Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

November 21, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

*Gov. Whitmer Announces Commercial Space Redevelopment and New Housing for People to Live and Work in Downtown Lansing *  

"Support through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking program will revitalize three buildings in the Stadium District corridor of Michigan Avenue" 

 

*LANSING, Mich.* – Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce a redevelopment project receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating 15 units of additional housing that essential workers like teachers, police officers, state employees will be able to afford. The grant will also support nearly 6,900 square feet of commercial space in the Stadium District of Downtown Lansing. The 600 Block of Michigan Avenue project will revitalize three functionally obsolete two-story buildings currently occupying the parcels, generating a total capital investment of over $7.2 million while adding vibrancy and walkability to a bustling downtown corridor. Overall, this project will bring more people to downtown Lansing, injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the city’s economy. 

 

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development. The project is being awarded a $617,210 RAP grant to support the cost of development on the site and is expected to bring a total capital investment of $7,242,843.  

 

“Support for this redevelopment project in Downtown Lansing underscores our commitment to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy’s focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan’s economy,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “Programs like RAP help to create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for our Michigan communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.” 

 

“On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities like Downtown Lansing and invest in their ongoing resilience through the RAP program as part of our placemaking efforts in support of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy,” said *Michele Wildman,* *MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness.* “The redevelopment in Downtown Lansing will provide housing and commercial opportunities in the Stadium District, promoting additional activity and vibrancy to the Capital City.”  

 

Michigan Ave Revitalization, LLC is a development entity of Gillespie Group. Founded by Pat Gillespie, Gillespie Group is a commercial and residential real estate developer dedicated to revitalizing communities throughout the state of Michigan, including Downtown Lansing. 

 

“MEDC’s support of the revitalization of the 600 block of Michigan Avenue is a powerful example of what can happen when vision and support come together for the good of a community,” said *Pat Gillespie, founder & CEO of Gillespie Group*. “This corridor’s transformation will create an engaging and energized destination that will breathe new life into the block. It is a development that strengthens the neighborhood, creates opportunity, and continues the momentum along Michigan Avenue.” 

 

The City of Lansing is supporting this project The project is also leveraging a $3 million appropriation in partnership with LEAP Thrive, a MSHDA 15-year TIF of approximately $1,020,345 in total capture, and a Local Brownfield Revolving Fund loan of $626,011.  

 

“Rehabbing and repurposing this property is a tremendously important part of the next steps on Michigan Avenue,” said *Andy Schor, Mayor of Lansing*. “I am excited to see the new retail and housing, continuing to grow this important commercial corridor. I appreciate the partnership of the city, state, and developer to get this done for Lansing!” 

 

“LEAP THRIVE was created exactly for the purpose of facilitating and enabling community-focused projects like what Gillespie Group is doing with this block redevelopment,” said *Keith Lambert, president of LEAP THRIVE*. “This is such an incredible win-win for the city, region and all partners involved, we are glad to be able to meaningfully contribute to the financial array that makes it possible.” 

 

Since its launch in 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has supported 245 total projects in communities across the state. 

 

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