A crowd-funding campaign for a project to re-design the US127 Bridge over Michigan Avenue has been started by the Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority. The bridge, located between Howard Street and Homer Avenue, is near Frandor Shopping Center.
The goal is to raise $50,000 by September 11. If the goal is met, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will match funds and the project will move forward. If not, donations will be returned and the project will not move forward. On August 30 at 1:45 p.m. with 12 days left to donate, the campaign had raised $32,200.
According to the site where donations can be made for the project, the goal is to transform “an area seen as sterile, ugly and non-bikable into a vibrant pedestrian and biker-friendly gateway.”
The project has been backed by the Lansing Area Economic Partnership and city officials including East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett.
“In our region, US127 has always been a barrier between the two communities," Triplett said. "It is both physically daunting and aesthetically unappealing and this project will go a long way towards rectifying that situation. It will engage US127 as an asset for the corridor rather than a barrier.”
Through consultation with MSU’s School of Planning, Design and Construction, the Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority has created a preliminary plan for “lovely artistic and potentially multi-color lighting” as part of the re-development of the bridge, according to the project's website.
Four “huge” murals focusing on the past and future of both East Lansing and Lansing as well as additional painted spaces and enhanced landscaping are part of the authority’s plan. Brian Whitfield, a local artist, has been chosen to complete the bridge’s artwork if the project moves forward.
Lori Mullins, community and economic development administrator for the city of East Lansing, said the project would not only help bring the cities of Lansing and East Lansing together, but could also lead to opportunities for future development in the area.
“The corridor is significant to our entire region and this specific spot represents bringing two different communities together,” Mullins said. “It has been seen as a barrier between the two spaces. This project would make it feel like a positive space.”
