Living Here

By Guest Writer: Kate Grove

We are honored to recognize Bobby Earls as our October Volunteer of the Month! 

With his gracious nature and genuine interest in connecting with people, Bobby has become a cornerstone of neighborhood relationships. Whether he’s building partnerships with other businesses on the block, engaging with frequent visitors to the Nelson Gallery, or simply taking time to chat with the mail carrier, Bobby treats everyone with equal attention and good humor.

Downtown Lansing is gearing up for one of the most anticipated family traditions of the season — Trick or Treat on the Square! 

On Friday, October 24, from 5–7 p.m., the 100–300 blocks of S. Washington will come alive with costumes, candy, and community fun. To make the magic happen, we need a strong team of volunteers ready to jump in and help. Last year’s event brought over 3,000 attendees into Michigan’s Downtown.

By Ed Coury (via WKAR Public Media)

Downtown Lansing’s retail revival may be picking up steam, as new businesses move into long-vacant storefronts and a major development reshapes the city’s core.

At the start of 2025, downtown’s retail vacancy rate stood at about 25%, according to Downtown Lansing Inc. By midyear, that number had dropped to roughly 18%, based on data from Martin Commercial Properties.

Due to the unprecedented challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to businesses in the retail and service sectors, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared Saturday, September 27, as the official “Downtown Day.”

This proclamation comes at the request of the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) to boost support for downtown areas across the state that have been hit hard. Residents are encouraged to visit their local downtowns on Saturday to shop, eat, join in activities, or lend a hand through volunteering.

Photo Credit: Al Goldis/ AP Photo

By Dan Basso (via Lansing State Journal)

LANSING — An early mass-produced Oldsmobile that Ransom Eli Olds donated to Michigan State University in 1948 now has been gifted to the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, officials announced this week, where it will be “a highlight of the Museum’s collection.”

The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum announced the transfer of a 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile, calling it a “landmark piece of automotive history,” in a Sept. 2 release.

By Leo V. Kaplan (via Lansing City Pulse)

In July, a single word was changed on the Richard and Deborah Glaister House’s Wikipedia page: “is” was replaced with “was.”

The building had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, but it had no local historic designation. That meant there was nothing to prevent its demolition. It was demolished by its final owner, the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, to make room for a rainwater retention pond.

By Ed Coury (via WKAR Public Media)

Plans for the long-awaited $28 million Ovation Center in downtown Lansing are moving ahead — but with fewer architectural flourishes than originally proposed.

By Jay Krammes

Lansing’s fall festival season is stacked with back-to-back excitement!  

517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend (Sept. 18–21) adds a cultural celebration with Latin dance nights, a “Taste of Hispanic Heritage” street festival with 70+ vendors, a Kidz Zone, and even a Latin jazz performance under the stars. 

Source: Mayor Schor’s Office

LANSING, Mich. – Mayor Andy Schor announced today that the City of Lansing will host a coat drive to provide new and gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves to children and adults in need in Lansing. Item collection started this week and will run through Friday, November 7, 2025. The coats will be given away at Community Connect on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Downtown CATA station. 

Guest Writer: Jay Krammes

At Downtown Dental Studio, every smile is treated like it’s one of a kind. Led by Dr. Priyanka Watwe, the team makes it a priority to get to know each patient, building long-lasting relationships rooted in respect and kindness.