Bridge support

THURSDAY, AUG. 13 — The recently launched Under the Bridge campaign got a substantial boost this week with Sparrow Health System signing on as a lead supporter.

The campaign, which is spearheaded by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is hoping to transform the intersection where Michigan Avenue passes under US-127. The intersection is seen by many involved in the project as a critical gateway between the communities of Lansing and East Lansing. According to the campaign website, the project’s purpose is to turn a “sterile, ugly and non-bikable” area into  “a vibrant pedestrian and biker-friendly gateway that instills community pride and builds a sense of connection between two great cities.”

The campaign has a fundraising goal of $50,000, which it is trying to raise through crowdfunding website Patronicity.com. The campaign is an all-or-nothing funding model, meaning the group will only get the pledged donations if the goal is reached. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will kick in an additional $50,000 grant if the goal is met.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for residents, local businesses and other community stakeholders to participate in this kind of transformative project that has the potential to spur a number of new economic development opportunities for Lansing, East Lansing and Lansing Township,” said Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “I’m pleased to see the kind of collaboration being demonstrated here.”

The proposed renovation includes vandalism resistant, low-maintenance lighting, improved landscaping and four large murals and other art from local artists. The Arts Council of Greater Lansing will partner with the project to help coordinate the artistic aspects of the renovation.

“We are so very proud to partner with LEAP on this project," said Deborah Mikula, Arts Council of Greater Lansing executive director. "It is so important to the creative economy movement, putting art at the center of a placemaking effort that will really make a difference for the region.”

Sparrow Health System, one of Michigan Avenue’s most prominent tenants, announced this week that it would pledge additional financial support for the project.

“Sparrow’s mission is to improve the health of our community and we are constantly focused on improving access and removing barriers to care.  We have called Michigan Avenue home for more than 100 years and are proud to be a lead sponsor and promoter of this project,” said Joe Ruth, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sparrow. “Sparrow is specifically interested in having its contribution go toward the lighting element of the project, which is understood as an absolute must at such a key transit point along the corridor.”

The location is also strategic, with several other development projects slated for the surrounding area in the near future. Sparrow Health System recently began construction of a new cancer center on Michigan Avenue, and several other developments are expected to begin construction soon.

“The Under the Bridge project is a critical piece of the economic development puzzle surrounding the redevelopment of the entire Michigan Avenue corridor,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. “With the current activity happening in this area, specifically the Red Cedar Renaissance and the SkyVue development, this placemaking initiative will draw pedestrians down the corridor in both directions, uniting the entire length of this important stretch of corridor.”

The campaign runs through Sept. 11, and has so far raised $23,320 of its $50,000 goal. Donation levels start at $25 and go all the way up to $10,000, with rewards ranging from thank you cards and tote bags to nameplates or even a chance to be represented in the artwork. For project details and to donate, visit: patronicity.com/underthebridge.