Lansing Construction Woes: Don’t Forget These Two Local Favorites

If you live, work, or enjoy going out in Lansing, you've probably had to deal with the construction on Michigan Avenue at some point.

What’s Happening on Michigan Avenue?

The stretch of Michigan Avenue between Pennsylvania Avenue and Clippert Street is part of a huge rehabilitation project that kicked off in late 2023 and has been going on in different phases since then.

During certain phases, various portions of Michigan Avenue have been completely shut down in each direction. This has made it more difficult to get to some of the businesses on Michigan Avenue.

How Construction Is Impacting Local Businesses

In August 2024, signs went up along Saginaw and Kalamazoo to help remind people that the businesses on Michigan Avenue were still open. Still, it never hurts to have one more reminder to support our locally owned small businesses.

When Will This Phase of Construction on Michigan Avenue End?

Currently the rehabilitation project is Phase 5, which has Michigan Avenue completely shut down between Lathrop Street to the Sparrow Campus. This phase is expected to last until approximately September 20.

READ ALSO: What You Need to Know About Michigan’s Construction Zone Laws

During that time two businesses in particular could use some love: Fabiano's Candies and Soup Spoon Cafe. Of the businesses located along this stretch, these two businesses are the only ones that rely on foot traffic. The others are medical facilities and a news station.

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There are side streets that you can take to access places to park and access these businesses. There's even a cool interactive map to see what streets are open during the different phases.

If you have it in the budget, maybe take this as a sign that you need to treat yourself to a lunch and dessert date. A bite to eat at Soup Spoon and some chocolate from Fabiano's.