'Park Michigan' concept could create state mall west of Capitol

Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal
·3 min read

LANSING — An expanse of parking between Michigan Hall of Justice and offices occupied by state workers could transform into a green space featuring monuments and performance areas under a conceptual plan from the Michigan State Capitol Commission.

"This proposal is conceptual at this point," Commission member John Bollman said Friday. "While we are excited about the concept, there are still a number of steps that need to take place before we can proceed."

The concept — called Park Michigan — would replace a large parking area east of the Hall of Justice, west of the Ottawa and Hannah office buildings, and between Ottawa and Allegan streets and provide a connection east to the Michigan Capitol building.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said he backs the opportunity to transform a sea of lightly used parking into green space.

"I am fully supportive, and would love to see this space turned into park space for all Lansing residents and visitors to enjoy," he said via email. "It would be wonderful to have a state park in the heart of our city, and to take out some of the surface parking lots, as we have so many."

A concept drawing that shows amenities the "Park Michigan" plan might include shows the Michigan Hall of Justice at the left and existing office buildings to the right. The park in the center would include a pair of existing memorials for Vietnam veterans and law enforcement officers, as well as green space, performance areas and other items.
A concept drawing that shows amenities the "Park Michigan" plan might include shows the Michigan Hall of Justice at the left and existing office buildings to the right. The park in the center would include a pair of existing memorials for Vietnam veterans and law enforcement officers, as well as green space, performance areas and other items.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer state workers travel to Lansing on any particular day. Many of those who previously parked in the targeted lots now work fully remote or hybrid schedules.

"If we can’t have state employees back, then we don’t need all that parking. A great alternative use is a park or development, and we would certainly like to see both," Schor said.

Memorials honoring Michigan Vietnam veterans and law enforcement officers sit at the southwest corner of the parking lot while a small area of green space remains in the northwest section of the area.

In addition to the existing monuments, the plan would feature a “We The People Plaza” providing 360-degree views of the park, including views of the state’s executive office buildings, the "exquisitely restored Michigan State Capitol Building," the Hall of Justice, the Michigan Library and History Center and, to the north, "features representing Michigan’s abundance of beautiful natural resources."

An outline of the proposal also notes the park will include a monument commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of America, an amphitheater for concerts and presentations, plantings of native species, a sculpture garden, and historical markers and educational kiosks.

"The park landscape, with its walkways, gardens, and benches, will also be a place to enjoy a beautiful setting, to relax, to gather and to be inspired," the proposal suggests.

The park will connect to the Capitol by way of the existing Frank J. Kelley Walkway. In addition, a non-motorized path will connect the park to the Lansing River Trail.

"This new park will not only provide a symbolic and physical connection between the state’s legislative, executive and judicial branches, but it will provide a connection to the state’s cultural and natural history, as well," the proposal suggests.

Commission documents compare the proposal to the national mall in Washington, D.C. Bollman said the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville is "a great example" and "potential model" of what the commission has in mind.

The Tennessee park fronts the state capitol, the state museum and a farmers market, and also includes veterans memorials, historical markers and a bell carillon that rings hourly with songs, including "The Tennessee Waltz.

The conceptual plan says the Michigan park will be developed as a public/private partnership, but once completed, it will be maintained by the Michigan State Capitol Commission.

Bollman said the concept is only beginning to be considered and a variety of details need to be worked out before it can become a reality.

"We do not have final cost projections at this time," he said. "While we would like to see this project developed as a public/private partnership, we have not yet started lining up project partners. We also need to address the current site usage with other state agencies before we can proceed."

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Park Michigan mall concept considered for area west of state Capitol