Eyesore of the week

Property: 1307 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing

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Author and celebrity chef Alton Brown often discusses the pointlessness of collecting kitchen utensils that are limited to one function. While he admits that a fire extinguisher is a notable exception, Brown’s point is that tools suited to a single use are difficult to justify, particularly when a multi-use item will do the job at hand, along with several others, just as well.

So it is with single-use buildings such as this confectionery near the corner of Spartan and Grand River. The building itself is actually quite charming, but its specific design for a limited range of uses limits its continued existence.

About five years ago, this building was the site of a controversy when its landlord developed expansion plans that included, naturally enough, the operation of an ice cream shop. The new business within adopted a name and logo very similar to the brand of the original tenant, who was shifted out as a result of the development plan.

However, when the displaced tenant, a wellestablished neighborhood favorite called Tasty Twist, relocated a few blocks west, its loyal customers followed. Meanwhile, this single use building sits vacant, awaiting new development. Could this be a case of revenge literally being served cold?

“Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at (517) 999-5061.

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