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Historical Renovation of Marshall Street Armory Building

Historical Renovation of Marshall Street Armory Building to Create Local Nonprofit Hub

March 26, 2010

Lansing ----- The historical Marshall Street Armory Building could soon offer a new kind of service to the Lansing community if the vision of local developer Gillespie Group acquires the approvals necessary for the project.

"This beautiful building has been left empty for too long. This renovation will give the Armory Building a new life and reinvigorate the pride in the history of those who have served their country there," said Pat Gillespie, founder and president of Gillespie Group.

According to the proposed plan, the Armory Building would be given a full historic renovation and turned into office space for nonprofit organizations. Creating such a hub would allow nonprofits to build community, share resources and support one another. The Armory is a Neoclassical design and still closely resembles its original appearance, truly allowing for historical renovation.

"Lansing has many local and statewide nonprofit organizations headquartered here that could benefit from the community center and collaboration Gillespie's plan will provide - and it will help to draw more to the area to be able to offer this kind of nonprofit support. This is the kind of creative, forward thinking that will build a stronger future in Lansing," said Mayor Virg Bernero.

Locally based nonprofit organizations are enthusiastic about the opportunity Gillespie Group's plans for the Armory Building would present. In fact, this model could be replicated in other states and cities, thus helping Lansing achieve its place as a progressive community willing to shift modalities when the economy or situation necessitates it.

"Michigan Nonprofit Association is pleased that Gillespie Group is repurposing the Armory Building for a Michigan Nonprofit Headquarters. This building will become a hub for local and statewide nonprofit groups that will promote collaboration, effective practices, and shared resources. I believe that this is the way of the future for nonprofit groups and we lend our support to Gillespie Group in bringing this project to fruition," said Kyle Caldwell, CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA).

The Armory Building's history is rich. It was built in 1924 and became the facility for the 1st Battalion 119th Field Artillery.

U.S. military personnel gathered at this installation and received the necessary training to defend our country. Also, the Armory was deemed to have sufficient structural integrity to be refuge for the community from natural disasters.

Throughout time, the Armory was available for social events such as military ceremonies and homecomings from wars, solidifying its place in American history. The building will be given a historical renovation to honor the proud tradition of service that this repurposing will continue.

"I think it's going to be a wonderful asset for our entire area. The building is not going to be sitting idle. It's a beautiful building. Our concern was that if someone didn't step up and take her over, it would just deteriorate and lose its historic integrity. It's going to be restored, and we're very pleased with that," said Nancy Mahlow, board member of the Eastside Neighborhood Association. "We're looking forward to working with the organizations moving in there, we just see this as a positive for everyone."

"The Board of Directors of Allen Neighborhood Center has unanimously endorsed the redevelopment of the Armory by Gillespie Group," said Joan Nelson, director of the Allen Neighborhood Center, a nonprofit serving the northeast quadrant of Lansing. "The planned co-location in a redeveloped Armory of key community service organizations contributes to the growing 'nonprofit business district' on and nearby East Michigan Avenue. Also, redevelopment of the Armory, an important and historic resource in the heart of the Eastside, inspires additional historic preservation, catalyzes investment and enhances the adjacent neighborhoods and the new middle school complex. The project reflects Gillespie Group's special commitment to improving and strengthening the Eastside of Lansing, a key neighborhood in increasing the appeal of the City to young professionals and families."

Gillespie Group is an East Lansing-based developer dedicated to building an even stronger Greater Lansing. It specializes in fostering urban development, such as the Stadium District. For more information about Gillespie Group, please visit www.gillespie-group.com.

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