New Spaces and New Business Faces

Thanks to the generosity of the George F. Eyde Family LLC, the Lansing Art Gallery is opening its new home in the historic Knapp’s Centre, 300 S. Washington Square in downtown Lansing. The one-year agreement allows the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center to continue its growth since it first opened its doors in 1965.

“The gallery’s search for a new location began years ago, with a focus on securing an above-ground location that is easily accessible and visible for all those visiting the center,” said Executive Director Barb Whitney.

Whitney said the move is a short-term solution.

“We’re developing a long-term vision with our community members, artists, board of directors, staff, volunteers and funders,” she said. “We’re dreaming big as we plan for the future, gaining traction with large-scale projects.”

The move was also made possible in part thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Match on Main program. As a Master Level Main Street program, the downtown management agency Downtown Lansing Inc. submitted the Match on Main grant on behalf of the Lansing Art Gallery project.

Meanwhile, on the west side of town, a new business face, Tarek Chawich, has opened Chateau Coffee Co. in an 1,800-square-foot space at 1701 S. Waverly Road.

Chateau Coffee Co. is a Mediterranean-, French- and Italian-inspired specialty coffee shop.

Chawich, a current Michigan State University student, said he looks forward to innovating the coffee space further and building the customer base.

“I also appreciate our collaborations with MSU organizations, clubs and departments,” Chawich said. “I’m hoping to have Chateau lead the coffee space in innovation through research.”

Chateau Coffee Co.’s space was designed by freshman MSU student Adrienne Wright in collaboration with the MSU Interior Design Student Organization.