By Kevin Lavery, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-984267.mp3
Lansing, MI –
A long-time symbol of urban blight in downtown Lansing may soon be torn down. The city of Lansing and Davenport University are touting a plan to expand the school's presence at the site of an abandoned public housing project.
Davenport University wants to build a new 60,000 square-foot facility adjacent to Oliver Towers, a former low-income housing complex. The university says it needs more space for its growing nursing and occupational health programs.
Davenport University president Richard Pappas says they considered several locations, but ultimately chose to stay in Lansing.
"Because we think - because we're in seven of the top 10 markets - that we're an answer for some of the economic issues," says Pappas. "And we want to help Lansing. When a company comes in - I was telling the mayor - we want to be there and responsive in developing a labor market."
Oliver Towers has been vacant since 2000. The building will be demolished, and Lansing will move its housing commission office to what's now university property.
Officials say the new campus is expected to open in about a year.