The Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has earmarked $80,000 for different downtown façade projects and is prepared to give business owners 
looking to improve their exterior $41,000 more.
To date, the 50/50 matching grants distributed by LEDC have funded facades on Scott Gillespie’s South Washington mixed-use development. The project includes improvements for Restaurant Mediteran and Subway, the Daily Bagel, Kelly’s Downtown, Byblos and Clems Collectibles to name a few.
Marchelle Smith, economic development marketing director and office manager for LEDC, says when one business improves its façade, it encourages surrounding businesses to do the same.
“It’s had a domino effect,” Smith says. “It’s been very positive.”
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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