Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan residents enjoy a superb sense of community. The city’s welcoming neighborhoods are home to people of all lifestyles, with each community offering something special and unique. No matter what you are looking for, those moving to Lansing will discover a unique neighborhood that is an ideal fit for you and your family. Simply put, Lansing is a great place to live.
History:
In the winter of 1835, two brothers from Lansing, New York plotted the area just south of downtown Lansing. In 1847, the sleepy settlement had fewer than 20 residents when the state constitution mandated that the current state capital relocate from Detroit to a more centralized and protected location. The state legislature determined that Detroit's proximity to the border made it vulnerable to invasions by British forces in Canada. There was also concern that the large city would hold too much influence over state politics. Unable to agree upon a suitable location for the new capital, the Michigan House of Representatives eventually settled on Lansing Township. The state renamed Lansing, after John Lansing, a New York patriot. The small village quickly expanded in the years following the repositioning of the state's capital. By the time the city was incorporated in 1859, Lansing had nearly 3,000 residents. The city continued to grow steadily during the next two decades, adding a citywide rail system, plank road and the current state Capitol building. Throughout the remainder of the century, Lansing developed as an industrial powerhouse. The city's transition to manufacturing began in 1897 with the founding of the Olds Motor Vehicle Company by R.E. Olds. Lansing soon emerged as a major American industrial center for the manufacturing of automobiles and now produces more cars each year than any other city on the continent. Today, the city's economy is diversified among government service, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Economy:
The state government is the most significant employer in Lansing. Services, wholesale and retail trade, education and manufacturing comprise the economic base of the Lansing metropolitan area. Health care accounts for the largest share of the services sector, followed by business services and trade associations. Many insurance companies have corporate or regional offices in Lansing. Other important sectors are education, along with transportation and public utilities.
The Lansing region is an important notch in the Midwest manufacturing belt. Despite the 2004 departure of the historic Oldsmobile plant, the city received a huge boost by the 2001 opening of the new General Motors plant. Industrial leaders such as GM adapt progressive manufacturing processes and new technology. Many firms are following GM's lead to institute advanced materials-handling techniques and to encourage participatory management, with the goal of improving product quality and increasing competitiveness. A variety of high technology firms generated at Michigan State University has pushed for rapid growth in that industry.
Tourism:
Begin your exploration at the Lansing Center. Lansing Center is a focal point of Lansing's downtown area. Featuring wireless internet throughout the building, award-winning catering, and more than 120,000 square feet; the Lansing Center is an ideal place for any function, including meetings, banquets, conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, and other special events. Next, head over to Cooley Law School Stadium. Cooley Law School Stadium's multi-purpose stadium attracts more than 350,000 to a variety of captivating events such as concerts, festivals, outdoor movies, haunted houses and of course, baseball. Then, head downtown and check out the Lansing City Market. Located along the charming Grand River, Lansing City Market is Mid-Michigan's oldest public market in continuous operation. From fresh farm produce to original artwork and crafts, its market vendors offer the best quality goods at reasonable prices in a one-of-a-kind, inviting atmosphere.
Colleges/Universities:
• Michigan State University
• Davenport University
• Western Michigan University
Interesting Facts:
• The state Capitol with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.
• The Agricultural College, established in 1855, is the first land grant college and oldest agricultural teaching center in the nation. It would later become Michigan State University.
Helpful Links:
• Lansing Real Estate
• Lansing Storage Facility
• Lansing Insurance
• Lansing Dental Offices
• Lansing Moving Companies