“Old Town is a place where people let their hair down, the ‘Capital of Cool,’ as I call it,” Bernero said.

The ceremony began at Full Circle Financial Planning at 1236 Turner St.; however, the mayor struggled to use the golden ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon, and instead had a little fun and tried to start the incision with a bite. In the end, the dull scissors severed the red ribbon.

“I need to take these in with my lawn mower and get them sharpened,” he joked.

Widely known as a cultured and “artsy” part of Lansing, Old Town added The Head Room Salon on N. Washington Avenue, Hilltop Yoga, Spherion Staffing Services, Matthew Ryan Salon, Old Town General Store and Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern, all on E. Grand River Avenue.

“It’s a good community,” said Matthew Ryan, owner and stylist of Matthew Ryan Salon. “It’s hip, up and coming, and there’s definitely an artsy and family atmosphere. We’ve had a great reception, and it feels good to be here.”

Many of the new and expanded businesses aren’t related to the arts, yet can still benefit Old Town.

“It speaks to the business wanting to be surrounded by art,” said Louise Gradwohl, executive director of the Old Town Commercial Association. “It’s important to have a diverse business mix and makes me believe that we are doing a good job to create opportunity for business here.”

Gradwohl added that the new businesses are a sign that people aren’t leaving Old Town — the people are investing and committing to it.

“The people are energetic and want to volunteer and help out with projects and events,” she said. “It’s great to have business owners that get out and spend time in the community.”

To blend with the town’s cultured personality, Jose Yanez, owner of Full Circle Financial Planning, works with an Old Town art gallery to sponsor local artists in his office.

“I wanted to promote local artists and rotate every two to three months,” Yanez said. “I have this big open space in my office, and I wanted to integrate into the art scene here in Old Town.”

Yanez is an MSU grad and said he never visited Old Town as a student. However, he saw a prime business opportunity when he spotted a “for rent” sign in Old Town.

“Lansing is starting to get young entrepreneurs, and I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of something new, cool and exciting,” he said.

Bernero indicated that there is something that draws people to Old Town, and it’s not just the economic vitality and opportunities.

“There’s something special when the proprietor has a personal investment here,” Bernero said. “It’s a labor of love, and they are bringing history to life.”