Here's a follow-up to the recent development stories we've been following since last month (from the LSJ):

City officials hope to use the proceeds from the sale of the Lansing City Market site to build a $1.7 million stage in Adado Riverfront Park.

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is scheduled to announce the plan to arts groups this morning.

The permanent stage would be built at the south end of the park, where a temporary stage is put up each year for the summer Common Ground music festival.

"We're trying to create a magnet in downtown Lansing that draws people by the thousands," Hannan said. "This is part of that puzzle. It's one key way to rebuild the economy of the city."

The stage would work in tandem with a number of proposed downtown developments to bring new life to the riverfront, he said.

Cultural groups hailed the stage plan as a way to promote the arts while bringing more activities to the riverfront area.

The space could be used by theater and music groups, from small productions to symphony concerts, said Leslie Donaldson, executive director of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

"It would be a wonderful thing to help highlight the downtown and some of our arts and cultural amenities," she said.

Building a vibrant arts community is a key component of many downtown redevelopment initiatives around the state. Armory Arts in Jackson and the Trust Fund-supported Williamston Theatre are two great examples.

"We're trying to make an environment with live theater where the people coming experience not only theater, but our parks system. And people who are coming for a stroll along the River Trail stumble upon us. It's a real benefit for both the theater company and for the community."

A strong arts presence is a great way to bring people downtown, so it's nice to see the Capitol City putting an emphasis on the arts community in its riverfront redevelopment plans.