Lansing, Michigan

City of Lansing
—  City  —
view of downtown

Seal
Nickname(s): Capital City
Location in Ingham County, Michigan[2]
Coordinates:
Country United States
State Michigan
Counties Ingham, Eaton
Settled 1835
Incorporation 1859
Government
 - Type Strong Mayor-Council
 - Mayor Virg Bernero (D)
Area
 - City 35.2 sq mi (91.3 km2)
 - Land 35.0 sq mi (90.8 km2)
 - Water 0.20 sq mi (0.50 km2)
 - Urban 136.8 sq mi (354.4 km2)
 - Metro 1,714.6 sq mi (4,440.8 km2)
Elevation 860 ft (262 m)
Population (2008)
 - City 113,968
 - Density 3,403.6/sq mi (1,312.3/km2)
 - Urban 300,032
 - Metro 454,044
 - Demonym Lansingite
Time zone EST (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code 48901-48980[1]
Area code(s) 517
FIPS code 26-46000[2]
GNIS feature ID 1625035[3]
Website http://www.lansingmi.gov

Lansing (pronounced /ˈlænsɪŋ/) is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located about 80 miles (130 km) west-northwest of Detroit and is mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County and Clinton County. As of the July 1, 2008 Census Bureau estimate, it has a population of 113,968 and a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population of 454,035.[4] The even larger Combined Statistical Area (CSA) population, which includes Shiawassee County, is estimated at 524,915.[4]

The Lansing Metropolitan Area, colloquially referred to as "Mid-Michigan", is an important center for educational, cultural, governmental, business, and high-tech manufacturing institutions, including three medical schools (two human medicine and one veterinary), two nursing schools, two law schools including the nation's largest law school (Thomas M. Cooley Law School), a Big Ten Conference university (Michigan State), the state capital, the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, a federal court, the Library of Michigan and Historical Center, and headquarters of four national insurance companies.

Lansing is the only U.S. state capital (among the 44 located in counties) that is not also a county seat. The county seat of Ingham County is Mason,[5] but the county maintains some offices in Lansing.[6]

Contents

History

The area that is now Lansing was originally spotted by explorer Hugh Henward in 1790 while canoeing the Grand River.[7] The land that was to become Lansing was surveyed in 1825 in what was then dense forest. There would be no roads to this area for decades to come.[8]

In the winter of 1835 and early 1836, two brothers from New York plotted the area now known as REO Town just south of downtown Lansing and named it "Biddle City." All of this land lay in a floodplain and was underwater during the majority of the year. Regardless, the brothers went back to New York, specifically Lansing, New York, to sell plots for the town that did not exist. They told the residents of Lansing, New York that this new "city" had an area of 65 blocks, contained a church and also a public and academic square. A group of 16 men bought plots in the nonexistent city and upon reaching the area later that year found they had been scammed. Many in the group too disappointed to stay ended up settling around what is now Metropolitan Lansing. Those who stayed quickly renamed the area "Lansing Township" in honor of their home village in New York.[8]

The sleepy settlement of fewer than 20 people would remain dormant until the winter of 1847 when the state constitution required that the capital be moved from Detroit to a more centralized and safer location in the interior of the state since many were concerned about Detroit's proximity to British-controlled Canada, which had captured Detroit in the War of 1812. The United States had recaptured the city in 1813, but these events led to the dire need to have the center of government relocated away from hostile British territory. In addition, there was also concern with Detroit's strong influence over Michigan politics, being the largest city in the state as well as the capital city.[8]

During the multi-day session to determine a new location for the state capital, many cities, including Ann Arbor, Marshall, and Jackson, lobbied hard to win this designation.[9] Unable to publicly reach a consensus because of constant political wrangling, the Michigan House of Representatives privately chose the Township of Lansing out of frustration. When announced, many present openly laughed that such an insignificant settlement was now the capital city of Michigan. Two months later, the governor William L. Greenly signed into law the act of the legislature officially making Lansing Township the state capital.[8]

With the announcement that Lansing Township had been made the capital, the small village quickly transformed into the seat of state government. The legislature gave the settlement the temporary name of the "Town of Michigan". In April 1848, the legislature then gave the settlement the name of "Lansing". Within months after it became the capital city, individual settlements began to develop along three key points along the Grand River in the township:[8]

In 1859, the settlement having grown to nearly 3,000 and encompassing about 7 square miles (18 km2) in area was incorporated as a city. The boundaries of the original city were Douglas Avenue to the north, Wood and Regent Streets to the east, Mount Hope Avenue to the south, and Jenison Avenue to the west. These boundaries would remain unchanged until 1916. Lansing began to grow steadily over the next two decades with the completion of the railroads through the city, a plank road, and the completion of the current capitol building in 1878.

Most of what is known as Lansing today is the direct result of the city becoming an industrial powerhouse which began with the founding of Olds Motor Vehicle Company in August 1897. The company went through many changes, including a buyout, between its founding to 1905 when founder Ransom E. Olds started his new company REO Motor Car Company, which would last in Lansing for another 70 years. Olds would be joined by the less successful Clarkmobile around 1903.[11] Over the next decades, the city would see itself transformed into a major American industrial center for the manufacturing of automobiles and automobile parts among other industries. The city continued to grow in area too. By 1956, the city had grown to 15 square miles (39 km2), and doubled in size over the next decade to its current size of roughly 33 square miles (85 km2).[12]

Today, the city's economy is now diversified among government service, healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, banking, and education.

Timeline

Lansing, MI 1890
Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1850 1,299
—
1860 3,074 136.6%
1870 5,241 70.5%
1880 8,319 58.7%
1890 13,102 57.5%
1900 16,485 25.8%
1910 31,229 89.4%
1920 57,327 83.6%
1930 78,397 36.8%
1940 78,753 0.5%
1950 92,129 17.0%
1960 107,807 17.0%
1970 131,403 21.9%
1980 130,414 −0.8%
1990 127,321 −2.4%
2000 119,128 −6.4%
Est. 2008 113,968 −4.3%
Michigan Supreme Court at the Hall of Justice, opened in 2002

Geography

Lansing is the centerpiece of a region of Michigan known as Mid-Michigan or Central Michigan.

The North Lansing dam of the Grand River. The Lansing River Trail and Ottawa Street Power Station are visible behind.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.2 square miles (91 km2), of which 35.0 square miles (91 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) (0.57%) of it is water. This figure includes two 425 Agreements with Alaiedon Township and Meridian Township, but not the four 425 Agreements with Delta Township since 2000.

Under Michigan law, 425 Agreements are only temporary land sharing agreements, and do not count as official annexations. The Census Bureau, however, for statistical purposes, does count these as annexations. Not counting the temporary 425 Agreements, Lansing administers 34.1 square miles (88 km2) total.

Lansing is located in the south central part of the lower peninsula where the Grand River meets the Red Cedar River. The city occupies most of what had formerly been part of Lansing Charter Township. It has also annexed adjacent tracts of land in Delta Charter Township and Windsor Township in Eaton County to the west and Delhi Charter Township in Ingham County to the south. The city also controls three non-contiguous tracts of land through 425 Agreements (conditional land transfer agreements) with Meridian Charter Township, Delta Charter Township, and Alaiedon Township in Ingham County to the southeast.

The Ottawa Street Power Station

Lansing elevation ranges between 890 feet (271 m) above sea level on the far south side of Lansing along Northrup Street near the Cedar Street intersection, to 833 feet (254 m) to 805.5 feet (246 m) above sea level along the Grand River because of the two dams along the river.

The Grand River, the largest river in Michigan, flows through downtown Lansing; and the Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Grand River, flows through the campus at Michigan State University. There are two lakes in the area, Park Lake and Lake Lansing, both northeast of the city. Lake Lansing is approximately 500 acres (2.0 km2) in size and is a summer favorite for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. Michigan State University Sailing Club and the Lansing Sailing Club are located on Lake Lansing, where sailing regattas are hosted throughout the summer.

The city of Lansing operates a total of 3.6 square miles (9.3 km2) of parkland, of which 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) is parkland, 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2) are golflands, and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) are cemetery lands. This figure includes the Waverly Hills Golf Course and adjacent Michigan Avenue Park, which are part of Lansing Township, but operated by the City of Lansing. The figure, however, does not include the Ingham County parklands within the borders of Lansing.[19]

Climate

Lansing, MI
Climate chart ()
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
1.6
 
29
14
 
 
1.5
 
33
15
 
 
2.3
 
44
24
 
 
3.1
 
57
35
 
 
2.7
 
69
45
 
 
3.6
 
78
54
 
 
2.7
 
82
58
 
 
3.5
 
80
57
 
 
3.5
 
72
49
 
 
2.3
 
60
39
 
 
2.7
 
46
30
 
 
2.2
 
34
20
average max. and min. temperatures in °F
precipitation totals in inches
source: Lansing Climate
Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rec High °F (°C) 66 (18.8) 69 (20.5) 79 (26.1) 86 (30) 94 (34.4) 99 (37.2) 100 (37.7) 100 (37.7) 97 (36.1) 89 (31.6) 77 (25) 69 (20.5)
Norm High °F (°C) 29.4 (-1.4) 32.6 (0.3) 43.5 (6.4) 56.6 (13.6) 69.4 (20.7) 78.1 (25.6) 82.1 (27.8) 79.7 (26.5) 72 (22.2) 59.8 (15.4) 46 (7.7) 34.1 (1.2)
Norm Low °F (°C) 13.9 (-10.05) 15.4 (-9.2) 24.3 (-4.3) 34.5 (1.4) 44.8 (7.1) 54.3 (12.4) 58.4 (14.6) 57 (13.4) 48.9 (9.4) 38.6 (3.6) 30.1 (-1.05) 19.7 (-6.8)
Rec Low °F (°C) -29 (-33.8) -25 (-31.6) -15 (-26.1) -2 (-18.8) 19 (-7.2) 30 (-1.1) 37 (2.7) 35 (1.6) 22 (-5.5) 15 (-9.4) 4 (-15.5) -18 (-27.7)
Precip in (mm) 1.61 (40.9) 1.45 (36.8) 2.33 (59.2) 3.09 (78.5) 2.71 (68.8) 3.6 (91.4) 2.68 (67.1) 3.46 (87.9) 3.48 (88.4) 2.29 (58.2) 2.66 (67.6) 2.17 (55.1)
Source: WeatherByDay.com[20]

Neighborhoods

Boji Tower, Lansing's tallest building, located downtown

The city's downtown is dominated by state government buildings, especially the State Capitol; but downtown has also experienced recent growth in new restaurants, retail stores and residential developments. Downtown Lansing has a historic city market that is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the United States.[21] Upriver and north of downtown is historic Old Town Lansing with many architecturally significant buildings dating to the mid-1800s.[22] Directly south of downtown on the other side of I-496 along Washington Avenue lies "REO Town", the birthplace of the automobile in the United States, is where Ransom Eli Olds built factories along Washington Avenue. Ransom Eli Olds' home, which once overlooked the factories along Washington Avenue, was displaced by I-496.

Lansing is generally divided into four sections: Eastside, Westside, Northwestside, and the Southside. Each section contains a diverse array of neighborhoods. The Eastside, located east of the Grand River and north of the Red Cedar River, is the most ethnically diverse side of Lansing, with foreign-born citizens making up more of its population than any other side in the city.[23] The Eastside's commercial districts are located mainly along Michigan Avenue, and to a lesser extent along Kalamazoo Street. It is anchored by Frandor Shopping Center on the very eastern edge of the eastside.

The Westside, roughly located north, west, and south of the Grand River as it curves through the city, is sometimes regarded the city's most socio-economically diverse section. This side also contains Lansing's downtown area, though this neighborhood is often included as an area all its own. Outside downtown, this side is largely a collection of residential neighborhoods and is served by only one other commercial area along Saginaw Street. However, it also includes a small part of the Old Town Commercial Association.

The Northwestside, generally located north of the Grand River, with the city limits defining its north and western borders, is physically the smallest side of the city. This part of the city includes suburban areas and some more rural areas. North of Grand River Avenue, the main street of the side, lie warehouses and light industrial areas served by a major rail line that runs through Lansing. The most notable landmark of this side is Lansing's airport: Capital Region International Airport.

The Southside, usually described as the neighborhoods located south of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers and the I-496 freeway, is physically the largest and most populous side of the city. The area is largely suburban in nature (south of Mount Hope Road near the northern edge), and is served by numerous commercial strips along Cedar Street, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Waverly Road, which run north/south. The large Edgewood District is located in the southernmost part of the Southside and is sometimes referred to as South Lansing. Though it is the largest area of the city by both physical size and population, it has often been regarded by Southside citizens as Lansing's most overlooked and forgotten area, as most of Lansing's attention in recent decades has been put into the revitalization of the city's historic core located mostly on small parts of both the East and Westsides.

Districts

Demographics

Michigan's State Capitol in Lansing

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 119,128 people, 49,505 households, and 28,366 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,399.0 per square mile (1,312.3/km2). There were 53,159 housing units at an average density of 1,516.8/sq mi (585.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 65.28% White (61.4% non-Hispanic White), 21.91% African American, 0.80% Native American, 2.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 4.54% from other races, and 4.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.0% of the population. The city's foreign-born population stood at 5.9%.

As of 2000, the city's population rose by 32,293 (27%) to 151,421 during the day because of the influx of workers.[26]

There were 49,505 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% were married couples living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,833, and the median income for a family was $41,283. Males had a median income of $32,648 versus $27,051 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,924. About 13.2% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Municipal government

Lansing is administered under a mayor-council government, more specifically a "strong mayor" setup in which the mayor holds most of the city's administrative powers, such as appointment of department heads and drafting and administering a city budget, though the council must approve his/her actions. The mayor is elected at-large every four years. The city clerk is an elected every four years. The city council consists of eight members, and includes four members elected from the city's four wards, as well as four "at-large" members elected citywide.

Lansing City Hall & Lansing Police Department Central Precinct

Politics

The city finds itself wedged between the conservative politics of West Michigan, and the more liberal politics of Southeastern Michigan. The city has not had a Republican mayor in office for more than a decade, and the last two mayoral elections have hosted all Democratic candidates.

State and federal representation

Lansing currently lies mostly within the boundaries of Michigan's 8th congressional district, which has been represented by Republican congressman Mike Rogers since 2001. The small portion of the city that extends into Eaton County is located in Michigan's 7th congressional district, which has been represented by Democratic congressman Mark Schauer since 2009.

At the state level, Lansing is located in the 23rd district of the Michigan Senate, which has been represented by Democratic state senator Gretchen Whitmer since January 1, 2007. The small portion of the city that extends into Eaton County is located in the 24th district of the Michigan Senate, which is currently represented by Republican state senator Patricia L. Birkholz. The city lies in the 67th, 68th, and 71st districts of the Michigan State House of Representatives, represented by state representatives Barb Byrum (D-67), Joan Bauer (D-68), and Rick Jones (R-71).[27]

Despite Lansing not being a designated county seat, many county offices and courts are still located within downtown Lansing, including the Ingham County Department of Human Services and the county circuit court.

Economy

The Lansing metropolitan area's major industries are government, education, insurance, healthcare, and automobile manufacturing. Being the state capital, many state government workers reside in the area.

Michigan State University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and Lansing Community College are significant employers in the region.

The former Oldsmobile Headquarters and the Otto Eckert Power Station

General Motors has offices and a hi-tech manufacturing facility in Lansing and several manufacturing facilities immediately outside the city, as well, in nearby Lansing and Delta townships. The Lansing area is headquarters to four major national insurance companies: Auto-Owners Insurance Company, Jackson National Life, the Accident Fund, and Michigan Millers Insurance Company.

The recent decline of the auto industry in the region has increased the region's awareness of the importance of a strategy to foster the high-technology sector.

Lansing has a number of technology companies in the fields of information technology and biotechnology.

Healthcare

Sparrow Hospital is a 740 bed hospital and is affiliated with Michigan State University and its College of Human Medicine and College of Osteopathic Medicine. In February 2009 it was announced that Sparrow and MSU formalized their partnership to increase research and faculty recruitment.[34] Sparrow Hospital is the Regional Center for pediatrics, cancer care, including radiation therapy, trauma care, neurological care, high-risk obstetrics and neonatal intensive care. The Sparrow Tower was finished January 2008 and includes but is not limited to: a dedicated pediatric emergency room (the only one in the region), the largest adult emergency room in the region, state-of-the-art operating rooms, a rooftop helipad, oncology center, heart and vascular center and orthopedic department. In addition, 4,500 deliveries are performed at Sparrow Hospital annually, rehabilitation, and emergency treatment is more than any other hospital in mid-Michigan. The Sparrow Health System Laboratory performs over 3 million tests per year, at various laboratory sites, which include four remote testing facilities and thirteen patient service centers. Sparrow Hospital is certified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons.[35] In May 2009 Sparrow announced that it now has its own helicopter service based at its downtown Lansing hospital's new $2.5 million helipad.[36] The addition is expected to increase helicopter patient transport to the hospital from four a month to 400 a year.

Ingham Regional Medical Center is also a university affiliated teaching hospital. Ingham enjoys a special affiliation in radiation oncology with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University; Ingham is part of the Great Lakes Cancer Institute (GLCI). Ingham received five-star ratings for: Coronary bypass surgery; Cardiac interventions; Treatment of heart attacks; Total knee replacement; Total hip replacement; Back and neck surgery; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care; Community-Acquired pneumonia care.[37]

Urban renewal and downtown redevelopment

Several urban renewal projects by private developers are adding higher end apartments and condominiums to the Lansing market. The Arbaugh, a former department store across from Cooley Law School, was converted into apartments in 2005. Motor Wheel Lofts, an industrial site, will be converted into loft-style living spaces in mid-2006.[38] A combination retail and residential complex immediately south of Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly Oldsmobile Park) called "The Stadium District", was completed in 2007.[39] The Stadium District, was redeveloped using a grant from the Cool Cities Initiative.[40][41] In May 2006 the historically significant Mutual Building located on Capitol Avenue was purchased by The Christman Company to be renovated back to its original grandeur and used as the company's headquarters. Additional downtown developments include the renovation of the historic Hollister Building, and the expansion of the former Abrams Aerial Building. As of August 2008 an 18-story condominium high-rise called Capitol Club Tower is in the design phase with the adjacent parking structure already having been approved by city council and purchased by the developer. The city market, in existence since 1909, was approved to be sold for a multi-building mixed-use development called MarketPlace that will be built after a new city market is built by 2009, right next to the current market on the adjacent riverfront. The MarketPlace project is being developed along with BallPark North, another mixed-use development that will be immediately north of Oldsmobile Stadium. The new city market will be across the river from where the Accident Fund insurance company is renovating the former (art deco) Ottawa Street Powerplant into their new headquarters as well as the addition of modern buildings to the north that will be connected by an atrium. In 2009 the restaurant Troppo began construction on a new 2-story building that will have an open air patio on the roof facing the Capitol building.[42] Developer Eyde Co. announced plans on April 6, 2010, to renovate the historical and prominent Knapp's building in downtown Lansing for first floor retail, office space and apartments/condos on the top floor (5th) in a $22–24 million project.[17]

List of largest metropolitan Lansing employers – 2009

Source: Lansing Chamber of Commerce - Lansing Region's Largest Employers - 2009[43]

Company/Organization Sector Local Full-time Employment
State of Michigan Government 14,355
Michigan State University Higher Education 11,218
Sparrow Health System Healthcare 7,400
General Motors Company Automobile Manufacturing 6,000
Lansing Community College Higher Education 3,180
Ingham Regional Medical Center Healthcare 2,500
Lansing School District Primary, Secondary Education 2,106
Meijer Warehousing, Retailer, Grocer 2,000
Auto-Owners Insurance Insurance 1,500
Peckham, Inc. Manufacturing 1,400
Jackson National Life Insurance 1,393
Ingham County Government 1,258
City of Lansing Government 1,240
United States Postal Service Government 1,200
Wal-Mart Retailer 1,185
Dart Container Container Manufacturer 1,144
Community Mental Health Mental Health Services 863
John Henry Company Printing 750
Quality Dairy Food Goods 730
Lansing Board of Water & Light Utility 712
Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) Data Processing 660
Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance 650
SBC Ameritech Utility 650
Accident Fund of Michigan Insurance 549
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan Insurance 525
Consumers Energy Utility 520
United Parcel Service Package Delivery Service 518

Education

J.W. Sexton High School, Westside Lansing

Michigan State University, a member of the Big Ten Conference, is known as "the pioneer land grant college", located in neighboring East Lansing. MSU has the largest land campus in the United States and is home to several nationally and internationally recognized academic and research oriented programs. Michigan State offers over 200 programs of study and is home to fourteen different degree-granting schools and colleges including three medical schools, a law school, and numerous PhD programs. It is the only university in the nation with three medical schools. MSU is consistently one of the top three programs in the United States for study abroad programs. The MSU College of Education is also consistently rated as the top education program in the nation. Michigan State University is the oldest agricultural college in the United States. The MSU School of Criminal Justice is the oldest continuous degree granting criminal justice program in the nation.[44] In 2008, the Department of Energy announced MSU won the contest for a $550 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams that will attract top researchers from around the world to conduct experiments in nuclear science, astrophysics and applications of isotopes to other fields.[45]

The Thomas M. Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the nation and is located in downtown Lansing. Cooley is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. A majority of Cooley students are from out-of-state.

Lansing Community College offers more than 500 areas of study to over 18,000 students at its main facilities in Lansing, and another 5,000 students at twenty-nine extension centers and a site in Otsu, Japan. LCC's new, state-of-the-art University Center enables students to take courses with the goal of eventually earning an undergraduate or graduate degree from other Michigan institutions. The University Center stands on the former site of "Old Central", Lansing's first public high school, which was established in 1875 as Lansing High School. (In the 1920s it was renamed as Central High School, and in 1957 became the first building on the LCC campus.)[46]

Other institutions of higher education include Western Michigan University (branch campus in Delta Township), Davenport University in Downtown Lansing, Central Michigan University (branch campus), and Great Lakes Christian College(campus in Delta Township).

Eastern High School, Eastside Lansing

Public and private primary schools

Culture

Parades

Music

Theatre

Museums

Lansing is home to a number of small, specialized museums such as:

Farmers' markets

Lansing has several farmers' markets throughout the city in the summer months. These markets include the Allen Street Farmer's Market[67] on the city's eastside, the Old Town Farmer's Market, and the year-round historic Lansing City Market[21] located near downtown. The Lansing City Market has built a brand new $1.6 million facility on the riverfront in downtown Lansing where it will continue its year round operations providing specialty items in addition to regular groceries from over 30 vendors.

Potter Park Zoo

The historic Potter Park Zoo, located along the Red Cedar River in Lansing, has more than 500 animals and numerous programs and events for children and families. With annual attendance increasing every year since 2006 (167,000 in 2009, compared to 137,236 in 2008 and 110,167 in 2006) there are $667,100 in capital improvements planned for 2009 including a giant walk-in aviary and a new female tiger. In 2009 the zoo began a $1.4 million renovation to its rhinoceros exhibit. This is in addition to $1.3 million spent on capital improvements in 2008.[68][69]

Libraries

The Library of Michigan and Historical Center is a highly regarded state library and research center. The library is one of the top five genealogical research facilities in the United States. The Capital Area District Library has 13 branches within Ingham County, some of these include: The Main library downtown, the Foster Library on the east side, and the South Lansing Library on the south side.

Other area destinations

In October 2009 the Wharton Center for Performing Arts completed a 24,000 sq/ft, $18.5 million expansion and renovation,[70] having already spent over $1.3 million in 2008.[71] Many Broadway shows come to The Wharton Center before making to theaters in larger places such as Chicago.[72] The Kresge Art Museum,[73] the MSU Museum,[74] and the Abrams Planetarium[75] are highly acclaimed cultural destinations located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. In June 2007 MSU announced the plans to build a new art museum after a $26 million gift from Eli and Edythe Broad.[76] Internationally known Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid of London won the design competition for the museum that will be built in East Lansing.

Media

Newspapers and Magazines

Television

Cable slots listed reflect the Comcast cable system in Lansing.

The NBC affiliate maintains the Fox affiliate's News programming. Both affiliates broadcast their newscasts at the News 10 studios in Lansing. Often the same reporters are used on both broadcasts.

Radio

Lansing's radio dial has quite a few stations. Note: If the station has no city listed before the format, it is licensed to Lansing.

Radio stations from Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, and Flint can also be heard in the Lansing area.

Sports

The Lansing Lugnuts are a Class A Midwest League, Minor League Baseball team, currently affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Lugnuts are one of the most popular franchises in Minor League Baseball, drawing 538,325 fans during the 1996 season , and in the process outdrawing many larger teams. Their logo is one of the most popular in the minors . The team plays its home games at Cooley Law School Stadium, which was built at a cost of $12.7 million and opened in 1996 in downtown Lansing. It was partially renovated in 2006. Cooley Law School Stadium has a seating capacity of 11,215 fans, and was built to accommodate additional expansion. The team has won two Midwest League championships, their first in 1997 and their second in 2003. Previously known as, Oldsmobile Park, in April 2010 the park was renamed Thomas M. Cooley Law School Stadium, in reference to the facility's new sponsor.[86]

The Summit at the Capital Centre is a hockey arena and convention center located in the suburb of Dimondale that hosts youth and high school hockey.

The Lansing Capitals began play in the International Basketball League in 2006.

Michigan State University sponsors both men's and women's sports, usually competing as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans have won National Titles in Men's Basketball, Football, Men's Boxing, Men's Cross Country, Men's Gymnastics, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Soccer, and Men's Wrestling.

Lansing Community College also sponsors many sports, competing as members of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The Stars have won NJCAA titles in the following sports: Women's Softball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Marathon and Men's Marathon.

The Lansing area is also known for its many golf courses, with two courses owned by Michigan State University, four municipal courses, and many additional public and private courses in the area. Walnut Hills Country Club in nearby East Lansing formerly hosted the LPGA's Oldsmobile Classic from 1992–2000. The Michigan PGA recently relocated from the Detroit area to Bath, Michigan, which is on the northern edge of Lansing.

In the 1980s and 1990s Lansing was a major player in semi-pro football. The Lansing Crusaders won MFL/MCFL championships in 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1990. The team finished second in 1984, 1986, and 1991.

Other past sports teams include:

Transportation

Airports

Scheduled commercial airline service is offered from Capital Region International Airport (formerly known as Capital City Airport).[87] Delta Air Lines maintains routes to Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul. United Airlines maintains routes to Chicago O'Hare. Sun Country Airlines and Apple Vacations offer seasonal non-stop flights to Cancún, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Fort Myers and Orlando, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada.[88] UPS has a freight hub at Capital Region International Airport making up part of the 42 million pounds of annual cargo moving through the airport.[89] In 2008 the airport received a port of entry designation - known as Port Lansing - and now has a permanent customs facility, thus changing its name to reflect the port of entry status.[90] The same year a 500-foot (150 m) extension to the largest of the three runways (now 8,506-foot (2,593 m)) was completed to allow for larger aircraft to use the airport.[91]

The Michigan Flyer provides bus service between Lansing and Detroit Metro Airport eight times daily.

Major highways

Interstate highways
US highways
Michigan state trunklines

Railways

Public transportation

Bicycling

Utilities

Water supply, power and steam are municipally-owned utilities which are provided by Lansing Board of Water & Light. In 2008 the Lansing BWL constructed Michigan's largest solar array towards the goal of increasing renewable energy in the energy grid.[94]

Natural gas is provided by Consumers Energy.

Notable residents

Sister cities

Lansing has six sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

Lansing has three "friendship cities":[101]

References

  1. ↑ Lansing Michigan Zip Code Resources
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  3. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 United States Census Bureau, 1 July 2008 Population Estimate. Retrieved on March 19, 2009
  5. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=Find_a_County&Template=/cffiles/counties/usamap.cfm. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  6. ↑ "Telephone Directory". Ingham County. 2009. http://www.ingham.org/telephonedirectory.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-30. 
  7. ↑ John Hesse is our river guardian, Brian McKenna, Lansing City Pulse, December 19, 2001
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "Lansing and Its Yesterdays", published by the State Journal Company, Published January 1, 1930
  9. ↑ Samuel W. Durant (1880) History of Ingham and Eaton Counties, Michigan, Philadelphia: D.W. Ensign, p.72–73.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Lansing History". City of Lansing, Michigan. 2008. http://www.cityoflansingmi.com/pnd/historypres/historydetails.jsp. Retrieved 2008-10-29. 
  11. ↑ Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877–1925 (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950), p.25.
  12. ↑ "Forestry Division – History". City of Lansing, Michigan. 2008. http://www.cityoflansingmi.com/parks/forestry/history.jsp. Retrieved 2008-10-29. 
  13. ↑ Blumer, Stephen P. (c. 1989). "U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2375, p. 335–344". U.S. Geological Survey. http://md.water.usgs.gov/publications/wsp-2375/mi/index.html. Retrieved 2007-03-31. 
  14. ↑ MacLean, James; Craig A. Whitford (2003). Lansing: City On The Grand, 1836–1939. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 111–112. ISBN 0-7385-3152-9. 
  15. ↑ Construction Begins on New Lansing City Market
  16. ↑ Auto-Owners plans HQ expansion in Delta Twp.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Eyde Plans Overhaul of Knapp's Building in Lansing, Lansing State Journal, lsj.com, April 6, 2010
  18. ↑ Dewey, Caitlin. 10 Great Cities for Young Adults, kiplinger.com, retrieved 2010-Aug-02
  19. ↑ Kellie Brown, Interim Administrative Assistant, Lansing Parks and Recreation Department, January 3, 2007
  20. ↑ Lansing Climate
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Lansing City Market
  22. ↑ Old Town
  23. ↑ Allen Neighborhood Center
  24. ↑ Hughes, Ivy and Holly Makimaa. Eastside Lansing Visiting Guide, capitalgainsmedia.com, January 23, 2008, retrieved 2010-Aug-02
  25. ↑ Westside Neighborhood Organization, wnalansing.org
  26. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau courtesy of City-Data.com
  27. ↑ Michigan House District 71
  28. ↑ Prima Civitas Foundation
  29. ↑ "Biotech Company Invests $10.9 Million to Update Key Lansing Facility", Capital Gains, March 25, 2009
  30. ↑ Neogen Grows in Recession: Under the Radar
  31. ↑ Lansing State Journal, January 15, 2009
  32. ↑ Local Company's Success Boosts Economy
  33. ↑ Web Company Expanding
  34. ↑ "MSU, Sparrow formalize partnership", The State News, Jacob Carpenter, February 23, 2009
  35. ↑ "Trauma Programs", American College of Surgeons
  36. ↑ http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905010320
  37. ↑ "About Us", Ingham Regional Medical Center
  38. ↑ Motor Wheel Lofts
  39. ↑ The Stadium District
  40. ↑ "Cool Cities - Stadium District". http://www.coolcities.com/project78.html. Retrieved 2009-10-11. 
  41. ↑ "Creating A District". http://www.thestadiumdistrict.com/district.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-11. 
  42. ↑ Two-Story Troppo Restaurant Expansion Underway in Downtown Lansing
  43. ↑ Lansing Chamber of Commerce - Lansing Region's Largest Employers - 2009, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, lansingchamber.org, retrieved 2010-05-03
  44. ↑ "Message from the Director", School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University
  45. ↑ "Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Updates", Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Office of Nuclear Physics
  46. ↑ "Lansing High School". Michigan Historical Center; Department of History, Arts and Libraries. 2006-08-31. http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_19271_19357-150502--,00.html. Retrieved 2008-10-29. 
  47. ↑ Lansing School District
  48. ↑ New Covenant Christian School
  49. ↑ Lansing Christian Schools
  50. ↑ Our Savior Lutheran School
  51. ↑ Silver Bells in the City Parade
  52. ↑ The Green Door
  53. ↑ Festival of the Moon and Sun
  54. ↑ Old Town Oktoberfest
  55. ↑ "Lansing warms up to the blues with summer series", CityPulse, Eric Gallippo, June 20, 2007
  56. ↑ Common Ground Festival
  57. ↑ Pulse, City S. "Top of the Town Awards- City Pulse". Best Music. http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-2806-best-music.html. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  58. ↑ Riverwalk Theatre
  59. ↑ Lansing Civic Players
  60. ↑ BoarsHead Theater
  61. ↑ Peppermint Creek Theatre Company
  62. ↑ The Creole Gallery
  63. ↑ Impression 5 Science Center
  64. ↑ Cooley Gardens
  65. ↑ Turner-Dodge House
  66. ↑ Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing
  67. ↑ Allen Street Farmer's Market
  68. ↑ http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090326/NEWS01/903260364/1002/NEWS01
  69. ↑ Rook, Christine. Potter Park scene bursts with birds, Lansing State Journal, lsj.com, June 15, 2010, retrieved 2010-June-23
  70. ↑ Wharton Center opens newly expanded, renovated facility, news.msu.edu, October 8, 2009
  71. ↑ Capital Campaign, whartoncenter.com
  72. ↑ No room in Chicago for hot shows
  73. ↑ Kresge Art Museum
  74. ↑ MSU Museum
  75. ↑ Abrams Planetarium
  76. ↑ Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
  77. ↑ Lansing City Pulse
  78. ↑ The New Citizens Press
  79. ↑ Capital Gains Media
  80. ↑ Capital Area Women's Lifestyle Magazine
  81. ↑ The Greater Lansing Business Monthly
  82. ↑ Greater Lansing Woman Magazine
  83. ↑ The Hub
  84. ↑ MIRS News-Michigan Information & Research Service
  85. ↑ Gongwer News Service
  86. ↑ Domsic, Melissa. Lugnuts ballpark soon will be Cooley Law School Stadium, Lansing State Journal, lsj.com, Fenruary 22, 2010, retrieved February 22, 2010
  87. ↑ Lansing Capital City Airport
  88. ↑ Apple Vacations & Sun Country Airlines Announce New Air Service From Lansing, FlyLansing.com, June 30, 2010, retrieved 2010-Jun-30
  89. ↑ Capital Region International Airport is Equipped to Meet the Demand for Air Freight Service
  90. ↑ Lansing Capital City Airport Attracts New Business As International Port of Entry
  91. ↑ Dewitt Road Opens Friday Following Expansion Of Main Runway At Capital Region International Airport
  92. ↑ CATA Ridership Sets New Records
  93. ↑ Southside Lansing Businessman Starts Green Taxi Cab Company
  94. ↑ Top 10 of Green
  95. ↑ Martin Bertram {Dead link|date=August 2010}
  96. ↑ Round Table Reviews {Dead link|date=August 2010}
  97. ↑ Lighthouse Literary Reviews {Dead link|date=August 2010}
  98. ↑ The Midwest Book Review {Dead link|date=August 2010}
  99. ↑ Recker, Rachel (2009-01-09). "Gran Torino actress Ahney Her returns to Michigan for opening night". The Grand Rapids Press. http://www.mlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2009/01/gran_torino_actress_ahney_her_1.html. Retrieved 2009-01-11. 
  100. ↑ Gwizdz, Bob "The Frazz of Lansing with Jef Mallett, cartooning genius", Capital Gains (January 16, 2008)
  101. ↑ http://www.lansingsc.org/pages/friendshipcities.cfm

Notes

External links

Portland, Ionia,
Grand Rapids		 DeWitt, St. Johns, Mt. Pleasant East Lansing,
Owosso, Flint
Grand Ledge, Hastings Okemos, Williamston
   Lansing    
Charlotte, Battle Creek,
Kalamazoo		 Mason, Jackson Howell, Brighton,
Ann Arbor, Detroit
Municipalities and communities of Eaton County, Michigan
County seat: Charlotte
Cities

Charlotte | Eaton Rapids | Grand Ledge‡ | Lansing‡ | Olivet | Potterville
Villages

Bellevue | Dimondale | Mulliken | Sunfield | Vermontville
Charter
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Delta | Oneida | Windsor
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Bellevue | Benton | Brookfield | Carmel | Chester | Eaton Rapids | Eaton | Hamlin | Kalamo | Roxand | Sunfield | Vermontville | Walton
Unincorporated
community

Waverly
Footnotes

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
Municipalities and communities of Ingham County, Michigan
County seat: Mason
Cities

East Lansing‡ | Lansing‡ | Leslie | Mason | Williamston
Villages

Dansville | Stockbridge | Webberville
Charter
townships

Delhi | Lansing | Meridian
General law
townships

Alaiedon | Aurelius | Bunker Hill | Ingham | Leroy | Leslie | Locke | Onondaga | Stockbridge | Vevay | Wheatfield | White Oak | Williamstown
Unincorporated
communities

Edgemont Park | Fitchburg | Haslett | Holt | Okemos | Onondaga
Footnotes

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
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