Knapp’s Centre hosts the 2011 State of the City Address

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The Knapp’s Centre in downtown Lansing was on full display January 24th when Mayor Virg Bernero held the annual State of the City Address in the historic building.  The focus of the mayor’s speech was growth and renewal of the City of Lansing, making the Knapp’s building the perfect location for the speech, as plans are currently being made to turn the building into a thriving business hub with upscale residential space. 

The Knapp’s Centre is located at the southwest corner of Washington Square and Washtenaw Avenue.  The building started out as the J.W. Knapp’s Department Store, built in 1937 and expanded in 1948.  The department store closed its doors in 1980.  In 1982, the building was purchased by the Eyde Company and converted to office space for several tenants, including the State of Michigan.  The State vacated the premises in 2002 and the building has stood vacant since. 

The proposed plans call for the first floor to be occupied by retail or restaurant space with the second, third and fourth floors and mezzanine level holding Class A commercial office space.  To allow for more natural light, the plans propose an atrium in the center of the building.  The fifth floor will house high-end, one and two bedroom apartments or condominiums.  Each residential unit will have their own outdoor space.  Plans also include underground parking for the residential tenants.

The construction on the renovation of the Knapp’s Centre is slated to begin in 2011 and last through 2013.