Developments

Downtown Lansing Inc. has been awarded a $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant from The Hartford, in partnership with Main Street America, to launch The Macotta Club, a culinary accelerator housed in the historic Knapp’s Centre on Washington Square. The grant will support the club’s initiative to support 16 different concepts by providing a 36-month accelerator program that includes a shared concept kitchen, business training and the production of a variety of dining experiences.

LANSING, Mich., July 14, 2025, Gillespie Group, a leading force in community-driven revitalization projects, announces plans to potential acquire the soon-to-be former space of The Lansing City Rescue Mission along the 600 block of Michigan Ave in the Stadium District of Downtown Lansing directly across from their BLOCK600 development.

Source: Rachel Greco via Lansing State Journal 

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About Downtown Lansing Inc.:

LANSING — A downtown street most known for state buildings, parking ramps and CATA buses has become a hub of new construction activity that could revitalize the capital city.

Middle Village, a retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust, welcomed three new businesses as part of its fifth cohort.

Middle Village, a retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust, announces three new businesses participating in its fifth cohort. Middle Village’s 2025 Grand Opening will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 11 a.m. at 215 S. Washington Square in the historic Atrium Building in Downtown Lansing.  

Source: LEO V. KAPLAN via Lansing City Pulse

Oluwaseun “Sean” Sipeolu learned to cook by example.

Growing up in Nigeria, he watched his parents and older relatives cook and helped where he could. At first he’d just grind the salt or pepper for them.

“It’s part of the culture,” he said. “You cook with your parents, and when they cook, you watch them.”

New restaurant & lounge opens its doors on S. Washington Square 

LANSING, Mich. (May 22, 2025) - Downtown Lansing welcomed a new restaurant and lounge right on Washington Square during the highly anticipated grand opening of Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge located at 221 S. Washington Square. On Thursday, May 22, community members gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marking the start of the business being open to the public. 

Funds to help launch kitchen incubator space for local food startups in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. (May 13, 2025) - Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) has been awarded a $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant from The Hartford, in partnership with Main Street America, to create a culinary accelerator kitchen that will serve as a launching pad for 16 startups.