© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mayor says Oliver Towers saga is turning into a 'debacle'

The Oliver Towers haved sat empty for a decade since a serious fire. Suddenly, the empty apartment building is the focus of a tug of war between two local colleges, both of which want the land for future expansion.
(photo by Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio)
The Oliver Towers haved sat empty for a decade since a serious fire. Suddenly, the empty apartment building is the focus of a tug of war between two local colleges, both of which want the land for future expansion.

Lansing mayor Virg Bernero calls it a ‘debacle’.    

The battle between two local colleges over an empty apartment building is in a holding pattern.   

Last night, the Lansing City Council delayed action on a proposed land swap between the city and Davenport University.  The university wants the empty city-owned Oliver Towers apartment complex for its future campus.  But Lansing Community Collegehas offered to buy the building for $2.5 million.  

Councilwoman Carol Wood says LCC’s offer is worth a look. 

 “I think when you have LCC sits here and say they were willing to give us almost $2.5 million dollars for the property…it would be wrong of us not to at least to take a look at it," says Wood. 

 "I can’t imagine another city in this state of Michigan in our economic situation," says Mayor Virg Bernero, "I cannot imagine another city in the state…kicking Davenport in the teeth…and saying good bye to a 13 million dollar project  that’s going to bring good jobs and a solid investment.” 

Davenport university officials wanted to break ground on their new building next month.   University officials have said they may look outside the capital city to expand if the Oliver Towers land swap doesn’t go through.    

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.