Grand Old Street

By Emily Wilkins
Kickin’ It Old Town Staff Writer

When David Such visited Old Town in 1998 with the intent to move his business there, he found it a “ghost town.” Despite the old abandoned buildings, Such and his partner took a chance and became only the second business on the block.

More than a decade later, Such’s business, Such Video, stands in the center of a thriving downtown filled with boutiques, restaurants, galleries and clubs. And it might soon be home to one of America’s greatest main streets.

Old Town Lansing is one of 10 finalists for The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Great American Main Street Award. The award is the “Oscar” for downtowns, said Joseph Borgstrom, director of specialized technical assistance and revitalization strategy, part of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Map of Past Great American Main Street winners