Until 2012, the corner of Michigan Avenue and Marshall Street was home to a dilapidated gas station that served only as an eyesore leading into Downtown Lansing. Luckily, the Gillespie Company and the Ingham County Land Bank had a vision to make the property into something the community could once again appreciate.
The Land Bank purchased the property with the intent for it to be sold and redeveloped commercially. The Gillespie Company worked with the Land Bank to purchase the property, renovate and remediate the underground tanks and soils, and build a three-story building with commercial space and 13 apartments, called the Avenue Flats.
“The board was very engaged and willing to work with me throughout the process, said Gillespie. “We all understood how critical the site was to the growth of the Michigan Avenue corridor.”
Not only did the new flats improve the appearance of the property, but also the surrounding atmosphere.
“My favorite part of the property is that it brings life back to the avenue,” said Gillespie.