Lansing, Mich. — City leaders celebrated a significant milestone today as they broke ground on the future site of the city’s tallest building, marking the beginning of a new era for downtown Lansing. The project, dubbed “Tower on the Grand,” is poised to reshape the skyline and contribute to the revitalization of the downtown district.
Developers announced that the tower will rise to a height of 320 feet, spanning 28 stories that will include both retail and residential spaces. Once completed, the building will house nearly 1,000 residents, making it a central hub for living and commerce in the heart of Lansing.
“This will be the tallest building in downtown Lansing, with 335,000 square feet of space, including an attached parking garage and nearly an acre of outdoor space,” said Paul Gentilozzi, a representative from Gentilozzi Real Estate, the firm behind the development. “This project is the first step in bringing a New Vision to the city.”
The mixed-use development will offer more than just a place to live. Retailers at street level are expected to bring fresh opportunities to the area, providing new shops and restaurants for locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, the residential component will feature high-end amenities, including a sky lounge, pool, hot tubs, and even a golf simulator – all features that Lansing has yet to see.
For Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, the project represents more than just a building; it signals a shift in the city’s growth and economic potential.
“With housing comes people, and with people comes business,” Mayor Schor explained. “This development is going to draw more businesses to the area, whether it’s shops, restaurants, or other services. We’re already seeing the momentum building, and this tower is a key part of that.”
The development comes at a time when downtown Lansing is facing a 27% office vacancy rate, more than double the pre-pandemic level. However, developers are confident that the issue will resolve itself as workers return to in-person offices.
“The vacancy rate is partly due to the state’s ongoing work-from-home program,” Gentilozzi noted. “As state employees gradually return to their offices, we anticipate a rebound in demand for office space, which will, in turn, make the multifamily component of this project even more attractive.”
The tower’s design and amenities are expected to create a vibrant, dynamic environment, contributing to the area’s growth. Schor emphasized that the arrival of hundreds of new residents will not only fill existing vacancies but also encourage businesses to open in the area to serve the growing population.
“300 units in this building alone, and 570 total across all five projects, will attract businesses,” Schor said. “As people move into these spaces, businesses follow suit. It creates a cycle of growth and investment, and it shows that Lansing is a place where people want to be.”
The financing for the project comes through a public-private partnership, ensuring that a portion of the construction costs will be invested directly into the local economy. The developers have pledged to create jobs for Lansing workers throughout the construction phase, bringing millions of dollars to the area in wages and local spending.
Scheduled for completion in just over two years, “Tower on the Grand” is expected to be a transformative addition to the Lansing skyline, ushering in a new chapter of growth for Michigan’s capital city.
