MICHIGAN
Before East Lansing's first island can be carved from the banks of the Red Cedar River, a San Diego-based developer must acquire the land necessary to begin the East Village project.
On Tuesday, Theresa Nakata, the company's vice president for marketing and communications, said The Pierce Company Inc. has had progressive negotiations with the region's property owners for several months.
The estimated $500 million East Village project involves redeveloping the land bounded by East Grand River Avenue, Hagadorn Road, Bogue Street and the Red Cedar River with a mix of residential, retail and entertainment properties by 2011.
The project's latest concept design by Hollywood-based 5+Design calls for a man-made canal and island next to an 11-acre riverfront park, showcasing the features of the Red Cedar River.
International relations freshman Kelly Steffen said she would return to the East Village if it's redeveloped, but for now, she is concerned about the student housing that could be affected by the project.
"Cedar Village is the only off-campus housing that's cheap," she said.