East Village Concept Plan
Michigan State University
This project was conducted in partnership with the City of East Lansing to evaluate existing conditions and develop actionable strategies for transforming East Village into a more livable and vibrant district. The East Village district faces three critical challenges: a student housing capacity gap, weak infrastructure, and an underutilized public realm. To address these issues, this report prioritizes four recommendations: (1) improve pedestrian accessibility and safety, (2) revitalize the Grand River corridor through mixed-use development and public realm activation, (3) add character to East Village through enhanced public spaces and placemaking, and (4) expand attainable housing options to meet growing demand. Jurors said, "We felt the methodology was highly transferable to other communities, including other college towns."
MAP congratulates students Youssef El Hout, Terry Smith, Clinton Mireles, Jack Shannon, Luke Dillon, Rachel Oelsner, Max Levinson, Nahid Dristy, Evan Blake, Ben Hamrick, Emma LaCross, Evan Stowell, and instructors Andrea Polverento and Jesus Lara!