The Allen Place Project envisions the conversion of the current complex into Allen Place, a comprehensive community space that will provide 21 units of age-friendly, mixed-income housing along with commercial space, integrative services and programming.
Below you can join us in the journey of creating Allen Place.
September 2020
Construction is underway on the 1600 block of East Kalamazoo Street. Demolition of the south-east corner of the building began in late September, the first step in what will become a “solar courtyard,” outdoor seating area, and home to a beautiful community-inspired mural.
The functionally obsolete south-east corner of the building is pictured prior to demolition.
Demolition is underway to make room for the upcoming solar courtyard and seating area.
An aerial view of the demolition taking place.
The future home of a community-focused mural!
October 2020
10/21/2020
On October 21, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Allen Place Project was held. To minimize COVID-19 related risks, many speakers prepared recorded remarks while eight attended in person to help launch a year of construction that will result in this new mixed-use development.
Thank you to the City of Lansing Media Center for generously documenting this kick-off celebration, so that it may be shared with our community.
Having finished most of the demolitions, the Allen Center is ready to go under construction. The plans will take about a year to complete, and when they are done, new housing and food resources will be available in the eastside neighborhood.
Executive Director Joan Nelson and Board President Jon Lum discuss Allen Place.
Groundbreaking!
Mayor Andy Schor celebrates the Allen Place project at our groundbreaking ceremony.
November 2020
Our progress has unearthed a 3500 gallon “orphan” tank, unfortunately the cause of significant environmental distress to the surrounding soil, calling for a more involved brownfield cleanup than originally anticipated. Asbestos remediation has been successfully completed, another facet of the brownfield cleanup. We are eager to see this toxic site rejuvenated to make way for something new and healthy!
Positive developments are being made in renovating the storefronts that are anticipated to house health-focused businesses next year, including a food co-op, a health clinic, and the accelerator kitchen designed to further Allen Neighborhood Center’s mission of supporting local food-makers.
Paving of the north and east parking lots was completed just in time before the weather took a turn for the chilly!
Renovation of a future commercial space.
The future home of our upcoming Accelerator Kitchen!
Check out the progress on the Accelerator Kitchen!
The "orphan" tank that was unearthed, implicative of substantial environmental damage that will need to be rectified.
Almost ready to pave the Solar Courtyard!
We're so thrilled to have paving completed on our east lot!
December 2020
The legendary "Dirt Mountain."
We were pretty relieved when Dirt Mountain was removed.
Check out that parking lot! Our east lot has been expanded.
Accelerator Kitchen progress!
Insulation going in.
Drywall going up!