a huge number of Chicago fans in the Lansing area, so that is where they are missing a draw. Toledo's Mudhens are the farm team for the Tigers, and any given season you might have a chance to see a Tigers team member drop down to the minors. That is more of a draw to attend the Mudhens games.

There are no solid music venues downtown. Every major downtown area I have lived near has venues that are known for big acts, and the local radio stations promote the snot out of them. Charlotte turned a large ware house / former mill operation into the NC Music Factory - multiple stages, comedy club, restaurants, etc all at one location. Good parking, good food, good pricing, and national acts that come through regularly. Most of the week, the area really doesn't have a lot going on. Come end of the week, the place is hopping. Toledo has a few small venues that grab mid-week national acts that are cruising through (On their way to Chicago, Detroit, Fling, GR, Cleveland, etc) - and the PR groups promote the snot out of the events, so they are usually sold our, or close to being. Cleveland has a ton of venues ranging from small and intimate to arena size.

There are no specialty "gotta have it" type pubs or restaurants. Every city has their little mom & pop grills, pubs, etc that have traditional fare. But, there is nothing spectacular about the restaurants in downtown Lansing that bring people in after hours. Specialty meaning places that serve up something unique that can't be found elsewhere in town. Right off the top of my head, the big players specialize in bbq, large variety of craft beer, ethnic cuisine, etc.

Not enough to do on a rainy day. The only real entertainment options are a stroll on the Riverwalk, museums, and ... (My mind draws a blank here). There are no establishments that really draw a crowd. Charlotte has the Eipcenter - This is a lot bigger than what Lansing could handle, but the concept is what I'm getting at - Downtown location that has multiple bars, restaurants and entertainment options at one location - bowling, movies, etc. Within a short distance, there are gyms, a climbing gym, and other places people can go after hours or on the weekends for entertainment. Downtown Lansing also has very limited shopping for everyday necessities. This means living downtown (if you want to be hip and walk / bike everywhere), it is really inconvenient to get your weekly grocery trip taken care of.

Finally, crappy PR. Downtown Lansing is not being marketed at all. It is hard to cultivate interest if it is not being advertised. But, you first have to have something there to peak the interest of the younger crowds.

[michiganbob]

Agree with most of what everyone else is saying: downtown Lansing, despite some improvements, is still missing that big music or entertainment venue that would attract people downtown on a regular basis. They used to bring in some acts to the Breslin Center in East Lansing, but not as much lately. The Wharton Center brings in some good Broadways shows and "classy" performances, but not a lot of music or comedy acts. Other than that, there is not a performance center in town big enough for most bands to make a stop. Most will go to Soaring Eagle or another casino.

That is why I am somewhat torn about the proposed casino in downtown Lansing. On one hand I don't know that we really need another casino in the area, but if it had a big area and a couple of high end restaurants, I might be in favor of it. If it's just a floor full of penny slots, forget it.

[Michigander Abroad]

I was so excited to find this thread!

I moved away from Lansing right out of high school, to see the bright lights of a big city. Since then I have come to appreciate Lansing for what it was, and now I truly miss it.

To me, Lansing's an oversized small town. It's recreational activities are quaint; Potter Park, Impression 5, Lugnuts, etc. and there's a pretty good selection of mom and pop establishments and small local chains. There's an unfortunate amount of strip malls, but a fair amount of historic architecture as well.

In my opinion, let Grand Rapids be Grand Rapids and let Lansing be Lansing. By that I mean, Lansing should strive to be what it once was; a walkable downtown with big beautiful homes. Eventually all the 20 something’s living in urban lofts are going to need bigger accommodations for their growing families, and instead of moving out to the suburbs it would be nice to see them renovate the preexisting, often foreclosed, homes waiting for new life.

With that said, what's lacking is entertainment (as most everyone else already pointed out). I think, instead of going large, it would be nice to focus on small town activities. Maybe some of the local community centers could step up?

In the end, a town's greatest assets are the residents.

[johne12345]

The first bite, still warm, still fresh, had me running for my door, purse & keys in hand to find this "truck". I left immediately without so much as a "good-bye". When I arrived I ordered like a kid in a candy store. "I want this, and this, and some of this .


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