The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) has moved its headquarters to a new 16,849 square foot building located at 408 Kalamazoo Plaza near Downtown Lansing. This move enables the MPA family of companies to host larger education and training events within the state-of-the-art facilities.

“The events [we host] for pharmacy professionals across the state will bring in hundreds of people throughout the year to Downtown Lansing,” says Jill Cobb, director of communications for MPA. “Already this fall, MPA has or will be hosting a pharmacist immunization training, a leadership development seminar, a Michigan Pharmacy Foundation gala and various committee and board meetings.”

MPA’s new headquarters includes offices for MPA, Michigan Pharmacy Foundation, Pharmacy PAC, Pharmacy Services Inc., PSI Insurance Agency and Well Street Care Management™.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our members distance learning opportunities, as well as other meeting technology,” adds Cobb. "The training center also will be available later this fall for rent."

Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is hosting a grand opening ribbon cutting celebration at the new MPA Family of Companies Headquarters at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Source: Jill Cobb, Michigan Pharmacy Association

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley

Uncle John’s Cider Mill just north of St. John’s is hailed as one of Michigan’s finest agricultural tourism destinations, with its cider mill, orchard, bakery and winery. Owner’s Mike and Dede Beck will now be showcasing their extensive selection of wine and hard cider at the Lansing City Market.

Alongside their wine and hard cider, Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery will also offer seasonal products like cider, blueberries and apples. It will also provide anyone with a hankering for Uncle John’s baked goods (cider donut, anyone?).

“The Lansing City Maket gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers when we are closed,” says Mike Beck, owner of Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery. “We're hoping that my customers can get [what they need there] and we're also hoping to find some new customers that would come out to the cider mill [who have never been]. It's kind of a two-way street for us.”

The Fruit House Winery also offers a tasting experience similar to that of the one at Uncle John’s Cider Mill.

Source: Amanda Snook, Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley

Thanks to AnQi Sushi Express, there is finally a place in Downtown Lansing for sushi-lovers to head to for a quick lunch, sushi on-the-go or some bubble tea.

After five years of making sushi for the Okemos branch of Meijer Inc., owners Steve Hsieh and Joanna Liu decided they were ready to open their own store.

“There is no sushi place [Downtown] and after my success at Meijer [it made sense to take the next step],” says Liu of AnQi Sushi Express.

Differing from other sushi establishments in the area, AnQi’s focus is to serve a “healthy, fast, fresh and delicious” alternative to lunch crowds, or those looking to get sushi as takeout. Some unique items on the menu include a sushi sandwich and sushi balls.

AnQi Sushi Express is located at 111 E. Allegan St, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: Joanna Liu, AnQi Sushi Express

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery is a quality custom tattoo studio and art gallery opening at 615 E. Michigan Ave. in Downtown Lansing today, Sept. 1. With many years of experience between them, friends and owners Geary Morrill, Mike Riina and Sean Peters decided it was time to connect, combine their passion for the art form and invest in a business.

“Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery is a high-end establishment that takes pride in providing a unique and personal experience focusing on client needs, both artistically and conceptually,” says co-owner, Geary Morrill. “[We hope to provide] a new and distinct tattoo experience and art platform, while also becoming involved in the local Downtown business district and community.”

The owners are both painters and tattoo artists, and the business enables them to combine and showcase both talents in the one space. They have an art space under the gallery to spend time on other creative projects. 

“[We hope to create] a thoughtful and conscientious version of the standard tattoo experience, and exceed the expectations of the clients and community,” adds Morrill.

Source: Geary Morrill, Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

Photo:Geary Morrill & Mike Riina (missing Sean Peters)

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Downtown Lansing welcomes another new eatery, Lenny’s Sub Shop, to 212 S. Washington Square. Lenny's Sub Shop is a Philadelphia-style sub shop featuring sliced-to-order submarine sandwiches and authentic Philly cheese steaks.

This is the first Lansing area location for the national chain, which has four other Michigan locations in Jackson, Portage, Kalamazoo and Warren.

“We love Lansing and chose Downtown to appeal to the busy lunch crowd,” says David Bonofiglio, owner of Lenny’s Sub Shop. “We take pride in serving our customers well with authentic Philly Cheese steaks that are available both as dine-in and custom catering options. Our generously-sized, sliced-to-order deli sandwiches and made-from-scratch chicken salad also make convenient box lunch choices.”

Lenny’s Sub Shop will be ready to serve Downtowners this fall.

Source: David Bonofiglio, Lenny’s Sub Shop

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley

The Lansing City Market has long delivered wonderful local fare, and following tradition, now welcomes the Waterfront Bar and Grille, a casual dining experience with modern flair.

“While catching a quick lunch or enjoying one of our many microbrews or organic wines, customers are able to enjoy the City Market shops or a relaxing view of the Grand River on our patio,” says Robert Schleman of the Waterfront Bar and Grille.

The restaurant is housed in a 700 square foot space inside the market, with expansion plans for a second floor and dining overlooking the market. You can expect freshness and presentation, and the wares of many of the market vendors are used in the food prepared at the Waterfront.

“As we continue in this exciting vision of a new Lansing, we are cross marketing with various vendors to promote an awareness of local services and entertainment,” adds Schleman. “We are extremely honored to be a part of Downtown Lansing's rebirth in the new City Market.”

Source: Robert Schleman, The Waterfront Bar and Grille

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley 

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

After almost 15 years as the Lansing Principal Shopping District, the promotional agency for Downtown Lansing launches its new brand with a new name, Downtown Lansing Inc (DLI).

“Through the implementation of a comprehensive Downtown Lansing Revitalization Program — a volunteer, grassroots-driven effort dedicated to the health and vitality of our Downtown — the Principal Shopping District has transformed into an organization committed to creating a thriving, world-class capital city,” says executive director Mindy Biladeau.

About $5,000 was invested to create the logo, site and complete brand strategy, which includes an array of marketing materials visible throughout Downtown in the newspaper kiosks, on coffee sleeves in the downtown coffee shops, on pins and magnets and online.

“The region will better understand who we are and what we do as an organization as well as easily recognize and associate our new mark and brand with Downtown Lansing,” adds Biladeau.

“With the launch of our new marketing materials like the website and our bi-annual Downtown guide complete with a calendar of events and business directory, the region will clearly know about the revitalization taking place in Downtown Lansing [and] the progress the Capital City has made over the last five years.”

Source: Mindy Biladeau. Downtown Lansing Inc.

Writer: Suban Nur Cooley

Habitat for Humanity of Lansing will build a house for its 100th family next month in a first-of-its-kind partnership with Michigan State University and the Whirlpool Corporation.

Construction on the home will begin on Sept. 11 – the 9/11 National Day of Service – and will end Oct. 15 during MSU’s Homecoming weekend. Habitat will then present the keys to the new homeowner, an MSU grad student and single mother of three, during MSU’s homecoming football game on Oct. 16th.

“We are very proud to have served 99 local families in need of affordable housing and look forward to reaching this milestone,” says Julie Burtch, Habitat spokeswoman. “This means that 100 families, including hundreds of children, are no longer living in substandard housing. Instead, they are homeowners in safe, affordable homes. We hope the community will continue to support us as we grow toward serving 100 more families.”

The build is part of the 2010 Whirlpool Building Blocks Initiative, the corporation’s signature philanthropy program with Habitat for Humanity. Since 1999, the company has donated more than 110,000 ranges and Energy Star qualified refrigerators to new Habitat homes.  

The home will be built in two phases. The first half will be constructed in the commuter lot on Mount Hope Road, and it will then be moved to its permanent location in Lansing.

When completed, the 1,000-square-foot house will have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a full basement.

Source: Julie Burtch

Writer: Louise Knott Ahern