Market Study taking place to explore the future of downtown Lansing

What does the future hold for downtown Lansing?

Community residents and business persons will have a chance to chime in as part of the Downtown Lansing Market Study project being orchestrated by Main Street Lansing.

Andy Kelleher, Main Street Lansing Executive Director, said a special project team assembled by Main Street Lansing initiated work on the project last month. Main Street Lansing, the local non-profit group spearheading downtown Lansing revitalization efforts, is performing the study to fine-tune and enhance downtown business development and marketing strategies. Kelleher said the study will include an in-depth analysis of input collected from local business and consumer surveys to be conducted throughout the month of August (see shaded sidebar box accompanying this article).

Kelleher said project team members are in the midst of the project’s initial discovery phase that includes the collection and review of background information and an assessment of the downtown business climate. The team is also reviewing current demographic and economic data to assess conditions and to identify possible opportunities for business retention, expansion and recruitment.

“The raw data and numbers that we’re reviewing now are good, important information, but we’ll be digging deeper to explore opportunities for downtown Lansing,” Kelleher said. “We’re excited to gather the perspectives and ideas of Lansing area residents, visitors and business persons who will be participating in the surveys. As a result, we’ll gain a better sense of what downtown Lansing can be in the future, and how the community can focus its efforts to make positive things happen in the downtown.”

“Ultimately, the information and input will be used to create strategies aimed at retaining and developing a quality mix of businesses and uses that, based on solid market data, show the best potential to succeed in downtown Lansing,” said Kelleher.

Special components of the study, scheduled for completion this summer, include business and consumer surveys designed to identify and assess opportunities for business expansion and recruitment in the downtown business district, and recommendations for the implementation of related projects and activities.

“Throughout all phases of the project, we’ll actively seek input from all sectors of the community. We’ll be asking lots of questions and exploring a broad range of scenarios in an attempt to determine a direction that’s right for downtown Lansing,” Kelleher said.

Lansing is receiving technical assistance and support from Main Street Iowa to complete this local market study. For more information about the study and opportunities to participate, contact Andy Kelleher at 563-538-9229 or director@lansingmatters.com.