Creating a World Class Community

Creating a World Class Community School of Planning, Design & Construction Michigan State University 2014

BOLDER BY DESIGN Michigan State University (MSU) is an internationally renowned institution positioned to play an active leadership role in the development of a world class community that expresses the University’s mission as an educational outreach and global institution. MSU has harnessed its research capacity, intellectual resources and outreach mission to serve the greater community in its “Bolder by Design” initiative. The initiative calls faculty to embrace this opportunity and serve the environment, community, and public good in the built environment close to home. A primary opportunity in this mission is the development of an attractive, sustainable and economically diverse world-class community to complement the regional assets and anchor institutions in Lansing, East Lansing and Lansing Township. MSU: World Class Community, World Class University There is growing consensus that the Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave. corridor, which runs between Michigan’s State Capital and MSU, is a regional gem, a beloved community asset that stakeholders believe is ripe for development with strong leadership and community involvement. The corridor provides infinite opportunities to plan, design, and build an environment necessary to not only construct a world class corridor but to transform Lansing, East Lansing, Lansing Township and surrounding communities into a world class community. The notion of creating a world class community is not new. Each World’s Fair offers examples of creating such places. From the 1883 Great Exhibition in London (UK) with the Crystal Palace, to the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 and the City Beautiful Movement, Habitat from Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada, and then to the largest ever 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, these events speak to three important concepts: the continual desire to create world class communities, the continual evolution of such communities, and the potential impact of innovation. In each they sought to exemplify a ‘modern city’ ideal with a thriving economy and a high quality of life. A world class community of today and tomorrow seeks to be highly diverse and inclusive with high concentrations of talented, creative and well-educated residents (Robinson and Buccigrossi, 2003). World class status is defined by an ability to retain talent in search of high-quality lifestyles; to attract the best talent both nationally and internationally; to develop a thriving arts and cultural community; to establish a highly tolerant community which embraces diversity; and to attract technology and technologists which are needed for innovation and competitiveness (Florida, 2002). MSU completed a literature analysis to identify 10 characteristics of world class communities: (1) Functional and Attractive, (2) Private-Public Partnerships with Anchor Institutions, (3) Compact, Connected and Human Oriented Downtowns, (4) Diverse, Affordable Housing Options, (5) Livable Neighborhoods, (6) Resilient and Scale Appropriate Infrastructure, (7) Carbon Neutrality at both building scale and community scale, (8) Regional Interdependence and Community Vision, (9) Green, Resilient Ecosystems, and (10) Inclusivity and Innovation (Graebert, et al., 2014) (Figure 1) The advent of widespread use of technology, telecommunications and increased mobility amongst the working class is altering the definition and characteristics of a world class community. Competition for attracting citizens now occurs at the global scale as technology allows for remote work possibilities. A Lansing resident can Skype meetings around the world in seconds, or with the international airport, be in Seoul, Korea within 22 hours to create global business initiatives and enhance regional economic

opportunities. This occupational flexibility alters the old economy paradigm of building a city around large grounded manufacturing bases. In the new mobile computing economy, citizens value lifestyle and choose where to live first and then find a job in their desired community afterwards. The desired lifestyle of the new working class is a product of the environment. Michigan State University and its regional partners can model and develop an environment that is a globally attractive community and meets the needs of the lifestyle opportunities that the new working class desires.

Figure 1: World Class Communities The foundation of a world class community is the people and the environment. People with a deep understanding of the area’s historical, social and cultural characteristics make up the community. An invigorated community with a deep-seeded knowledge of historical traditions and customs can develop integrated educational, entrepreneurial and civic systems in a city. An engaged world class community in Lansing, East Lansing and Lansing Township is one that honors its history while maintaining an eye for future development and progress. A uniquely designed and planned environment will attract the mobile workforce from national and international markets while retaining a larger number of college graduates from Michigan State University. The primary goal of the built environment in the New Economy is to build an attractive place for people to live. Appealing metropolitan communities that attract youthful, talented and entrepreneurial individuals have: safe and walkable urban neighborhoods, vibrant places for social opportunity, transit options, outdoor recreation, and the arts (Layton, Pruitt & Cekola, 2011). Individuals desire to inhabit an environment that fosters and encourages creativity while developing a globally unique identity. The result of the synergy between citizens and the environment is a creative and globally competitive atmosphere where individuals can work, live, learn, and play.

One critical element to the East Lansing/Lansing environment is MSU. MSU is a world class university characterized by a clear strategic vision, strong leadership, exceptional and diverse faculty and staff, quality students, curricula that responds to market needs, innovative pedagogy, strong institutional commitment to cutting-edge research, large endowment resources, and a culture of continuous improvement (MENA, 2013). MSU has maintained its ranking among the best 100 public universities globally for ten years because of its ability to attract and retain quality faculty, as well as its focus on research, teaching, endowments and leadership. MSU achieves this global status by taking a values-driven approach to its work and applying the institution’s vast capabilities to make a difference. MSU values and engenders collaboration and connectivity on campus and around the globe. MSU has programs unsurpassed in quality including nuclear physics, education, and supply chain management along with 12% of the student body representing countries from around the world (French, 2013). Entrepreneur Magazine has recognized East Lansing as one of the “Best College Towns to Start a Business” due to efforts to spur entrepreneurship locally (Goddeeris & Simon, 2013). Universities are place-based entities with an interdependent relationship to their location and community. A thriving community and university are intertwined as they address issues of transit, global health, sustainability, business, and cultural/creative industries (WC2, 2013). Lansing, however, has failed to achieve national lists of “Best Places” for housing opportunities (Block, 2014; Willett, 2014) for both retirees and Millennials. These publications balance realtor provided housing costs, cost of living data, and opportunities such as walkability, street life, and schools. These are the places that people want to live, work and play. Current Assets and Opportunities The Capital Region (or Michigan Ave./Grand River Ave corridor) is rich in assets that can support the transition to a world class community, including the University, East Lansing, Lansing, Lansing Township, Tri-County Planning (Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties), the business community, and Sparrow Health Systems, among others. While the tendency to plan and design within political boundaries has previously limited efforts to move the region to world class, there is newfound understanding of needed collaboration.

Figure 2: Transportation Connections

Stakeholders are willing and energized to seek broad, regional solutions and approaches to creating a world class community. However, a united strategy has not yet been identified or operationalized. For this reason, this document is timely, relevant, and serves as a catalyst for community dialogue to move the Capital Region to shared cooperation.

The recent success of the MSU Broad Art Museum indicates the potential to build a world class community. The location, architecture, and supportive embrace from the community illustrate a shared vision and collaboration capacity to heighten the college town experience in East Lansing. The Broad Museum is an international attraction that serves as a symbol for the growing arts community both on and off campus that has ignited the corridor with New Economy principles. The architectural and artistic strength of the Broad Museum emboldens the regional identity beyond the University’s nationally prolific athletic programs, making MSU a world class hub for culture and sports. The area includes connections across international, regional and local scales (Figure 2). Other assets and opportunities in the region include: Capital Region International Airport – The airport provides global access for business and pleasure that complements global living in a world class community. Available Real Estate – There are ample opportunities for creative and architecturally unique development and design. The available land is an urban sandbox that can be crafted to celebrate everyday authenticity and provide adaptable uses to citizens and businesses. Willing Stakeholders- Includes: planners, developers, investors, municipalities, regional agencies, Michigan State University and citizens in the Tri-County area. Public-private partnerships are essential for the success of this project. The traditional paradigm of Government-Private collaboration has evolved to Land GrantPrivate for the purposes of this study which is a unique and progressive model for community development. The Capital Region has highly skilled and willing developers and builders to implement a collective vision for the corridor and community. State Capitol – At the western boundary of the Michigan/Grand River Ave corridor is Michigan’s State Capitol, the top employer in Greater Lansing, and downtown Lansing. Knowledge Capacity – The corridor is home to Michigan State University and its knowledge generating assets in the form of faculty, students, and administrators. In addition, Sparrow Hospital, a teaching hospital, trains over 200 residents each year in partnership with the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and has a close partnership with MSU’s College of Nursing. Lansing Community College, Davenport College, and Cooley Law School in downtown Lansing are also key partners in this knowledge generation base. Anchor Institutions on MSU Campus – MSU is home to internationally renowned attractions and institutions spanning the arts and sciences including: 1) Broad Museum, 2) Wharton Center, 3) Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) and 4) Spartan Stadium, Breslin Center and MSU Athletics. Health Care Opportunities- Sparrow Health System and MSU’s three medical schools are growing anchor institutions that possess the ability to attract national and international talent. Interstate transportation infrastructure – The corridor is centrally located in Lower Michigan and runs parallel to I-96 which is a major connector between Detroit and Grand Rapids. The corridor is also strategically located on the US-127 interchange that connects to I-94 in Jackson and I-75 in Grayling. Human Capital – MSU attracts talented students, faculty and administrators from across the globe while

emphasizing a global perspective in its curricula. The collective education level of the area, diversity of cultures and diversity of incomes are also embedded assets in the corridor. Parks and River Trail - The corridor contains Ranney Park, Valley Court Park, Red Cedar Park, Foster Park, Hunter Park, Regent Park, Oak Park, the Lansing Riverwalk Trail, as well as community gardens and urban agriculture. MSU’s campus also serves as park for residents of the Capital Region who use it for jogging, strolling, and enjoying the natural areas and formalized gardens. The banks of the Red Cedar River and the Grand River serve as both informal and formal river walks throughout campus, East Lansing, Lansing and Lansing Township. A world class community has an authentic expression of aesthetics and art with an emphasis on functionality that supports current assets in the area. In examining thriving cities across the globe, some shared characteristics are apparent: environmental responsibility; connectivity (transportation), density (housing), opportunity (jobs); and prominent arts and culture. Collectively, MSU with public and private collaborators in the area can and will enable the design and development of a world class community. Together, we can, we do and we will: plan, design, and build the Michigan/Grand River Ave. corridor into a world class community. MSU, through its School of Planning, Design, and Construction (SPDC) has engaged hundreds of communities in planning and design initiatives across the state. There is more than a decade of work focused on the Michigan/Grand River corridor, its challenges and opportunities. At the heart of SPDC’s professional programs in planning, design, and construction is the recognition that critical to any effort to enhance the quality of a community is the direct and meaningful inclusion of citizens and stakeholders in the planning and design process. SPDC faculty embrace the scholarly practitioner role in its engaged scholarship and teaching paradigms. This SPDC institutional way of doing is represented in the following description of the current project process, its objectives and desired outcomes for creating a world class community along the Grand River corridor. Site Description and Area of Opportunity Figure 3: Site Boundaries

The Michigan/Grand River Ave. corridor is approximately 4.5 miles long and begins at the eastern end at Collingwood and Grand River, the home of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum (Figure 3). Traveling westward on Grand River Ave. Downtown East Lansing is situated on to the North and MSU’s campus to is on the south. The merging of Grand River Ave and Michigan Ave at Delta Triangle and Valley Court will be a high impact opportunity. Continuing west on Michigan Ave, the intersection with Harrison Road is another node with Brody Dormitories, Kellogg Center, the nearby Breslin Center, and vast economic potential. Before US 127, the corridor includes the Chesterfield Hills Neighborhood, Frandor Shopping Center, student apartments, two former car dealerships and one current car dealership. US 127, elevated above Michigan Ave., creates a physical and psychological boundary between East Lansing and Lansing. The Lansing side of US 127 to the west includes a car dealership, vacant lots, and the East Side Neighborhood Association. Family operated restaurants and small commercial organizations line Michigan Avenue, with the highlight of Lansing’s East Side Neighborhood being the 2000 Block. South of Michigan Avenue contains a range of single-family housing of various quality, the Allen Neighborhood serving as one highlight. North of Michigan Avenue contains generally well-maintained homes and a large network of schools connected through athletic fields. Sparrow Hospital is a visible landmark throughout much of Michigan Avenue and serves as an anchor institution near the street’s junction with Pennsylvania Ave., a major north-south street in Lansing. The area around Sparrow Hospital is a collection of commercial buildings, including restaurants, stores, and service-industry businesses. East of the Grand River is the Stadium District, made up of mixed-uses including older industrial businesses, but also features newer apartments, restaurants and bars, and the Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the Minor League Baseball team the Lansing Lugnuts. Also included in this section of Michigan Ave. is the Lansing Center, which hosts large conference events, among other things. West of the Grand River is Downtown Lansing, with restaurants, a hotel, the Capitol Complex, numerous office units, Cooley Law School, Davenport College, and Lansing Community College, as well as numerous parking structures. Planning and Design Process A team of 36 people participated in Team MSU-SPDC and contributed to the planning and design process over a three and a half month period beginning in January 2013 (Figure 4). A mix of undergraduate and graduate students worked with faculty to analyze existing studies, determine development targets that could crystalize existing assets into World Class opportunities, and generate hypothetical development ideas through sketches. The design images contained in the drawings focused on the character and feel of what could be in the future. The hand drawn sketches are an effective tool for spurring dialog among stakeholders, community leaders and decision makers. By engaging in dialogue, real world solutions can emerge with broad support across stakeholder groups.

Figure 4: Team MSU-SPDC

The process included two design charrettes with team members, dozens of meetings, interviews with key stakeholders, integration of 20 years of SPDC coursework and research on local redevelopment options, and literature reviews. Because of the long history of community engagement projects led through the School, it is not an exaggeration to say that the ideas of thousands of citizens, researchers, business partners and local municipal leaders were considered in the process. The SPDC team partnered with the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to bring in a Philadelphia architectural firm, Digsau, for a two day charrette in early May 2013 (Figure 5). Additional presentations and meetings to with private and public institutions allowed for the shaping of planning and images before continuing the process the following academic year. The 2013/2014 academic year including another team design charrette and continual engagement with stakeholders to complete the design process. Figure 5: Broad Art Museum Charrette

A core goal of the SPDC Team is to create places where people can live, work, play, and learn. When asked to describe a world class university/community, the Team expressed their vision with phrases such as lively open spaces, ‘funky’, ‘a little chaos’, connected + interconnected, impressive architecture and ‘celebrate the everyday’ (Figure 6). The Team distilled what they learned from the process to create project goals and planning principles. The key needs and opportunities for development are identified as transportation, housing and jobs (Figure 7).

Figure 6: A World Class University/Community Conceptual Mind Map

PROJECT GOALS AND PLANNING PRINCIPLES Transportation & Mobility The ability to attract workers, investors, and visitors to the area will be revolutionized by providing alternative transportation means while redeveloping the Michigan/Grand River corridor. Currently, automobiles are the primary transit mode along the corridor with minimal accessibility for pedestrians and bicycles. The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is planning to implement a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that runs from the Capital Complex in Downtown Lansing to the community of Webberville, some 25 miles away. Several CATA sponsored design charrettes took place in the Fall of 2013 and the Spring of 2014, with this purpose in mind. The eventual goal that came out of the charrettes is to connect Webberville to the Capital by BRT in 30 minutes. A multi-modal transportation approach is essential for the corridor in order to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion and clutter. The corridor requires multimodal transportation alternatives given that local connections, regional connections and global connections are integral to its status as a world class community. Simply stated, East Lansing children must be able to walk or bike to the Broad Museum, as safely and easily as their parents can access a flight to Shanghai or Seoul.

Figure 7: Needs and Opportunities

A specific challenge for the corridor is overcoming the automobile culture in Michigan as the last five decades of planning in the state has prioritized vehicular mobility over multi-modal approaches to transportation. Indications of a change are on the horizon as CATA set a new ridership record in 2012 with 11.9 million rides (Robison, 2012). Amtrack recorded a record 31.2 million riders in the same year with ridership continuing to increase in 2013 (Laing, 2013). Beyond the changing demographics, a complementary cultural shift at the citizen and political level is necessary to respect and honor the transportation ideals and traditions of the past while implementing novel and unique principles that are reflective of the needs of the next generation. This shift can be as simple as prioritizing pedestrians and non-motorized transportation by providing bike lanes, slowing traffic, and minimizing street crossings through curb bump outs and visually enhanced mid-block crosswalks. These minimalist adjustments to the corridor can duplicate as recreational opportunities for citizens, as well. A sustainable and diverse transportation infrastructure is a staple of any world-class corridor and city and the Greater Lansing area currently lacks a system that promotes efficient interconnectivity for residents and visitors to the area. A more complex multi-modal transportation network is needed. A network approach capitalizes on the strengths of each mode to meet the needs of the community. Many of the successful communities studied (e.g., Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Little Rock, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Portland) include a light rail with connections to major anchor institutions and transit hubs, commercial districts, and airports. Bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, streetcars, subways, trains and airplanes each provide a needed type of transit. Multi-modal transportation alternatives in the corridor will unify the downtowns of Lansing and East Lansing, adjoin anchor institutions - State Capitol, Sparrow Hospital and Michigan State University - while augmenting regional connectivity and integrating the local economies of

the Tri-County area. Multimodal maps demonstrate interconnectivity of transportation opportunities at key intersections, including a possible direct route from MSU’s Broad to Museum to Lansing’s Old Town and connections to the Amtrack Station and MSU’s visitor destinations (Figure 8) Figure 8: Transport Line and Loop Opportunities

North South Connectivity

Art Loop Broad to Old Town StadiumDowntown Loop

Primary Spine Loop MSU Loop

North South Connectivity

Jobs Placemaking is an economic development tool that flips the traditional paradigm of emphasizing the attraction of new businesses with incentives and abatements to creating and fostering a community that embraces, promotes and stimulates creativity and entrepreneurship. Job placement office data indicates that 66% of young educated knowledge workers first choose where they want to live, and after they have moved there, look for work or start their own business (Schindler, 2012). On a larger scale, businesses prefer to settle in regions with a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce as they follow the individuals who follow elegant and interesting places to live. The role of higher education institutions such as Michigan State University in the place-people-business archetype is to build the foundation of place so the workforce and innovative businesses follow. MSU has global reach, international knowledge capacity and the intellectual resources to integrate the local community into the global economy and society. The first step is to develop an entrepreneurial environment. Expanding anchor institutions to enrich economic clusters is a vital principle of a world-class local economy.

Creating an Entrepreneurial Environment “Brains are beautiful” proclaims Daniel Gilmartin of the Michigan Municipal League at the 2013 Inaugural PlaceMaking Leadership Council held in Detroit, Michigan. To support his enthusiasm, Gilmartin explains that the biggest predictor of a city’s success is educational attainment of its citizens. Communities embarking on Placemaking should focus on educating their populace and attracting college graduates from across the world. A city with a high proportion of four-year college graduates collectively possesses a knowledge and creative capacity that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. An environment of entrepreneurialism also functions as an attractor, bringing more people to the city. Specifically, the concentration of 25 to 34-year-olds – a group theoretically possessing knowledge and talent related to the New Economy - is a key driver of place competitiveness in the global economy and translates to job creation in urban areas (Adelaja, Hailu & Abdulla, 2009). The desired creative cohort possesses the knowledge and skills to compete in the global economy and transform Lansing-East Lansing into a global city.

Global cities, which are the best business climates, possess a rich culture, zero emission public transit, venture-capital mind set, renaissance neighborhoods, car sharing and smart energy among other assets (Fast Company, 2010). These characteristics do not all lead to a thriving entrepreneurial economy but serve to attract the four-year college graduates who are more likely to become future innovators and business owners. To be considered a dynamic urban core, the corridor should reflect Michigan’s cultural and economic heritage; emphasize historic and emerging neighborhoods with innovative architecture and urban design; and provide multi-modal transportation options that embody the environmental and sustainable values of the new working class (Von Hausen, 2013). Young and innovative entrepreneurs that will create and continue to grow the knowledge-based economy need a community that reflects their aesthetic, professional and personal values. A vibrant and dynamic community is essential to creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and a sustainable world-class economy. Cluster-Based Economy: Expanding Anchor Institutions The industries with the highest proportion of employees with at least a four year degree are health, education, professional and technology services, and finance and insurance (Glazer, 2011). The Lansing, East Lansing, Lansing Township community includes an education and health cluster in Michigan State University and the Sparrow Health System. Both organizations are anchor institutions whose economic impact extends beyond their campuses to third-party service producers in the entire region. The continuous development and growth of both MSU and Sparrow is vital for the economic development of the region.

Being centrally located between the State Capitol and MSU, Sparrow in conjunction with the College of Human Medicine and the MSU Facility for Rare Isotope Beams has an opportunity to create a destination place on Michigan Avenue. Suppliers, labs and other scientific institutions that complement Sparrow’s operation can form a Medical-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) cluster that will create high-paying knowledge economy jobs that align with the Placemaking initiatives that can lead to a world class community. The Medical-Stem corridor also provides co-operative educational opportunities for exceptional area high school and college students, encouraging community-wide engagement in cutting-edge scientific research and medical care technologies. Capitalizing on connections between MSU and local high school students will lead to greater opportunities for community youth to pursue medical/profession/medical research degrees in STEM fields; this in turn will address the world class community need of continual innovation. Michigan State University can specifically complement the MedicalSTEM corridor by continuing to amplify its efforts. The continued development around the internationally heralded Broad Museum and the nationally recognized performances at the Wharton Center complement the vision by balancing arts and culture with science and technology opportunities to engender the characteristics of the world class community. The infusion of talent resulting from the synthesis of arts and sciences will also create demands on the housing infrastructure in the area of study.

Housing A local Lansing-area Placemaking survey indicates that young people prefer to live in an urban area, which is a paradigm shift when compared to previous generations that moved away from city cores and into newly developed suburbs (Graebert, 2013). The next generation of college graduates is in the process of reclaiming the urban lifestyle. General trends in the Lansing area show a preference for walkability to small stores, such as grocery stores, retail, and markets, and a preference for driving to “big box stores” (Graebert, 2013). A national survey reaffirms the results in Lansing, indicating that 60% of people prefer a mixed-use community. The four key characteristics that determine housing purchases for current buyers are: safety, affordability, commute time and walkability. The latter two – commute time and walkability – are knowledge economy priorities that diverge from interstatedependent commutes that dominated the second half of the 20th century (Graebert, 2013). Connectivity between the residential neighborhoods, downtown East Lansing, downtown Lansing and MSU’s campus is currently lacking, but is vital for a vibrant corridor. Connectivity can be enhanced by developing housing types that are currently missing from the corridor. Condos and townhouses are relatively absent in the corridor and are necessary to attract multiple age groups to the corridor and enhance connectivity between the residential, business and educational districts. Furthermore, diversity of housing and affordability permits world class community residents to live, work, and play, throughout all their life phases. The housing market is recovering, but with a push for higher density rather than single family homes (Irwin, 2014). The combination of planners, architects, landscape architects, and construction managers working cooperatively from project inception and the housing trends of today create the opportunity for world class housing for shelters, affordable units, and high end units within a blend of parks, gardens and agriculture (Ulam, 2012). Affordable housing units spread throughout the corridor, rather than concentrated in one building or surrounded with vacancy, will provide inclusive and safer housing options. Techniques such as a Transfer of Development Rights will protect open spaces, disperse the affordable units, prevent crime and promote inclusivity, and allow developers to continue to profit (Satow, 2014). The corridor is missing high-end, mixed-use urban housing options synonymous with the knowledge

economy. The corridor needs diverse and walkable housing options to attract world renowned talent to MSU and Sparrow. Construction of housing that reflects the values and desires of knowledge-economy workers is essential to both anchor institutions as they attempt to recruit world renowned talent and build a world class community. CULTURAL SHIFT Creating a world class community is as much a culture shift as it is an infrastructure improvement in the corridor. Physical space in the corridor must reflect the mentality, values and desires of the populace that the community wishes to attract. The corridor not only has the possibility of becoming a model for intercommunity collaboration for economic development but also a living laboratory for potentially revolutionary urban planning practice, design and community building. The ideas of Placemaking have been defined by Michigan Governor Snyder and are prevalent in urban design and planning literature. The actual implementation of these theories and principles set a precedent that could lead to a world class community and a better Michigan. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT The following design development images create a vision that cuts across a diverse audience of stakeholders and neighborhoods throughout the corridor (Figure 9). The sketches are a physical representation of what this approach to creating a world class community could become with the right players seated at the table. Figure 9: Overlapping of neighborhoods and uses throughout the Corridor

Downtown East Lansing The urban fabric of MSU, Downtown and residential housing provide a rich tapestry for the community. Increasing density (tan) and north-south pedestrian (orange dashed lines) connections are critical needs in this area to achieve a lively urban environment. An urban loop walk (purple dashed line) provides a connector between campus and downtown. Grand River Ave. gives ample width to accommodate a ‘right sized’ auto zone with light rail, bicycle lanes and pedestrian sidewalks. Engineered and designed traffic calming techniques on the north-south roads can enhance the experience for all. Grand River at Collingwood As an economic spur for both East Lansing and MSU, the Broad Museum provides an opportunity to welcome people into the Corridor in the East. A transport stop is designed to complement the Broad Museum architecture. Urban infill across the street provides multi-use development space, maintains density on the street front, and opens aesthetically to allow pedestrians access to the urban loop discussed previously.

Grand River Avenue at MAC The light rail, bicyclists, cars and pedestrians share the redesigned corridor with art installations incorporated into the median. Along MSU campus, the system incorporates pedestrian friendly pathways, shaded sitting areas and opportunities for mobile food carts. This is already a lively experience during the Arts Festival and on MSU Football tailgating days.

East Lansing Density and Infill Lot 11 To increase density, surface parking lots 1 and 11 are transformed into mixed-use neighborhoods with interior courts for retail and residential use. The alleys can be used for suppliers and merchants during early morning hours. Current shops with ‘back alley’ seating become featured destinations.

Grand River at Abbot Along the corridor everyday objects are celebrated as opportunities for artistic expression. An extended sidewalk width allows for tables, pedestrians and street performers to share the street front. Street lights and signs become sculptures in the landscape and minor wayfinding elements for visitors to say, “Meet me at the…”

Park District – Delta Triangle. The junction of Grand River Avenue and Michigan Avenue is a unique place in the road system. It provides an opportunity for a strategic landmark with retail, business and hotel accommodations.

Michigan Avenue at Harrison Road A traffic circle enhances traffic flow and reduces idling times at traffic lights, and a raised walkway provides safe passage for pedestrians and bicyclists between the Brody complex, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and new infill developments. Pedestrians prioritizing speed may walk on the cross walks in and around the traffic circle. This area provides great economic potential with the nearby hotel and the many students living in Brody. Many students and parents see this corner as the image of East Lansing as many entry level students live in this complex. Art and Green Shelters Unique shelters along the light rail allow for expression and celebration of the sciences, arts, sports and sustainable building practices.

Michigan Avenue and US-127 Med-Town and STEM Education This neighborhood is currently marketed as MidTown as it is the nexus of three municipalities. The crossing of Michigan Avenue and US-127 provides vast open land as an ideal location for the development of a medical and technical anchor, thus rebranding as Med-Town. Integration of Sparrow Hospital, MSU and FRIB for world class research and medicine is a critical component to anchor this world class community in partnership with a world class university. Uniting these anchors and the nationally renowned academic programs at MSU can provide educational resources for the local youth and direct them into new economy STEM majors.

The location includes space to provide a connected parking structure, support buildings and the “missing housing types” (e.g., condos and townhomes) that are among the desired housing types for young professionals. A large parking structure would allow visitors to the Corridor to safely leave their vehicle near the highway, access the multi-modal transit and walkability in the community, and reduce traffic and emissions.

Creativity in Architecture and Landscape The MidTown development provides an art piece to link East Lansing, Lansing Township, and Lansing and provides upscale housing. This building is an example of developers ready to make the investment to create a world class community. The architecture blends with the site expressing a ‘high tech art’ theme.

Outdoor Recreation Ranney Park provides recreation for all ages. In combination with the skate park, ball park and sledding hill, new recreation elements entice young children to explore their creativity. The Paddle wheel splash pad is ‘powered’ when people paddle the boats at the top of the structure. Sitting and walking paths are provided for passive recreation. Municipal Park includes recreation trails, wetland habitat and essential storm water management. Each of the trails can use signage and smartphone applications to educate the user about the importance of ecological preservation.

Lansing’s East Side and Lansing Township West of the highway provides an abundance of obstacles to overcome: multiple municipality control, a flood zone, well maintained single family homes not wanting to be in the shadow of future development, large surface lots, and vacancy. The higher density architecture proposed to the east of the highway will likely face opposition in this area. However, similar architectural styles on all four corners of the intersection will visually unite this gateway.

Maintaining a medium density on the street front respects the neighbors and still allows for economic growth. The unique layout of a central office tower, courtyards, rectilinear buildings surrounding and bridges connecting the structures permits the use of live-work environments in which one may hold their residence and office within one building or connected complex. As a trade for living and working in density, the neighborhood includes places for open greenspaces and urban plazas.

Dining District Greater Lansing offers various neighborhoods of concentrated restaurants, including Downtown Lansing, Old Town, and Downtown East Lansing. The 2000 block of Michigan Ave. includes bars and restaurants in the center of the corridor and lot-line development styles that are traditional urban design. Outside of this block, however, are surface parking lots on the street front and vehicular oriented design. Expanding the feel of the 2000 block with artistic architecture, details in the streetscape, and including housing above the first floor can transform the neighborhood into a Dining District of eclectic restaurant styles from cultures from around the world.

Single Family Residential Housing The Lansing portion of the Corridor includes a variety of housing options, as confirmed through the team’s housing inventory study. Single family housing is included in a World Class community because it is and will continue to be a preferred housing type for many of the residents. Many of these homes need simple curb appeal and maintenance. Infill Areas of higher vacancy give the potential to include a multi-use park and more eyes on the street. Midrise apartments, with affordable housing options dispersed throughout the complex, blend into the neighborhood and create the opportunity for playgrounds and urban gardens.

Landscape Ordinances Landscape Ordinances declare the types of vegetation allowed in an area, including banned species, suggested plantings and limits on percent of lot to be paved. A landscape ordinance may limit the amount of turf that will require regular irrigation, fertilizers, and mowing and require native plant species growing in gardens and green foots.

Technology + Wayfinding Existing smartphone applications permit the user to access information about their neighborhood by simply being within range of a beacon or by providing information in QR codes that can be scanned around the neighborhood. The information appearing on one’s phone can be edited by the centrally controlled system and may offer suggestions for places to eat, the history of landmarks, and even pedestrian routes to the proposed infill parks and urban gardens that grow food for the proposed Dining District. Sparrow Neighborhood The Sparrow Neighborhood to the south includes churches and community oriented facilities, but the street front includes large surface lots and smaller buildings. The neighborhood does not convey health. A redesign of the neighborhood includes spaces for a long-term stay hotel, pharmacy and medical supplies, office, research space, commercial use and housing. A proposed park includes the Sparrow logo on the ground plane as sidewalks, large trees with ornamental bark and a glass atrium to absorb sunlight. The atrium permits those without the best of views in their hospital room to safely enjoy a view of nature through all four seasons. Pocket parks link the new facilities and larger park.

Stadium District and River Front The stadium district is growing its residential units, but needs a greater variety of developments to achieve Live+Work+Play+Learn. New Developments Vacant lots and underutilized buildings provide potential for expansion of office and commercial environments. These office jobs provide a workforce who want to live in a safe, urban community and can afford the existing high-end apartments, as well as those currently under development in the stadium district. These new developments must be respectful to the existing museums, stadium, and plazas in the neighborhood to encourage Play and Learn.

Celebrated River In the past, rail lines bordered the river ways and provided multi-modal transit for manufacturing and shipping. As the nation, Michigan, and Lansing transform for the New Economy, the river, too, will transform to a place of high-impact value. This requires developments to maintain aesthetic integrity, diversify the user groups, and respect nature. People may access the waterways through new kayak and canoe docks and vegetated, pedestrian bridges over the Grand River.

Downtown Lansing The Downtown thrives Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Proximity to the Capitol Complex, the top employer in Lansing, allows the Downtown to meet the needs of the State Employees. Increasing housing options in the Downtown will give the local businesses a reason to stay open later in the evening and weekends. Hotel As 2017 approaches, Lansing will have the opportunity to include an additional hotel in the Downtown. A new hotel must replace vacancy and underutilization and meet the standards of both those traveling to Lansing for work and conferences as well as those staying for a football weekend. The hotel can drive the development of family friendly restaurants as well as high-end dining. Street Fairs Lansing offers festivals in the Downtown area. Increasing these events throughout the year and promoting events specifically to students and families will ensure the children and students will want to stay in Lansing as adults. These events may be aided by the use of temporary vegetative walls as well as retractable bollards to create pedestrian only thoroughfares. CONCLUSION Greater Lansing has already achieved key elements of a World Class City: multiple higher education bodies, and public-private partnerships and green ecosystems. Cities are evolving bodies and thus never reach full completion. A regional vision will ensure the many partners in the region work cooperatively to adapt to new lifestyle preferences, shifting paradigms and succeed economically, environmentally, and socially.

SPDC TEAM April Allen Meleah Beatty Wayne Beyea Ben Calnin Kat Cooper Pat Crawford Yue Cui Robert Dalton Monica Day Kimberly Dietzel Barbara Firman-McManus Roger Hamilin

Amanda Harrell-Seyborn Alec Hathaway Kenneth Horvath Jawanda Jackson Jeff Keesler Suk-Kyung Kim Zenia Kotval Mary Beth Graebert Rex LaMore Katie Ling Chunquing Liu Trish Machemer

Kevin McKenna Tim Mrozowski Paul Nieratko Wenda Nofera Warren Rauhe Pardeep Toor James Van Ravensway Lishuang Wang John Warbach Gil White Scott Witter Sharon Woods

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