Lansing‘s Skyline Set to Change: $315 Million ‘New Vision Lansing‘ Project Breaks Ground
Table of Contents
- 1. Lansing’s Skyline Set to Change: $315 Million ‘New Vision Lansing’ Project Breaks Ground
- 2. Tower on Grand: A New Landmark
- 3. Navigating Challenges and Securing Funding
- 4. Public-Private Partnership: A Key to Lansing’s Transformation
- 5. Investor Confidence and Future Prospects
- 6. How will the “tower on Grand” contribute to attracting new businesses adn residents to Lansing?
- 7. Interview: Karl Dorshimer on lansing’s “New Vision” and Downtown revitalization
- 8. Q&A with Karl Dorshimer
LANSING—Underneath a large white tent, shielding against the early April snowfall, Lansing officials ceremoniously broke ground on the “New Vision Lansing” projects on Monday, April 7, 2025. This ambitious $315 million initiative promises to reshape the city’s skyline and inject new life into its downtown core.
Tower on Grand: A New Landmark
The centerpiece of the New Vision Lansing projects is the “Tower on Grand,” a planned 28-story skyscraper. This ambitious construction is expected to take approximately two years to complete and is poised to become Lansing’s tallest building, surpassing the historic Boji Tower, which has held the title for a century.The 300,000-square-foot tower will be situated on a lot located between the Grand Tower at 235 S. Grand Ave., and a parking garage to the north.
Beyond the Tower on Grand, the New Vision Lansing projects encompass a comprehensive revitalization plan. This includes the progress of more than 560 new apartments, integrated with commercial, retail, and office spaces across multiple buildings. Existing structures at 100 S. Washington Square and the Capitol Tower at 201 N. Walnut will be repurposed into mixed-use spaces, featuring 105 residential units coupled with office space. The Ingham Building, a five-story structure at 116 W. Ottawa,will also undergo a similar conversion. The project extends to Old Town, where a new building with approximately 90 residential units and mixed-use space is planned.
| Project Component | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tower on Grand | 28-story skyscraper | New tallest building, attracting businesses and residents |
| Apartment Units | 560+ units across multiple buildings | Addressing housing shortage, boosting downtown population |
| Mixed-Use Spaces | Commercial, retail, office integration | Creating vibrant, walkable urban habitat |
| Old Town Development | 90 residential units with mixed-use space | Enhancing Old Town’s appeal and economic activity |
John Gentilozzi, vice president of Gentilozzi Real Estate, acknowledged the challenges faced during the project’s planning stages, stating, “the project has already gone through the ringer and there’s plenty of other challenges to come.”
Financing proved to be a notable hurdle, with skepticism from city council members at one point, and also design modifications which influenced the project from three to four to five buildings, and the overall cost increased by about $100 million. A minor snag occurred on the groundbreaking day itself when it was discovered that the large tent erected for the ceremony lacked the necessary permit. Paul Gentilozzi, head of the family firm, humorously recounted, “The mayor’s office called on Monday morning to say there was no permit for the tent.” A quick payment of $300 rectified the situation, ensuring the ceremony could proceed without further delay.
Public funding plays a crucial role in the New Vision Lansing project, with approximately $200 million secured through various tax and other incentives.The state Legislature has committed $40 million in tax dollars to the initiative. Pat Gillespie, founder and CEO of Gillespie Group, a competing development firm, expressed his support for the project, highlighting the Gentilozzi family’s significant investment. “The Gentilozzis are putting up millions of their own money in the project,” Gillespie stated. He also anticipates the project’s positive impact on the local economy, adding, “With 600 to 700 new units, that will help our bars and restaurants. We’re going to see more bars and restaurants and entertainment coming. we feel bullish about Lansing.”
Public-Private Partnership: A Key to Lansing’s Transformation
Karl Dorshimer, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, emphasized the importance of public funds in enabling large-scale projects like New Vision Lansing. “Without the public sector, there’s no way for this to be done,” Dorshimer stated. He explained that brownfield and other funding mechanisms are essential for addressing the high cost of housing and meeting Lansing’s growing need for more residential units. Dorshimer believes this groundbreaking marks the beginning of a significant transformation for Lansing, anticipating a city that will be dramatically different in the next five years.
Investor Confidence and Future Prospects
Joseph Kosik Jr., an investor and partner with JFK Investments, highlighted Paul Gentilozzi’s passion for Lansing as a key factor in his decision to invest in the project. “He made us want to be part of this with his passion and love for the city, it’s a city that is ready to take off,” Kosik said.He believes that Lansing was showing great promise before the COVID-19 pandemic and that these projects will help revitalize the city and attract new residents and businesses.
The New Vision Lansing project represents a significant investment in the city’s future, aiming to address the housing shortage, stimulate economic growth, and create a more vibrant downtown environment. As construction progresses, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this ambitious vision unfolds and transforms the city of Lansing.
How will the “tower on Grand” contribute to attracting new businesses adn residents to Lansing?
Interview: Karl Dorshimer on lansing’s “New Vision” and Downtown revitalization
Archyde News recently sat down with Karl Dorshimer, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic growth Corporation (LEDC), to discuss the groundbreaking “New Vision Lansing” project and its implications for the city’s future.
Q&A with Karl Dorshimer
Archyde: Mr. Dorshimer, thank you for joining us.The “New Vision Lansing” project is a massive undertaking. From your viewpoint at the LEDC, what are the most important ways this project will transform Lansing?
Karl Dorshimer: Thank you for having me. The “New Vision Lansing” project is poised to be a game-changer. Primarily, it addresses our critical need for more housing units, especially downtown. Beyond that, it’s about creating a vibrant, walkable urban environment. This means attracting more residents, which in turn supports local businesses, encourages new restaurants and entertainment options, and overall boosts the economic vitality of Lansing.
Archyde: The project is described as a crucial public-private partnership. can you elaborate on the role public funding plays, and why it’s so essential for these types of large-scale developments?
Karl Dorshimer: Public investment is absolutely crucial. We have to be able to pay for the high cost of housing and meeting Lansing’s growing need for more residential units.Brownfield incentives especially allow us to tackle challenges like environmental remediation,and other funding tools we have enable projects that otherwise wouldn’t be financially feasible. Without this type of public support, manny of these transformative projects simply wouldn’t get off the ground.
archyde: One of the centerpieces of the project is the “Tower on Grand”, which could be a new landmark. What impact do you think this could have on attracting businesses and new residents to Lansing?
Karl Dorshimer: The Tower on Grand, becoming the tallest building in Lansing, will serve as an incredible symbol of progress and development. It will instantly change the skyline and will be a major draw for businesses considering relocating or expanding here. It’s another step toward increased confidence within the city limits, attracting new residents who want to live in a thriving urban core.
Archyde: The project has faced some challenges, the permitting issues with the tent, cost overruns. How has the team managed to navigate those obstacles, and what lessons have been learned?
Karl Dorshimer: Every large project faces challenges.The key is proactive problem-solving and fostering strong communication between all stakeholders. These challenges have shown that even the smallest details are important. The team has done very well in adapting and remaining flexible.We’ve learned the importance of having multiple contingency plans and a willingness to adjust our expectations.
