Eye candy of the week

This building, like the neighborhood surrounding it, takes its name from horticulturalist Liberty Hyde Bailey. Born in South Haven, Bailey graduated from the Michigan Agricultural College in 1882 and later contributed to the founding of agricultural extension services and the 4-H movement.

The building’s exterior is clad with red brick, arranged in a common bond with Flemish headers, where the end of the brick (header) alternates with the typically exposed long edge (stretcher). Additionally, string courses of vertical brick bands (soldiers) wrap the building above the main level and third floor windows. Subtly pointed stone Gothic arches grace the main entrances, which are further embellished with brick pilasters and carved stone accents. A modern wing was added to the building later and, despite its incongruous appearance, it does not detract from the grand main block.

It is speculated that Bailey helped design the nation’s first Horticulture Laboratory at Michigan Agricultural College. The building, now called Eustace-Cole Hall, can be found along West Circle Drive and is an Eye Candy in its own right.

Bailey attended the dedication of the Bailey School building in June 1923. Operations in the building were recently halted and the building was closed. Its future remains in question.

“Eye candy of the Week” is our weekly look at some of the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eyesore of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061.