EAST LANSING, Mich. — At its meeting on June 22, the East Lansing City Council approved an extension of the Albert EL Fresco placemaking project’s road closure in downtown East Lansing through Aug. 15.
Both lanes of Albert Avenue, between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue, will remain closed to traffic through mid-August to continue to accommodate the Albert EL Fresco space, which currently features outdoor seating and tables, rocking chairs, hammocks, decorative lighting and shade amenities. The space also includes a variety of fun activities and games, including giant Connect 4, cornhole and hopscotch.
Upcoming programming in the space will include live music (schedule TBA), free Saturday morning yoga (every Saturday at 9 a.m. beginning Saturday, July 9) and Trivia on the Street on Friday evenings. Wharton Center for Performing Arts will also be hosting a free dance party to Disney’s “Frozen” as a part of their Wharton pARTicipate series on Tuesday, July 6 from 5:30-6:15 p.m. in Ann Street Plaza (corner of Albert and M.A.C. avenues).
Downtown visitors are encouraged to continue to enjoy this exciting, new, pedestrian-centric space in the heart of downtown East Lansing.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback about the Albert EL Fresco space and we are excited to continue to add new programming and enhancements to the area over the remainder of the summer,” said East Lansing Community & Economic Development Administrator Adam Cummins. “We encourage community members to come check out the space and support local businesses while they are downtown.”
Community members are reminded that open alcohol is not permitted in the space, but food and alcohol can be enjoyed at the approved outdoor dining areas operated by adjacent restaurants. Take-out food and non-alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed in the space.
Colorful signs have been installed in the area directing motorists to nearby parking, with the Albert Avenue Garage, 188 Albert Ave., remaining accessible to eastbound Albert Avenue traffic from Abbot Road and the Grove Street Garage, 330 Grove St., remaining accessible to northbound and southbound Abbot Road traffic by taking Linden Street to Grove Street. A signed detour for motorists is also in place utilizing Grand River Avenue, M.A.C. Avenue, Burcham Drive and Abbot Road.
The Albert EL Fresco placemaking project was made possible by supporters of the “Daytime. Nighttime. Anytime. Place Project” (Place Project) and an additional $20,000 in funding from the East Lansing Downtown Development Authority. Community members are encouraged to keep up-to-date on the latest Albert EL Fresco and Place Project happenings by following downtown East Lansing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@downtowneastlansing).