Another Lansing Icon To Close Its Doors

Lots of Lansing Area mainstays have closed their doors in recent months. And, now, WILX.com is reporting that Clara's Lansing Station restaurant will close its doors soon on Michigan Avenue.

Housed in the former Lansing Union Station historical site, Clara's will reportedly close its doors on June 26, following suit of businesses like Emil's Italian Restaurant, also formerly on Michigan Avenue and Tripper's Sports Bar in Frandor, just yards from Michigan Avenue.

The Michigan corridor has been the subject of many development projects over the last decade, and more growth is coming. New mixed-use developments are in the works at the former Emil's site near Clemens Avenue, the former Story Olds site at Morgan Lane, and work is also underway at the former Red Cedar Golf Course at Clippert Street.

The new projects are exciting, and will certainly freshen the looks of the eastside. But, it is a shame that as high dollar developers cater to hipsters, millennials, and high-falutin' types going through some sort of midlife crisis, they have let the history and backbone of what made this part of town so great to begin with become forgotten parts of the past. Local residents and their sheepish obsession with chain restaurants that flood television advertising also hold a bit of blame, as well.

But, never fear...if you're a fan of Clara's classic calzones, pizza, lasagna, or Colossal Carrot Cake, Clara's On The River in the former Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Battle Creek will remain open.