The Macotta Club closes before it ever opens

After years of delays, The Macotta Club concept has been shelved before it could launch.

Announced three years ago, in April 2023, the plan was for six restaurants and more than a dozen “food concepts” in the corner of the first floor of the historic Knapp’s building in downtown Lansing, a former department store. It was to open in 2024, then 2025 and in December, officials with the project told City Pulse that 2026 was the new target.

On Wednesday, officials with Downtown Lansing Inc. made it official: it’s not gonna happen.

Multiple delays followed unexpected difficulties with the buildout, DLI spokesperson Jenea Markham and Eyde Development COO Mark Clouse told City Pulse in December.  Eyde Development owns and operates the Knapp’s Centre and is collaborating with DLI, Clouse said at the time. DLI was not paying rent to Eyde Development or occupying the space, Clouse said. 

In a statement Wednesday, DLI Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly said continually rising prices helped lead to the project’s halt and she looks forward to new ideas for the space.

“The Macotta Club was developed with the goal of preserving a historic space while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs in Downtown Lansing,” Edgerly said in the statement. “Over the past three years, significant effort has gone into exploring a public-private partnership to bring the project to life; however, the level of private interest and funding needed to move the project forward did not emerge.”