Jackson National plans $5.5M investment in former Barnes & Noble

A big name in Lansing is taking over an East Lansing building best-known for another big name: Barnes and Noble. Jackson National Life will be renovating the two-story E. Grand River to create a new, near-campus office to appeal to students and community members interested in flexible, part-time jobs.
 
"There are times here at Jackson where we've really had to have all hands on deck," says John Brown, VP Government Relations. "In most cases these people were being taken away from other jobs that needed to be performed. This office will help solve the conundrum of these work streams that are consistent over time, but ebb and flow."
 
The format is expected to appeal especially to student workers, who will have self-designated work schedules, as well as access to Jackson leadership. The office will also become the home of the Jackson National Community Fund.
 
Jackson plans to invest $5.5 million on the renovated facility. According to Brown, the open, inviting feel of the office will not only be a new look for Jackson, but also one the company hopes will help raise the company's profile locally. 
 
"We wanted to create a space that would be very visible to the community," says Brown. "When people go by, it will look much like storefront, very open and illuminated." 
 
Work is expected to continue through Aug., and Jackson plans to celebrate a grand opening in Sept. Those interested in applying to work at the new office may visit Jackson's career page. The company also plans to break ground this fall on second building on its existing campus, which will have the capacity to house another 1,000 jobs. 

Source: John Brown, Jackson National Life
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor
 
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