Breathing New Life Into an Old Lansing Factory
Andrew Norton
DJV Properties has turned the old Melling Forging Co. north of Old Town into a business center. The formerly shuttered building was deemed an eyesore by many, but Dan VanAcker had a plan and a vision. VanAcker's company, DJV Properties, purchased the site in June 2005 and has invested about $1.5 million into renovating the property. There are currently 11 tenants employing about 125 people. Some of the tenants are new companies and some just relocated there to enjoy advantages such as shared amenities. Some of the amenities include - shared loading docks, restrooms, and a cafeteria. The building is nearly 100 percent occupied.
These are the types of entrepreneurs and businesses that will drive the future of Michigan's economy. Our state needs to figure out how to get folks interested and able to start projects like these and generate new jobs. I don't care who the Governor is or whether they are a Democrat or Republican. Our state is broke - Just Fix It!
Read the article - Lansing State Journal: Old factory gets new life in Lansing