Lansing City Market Investment Finds New Direction

The Lansing City Market has gone through changes over the years, and now a new investor has some pretty cool ideas for what they plan to do with it.

Detroit Rising Development CEO Jon Hartzell who has experienced much success in the Motor City with the Detroit Shipping company, hopes to bring some of that success to The Lansing City Market.

According to Hartzell “People want a more curated experience. When they go out they want a lot of touch points. They want something hands on and accessible. They want an experience.”

The unique experience he plans to bring to Lansing will be something totally new to our city. It will include six shuffleboard courts, with seven food vendors, and also plans to have two full service bars. He’s also adding a live entertainment space, a podcast studio, and even an art gallery.

Plans are to open in spring 2022. Lansing’s City Council has approved a 40 year lease and recently a liquor license has been transferred there as well. They expect their construction crew to begin work late this summer.

“We’re still in line to open next spring. Now we’re just dealing with construction and bidding — which can be the scariest part of the whole project. Prices are just kind of wacky right now,” Hartzell added. “Building costs are up like 40%. It’s shocking. We’re actually now having to make decisions on whether we need to eliminate some items or move it to a second phase.”

The pole barn where the City Market and Waterfront Bar & Grill used to be is going to be divided up into different areas. Plans are for a lounge area, food hall, and miniature kitchens.

This new venture will be known as the Lansing Shuffleboard and Social Club. His original investment of 3.2 million dollars has now ballooned to 4.5 million due to the rising costs of construction.

Hartzell says this will not be a replica of The Detroit Shipping Company. At this point no vendors have been approved, they are accepting applications at lansingshuffle.

A fresh new idea for downtown Lansing is certainly something a lot of people here will support. It’s good for the citizens, and it’s good for business.

See Original story in Lansing City Pulse