Project in Southwest Lansing Called ‘Game-Changer’

A redevelopment project coming to southwest Lansing is being viewed as a potential catalyst for revitalization to the area of the city.

The mixed-use project at the intersection of West Holmes and Pleasant Grove roads will include two buildings — a 27,445-square-foot commercial development for community services and a neighboring 19,380-square-foot residential building. The site is the current home of the vacant Pleasant Grove Elementary School, which Malcolm X attended.

“It has tremendous potential; but due to historic neglect, any development would be challenging,” said Adam Hussain, who represents the ward on the Lansing City Council. “Southwest Lansing has historically been cut off from job creation and job growth, equitable access to reputable health care, and financial services. … In my opinion, this is a game-changer for our community and our people.”

Christopher Stralkowski of Ferguson Development LLC is executive project manager.

“Ferguson Development is proud to be part of this extraordinary opportunity of redeveloping this site into a community-centric development that will provide the southwest Lansing community” with greater access to critical services and resources that many take for granted, Stralkowski said.

Ferguson’s chairman, Joel Ferguson, grew up in the area and still proudly calls it home.

“Malcolm X’s parents must’ve been incredibly determined to lay a path for their children and others to break through the racial barriers they faced in the early 20th century,” Ferguson said. “Malcolm X’s commitment to self-determination and self-reliance is a cornerstone to a safe, healthy and vibrant community.”