Oliver Towers

The City of Lansing, LEAP (Lansing Economic Area Partnership) and George F. Eyde Family LLC issued a press release today with the headline: "Vacant 'Oliver Towers' building to get new lease on life." The press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow at the site of Oliver Towers, Ionia Street and

The eight-story building was a senior citizens residence until a fire closed it in 2000, except for the first floor. The Lansing Housing Commission remained on the first floor until it moved two years ago to the old Davenport University campus on Cherry Street downtown’s south side.

The Eyde Family LLC redeveloped the old Knapp’s Department Store on Washington Square, which it opened last year. Called Knapp’s Centre, it too is a mix of residential and retail. The affiliated Eyde Co. moved its headquarters from Meridian Township to the Knapp’s Centre this year.

Details of the Oliver Towers renovation were not immediately available, but a source involved in the project confirmed that the plan is for apartments on the upper floors and retail stores on the first floor.