Sunday, October 24, 2010

Washington Square

Unknown Mami


This week my city is Lansing, Michigan.  It's my hometown, it's where the Dancing Goat Coffeehouse was located and it's where I have been for the past three weeks.  I love Lansing. To see more cities from around the world, please head on over to Unknown Mami's place. She does this carnival each week and it's truly a joy to take a peek into places that I might never get to see otherwise.


This section of Lansing is the downtown area - but the street where I was standing when I took all of these is called Washington Square.    The Michigan National Bank building (which no longer says Michigan National but will always be so in my mind) is the tallest building in downtown and the clock is always correct. 

Just because Michigan National Bank is no more, I really wish they would have kept the name on top of the building.  It just belongs there.


Downtown Lansing is just full of beautiful buildings with all sorts of little bits of decoration. 


The Peanut Shop is the only store that I can think of that still has it's original sign.  That's why they have such a giant sign, jutting out from the building.  The new downtown rules and regulations don't allow for that anymore.  I love seeing The Peanut Shop sign and I really love going into the shop!  All sorts of yummy things are found in there. 


A fairly new tradition is Trick or Treat on the Square.  I think it's a pretty big deal and lots of costumed kids are out and about.  I bet it's fun :)  I'm leaving for Florida in a few days so I'm not to be around to witness the event.


Knapps was a Michigan department store with its home base in Lansing, MI.  The building, shown below, was originally built in 1908, but the renovations in 1928 are what we see today.  The Knapps department store was located in both the Lansing and Meridian Malls (the two local malls) but in 1980 all of the stores closed. 


The Knapps building was used as a state office building for a long time, but I think that there's talk of renovation to the inside and a new group of offices moving in.  I'm really not sure, but the deco building is truly a lovely part of Washignton Square.

That's my city, let's see yours!
Kristin

9 comments:

Teresa Dawn said...

Great photos :) Looks like you had fabulous weather too!

Joanne Olivieri said...

I love the angle in which you took these shots. A very creative series. The clocktower on the bank building is very cool, love the architecture. I also like those street lamps in the street shot, it gives it a quaint feel. Well done.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

That was a fun tour. I remember that name Knapp's. I must have gone there as a child. Have a safe trip home.

Claudya Martinez said...

Love the pictures and love you as the tour guide.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Trick or Treat on the Square is a great way to being the community together. I bet the kids will love it!
Thanks for the tour, jj

Erin said...

I love the pics, It's been so long since I have been there I almost forgot what it looks like!

RNSANE said...

Lansing looks like a very interesting city. I've never been to Michigan other than an overnight stopover in Detroit once to visit a friend. Your city looks lovely and well worth a visit.

Anonymous said...

Your downtown looks lovely and I enjoy buildings with clocks on them, don't know why.

Amy DM said...

Thank you for sharing your town with all of us.