The $380 million Red Cedar Renaissance project would bring two hotels, hundreds of jobs and new residents to the Lansing area according to developer Joel Ferguson.
"It's a project that's the best of both worlds," Ferguson said Monday.
The Lansing City Council is reviewing two drain easements to allow the project, as well as the drain commissioner's plans for the former Red Cedar golf course to move forward.
"We're creating jobs, improving the community and we're really environmentally friendly," Ferguson said.
Construction crews began cutting down trees this week to make room for hotels, restaurants and town homes, as well as creating gardens to help preserve the environment and protect it from pollution.
Crews are set to build a Hyatt Centric, a Moxy Hotel and five restaurants. The full plan would bring in several hundred construction and permanent jobs, as well as house at least 1500 people in student housing and town homes.
The drain commissioner's plan would turn the concrete jungle near Frandor into gardens and water protection areas.
"It's just gonna get a huge face lift," said Patrick Lindemann, the Ingham County Drain Commissioner.
His project is what kick started the entire redevelopment, but because the plan's been so controversial, he's clarifying that it's separate from Ferguson's plan.
Lansing Township, East Lansing and the owners of Frandor filed lawsuits to stop his drain project last year, but the case was dismissed.
"I can guarantee you there will be no subsidy of the Ferguson project with this project," Lindemann said. "The assessment will have its own public hearing process, so we'll have an opportunity to talk to all the landowners and interested parties."
The city council is set to review the plans Monday night, we'll let you know what they decide.
