Inside Look at Knapp's: Lansing's Iconic Building in Photos

Once upon a time in downtown Lansing, on December 7, 1937, the J.W. Knapp Company opened its doors to throngs of eager Michigan shoppers. Though the top two floors weren't complete yet, this grand opening was nothing short of spectacular. Fast-forward to 2024, and this building is at the forefront of yet another grand event.

The first floor and mezzanine will reopen as the Macotto Club in 2025. Until the new retail and restaurant incubator opens in Lansing, let's remember what this iconic building has meant to Mid-Michigan. Take a look at the first floor and basement to see how they look today. First, a quick look at the history of 300 S Washington Square.

The Rise of a Michigan Retail Icon: J.W. Knapps - 1937 - 1970s

DepartmentStoreMuseum.com

Opening with 350 employees and a whopping 15,000 customers on the first day, Knapp's was an instant hit with all of Mid-Michigan. It offered a one-stop shopping experience, a revolutionary concept at the time. From the 1940s to the 1970s, Knapps expanded, turning downtown Lansing into a bustling retail hub and gathering place for social butterflies.

The Fall of Lansing, Michigan's Knapp's Department Store: 1980

Capital Area District Library (Lansing, MI). Forest Parke Library and Archives

Fast-forward to 1980, when shopping malls were springing up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, leaving department stores and downtown shopping in their shadow. Knapp's struggled to keep up with the changing times and tastes, leading to a decline in popularity and foot traffic.

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The once-glorious store closed its doors for good on October 13, 1980. The closure left a gaping hole in downtown Lansing.

A New Beginning for the Former Knapp's Department Store Building

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I'm not sure if you've strolled by or even into Knapp's lately, but the building is in the midst of a renaissance. In 2010, the Eyde Company announced that the iconic structure would be restored, and with the help of Quinn Evans, an architectural firm, the building's Art Deco charm was meticulously revived while updating it for modern efficiency.

The Knapp's Centre houses retail spaces, offices, and residential units today. The large retail space on the first floor, along with the basement, will become the Macotta Club food incubator. This new venture aims to support local food-based businesses, promising to bring more vibrancy and culinary delights to downtown Lansing. As the building evolves, it remains a cherished piece of Lansing's history, blending the past with the future.

Inside Lansing's Knapp's Department Store: See How it Looks Today

On what has been called a historical site long before the store was built, the land at 300 S Washington Avenue in downtown Lansing, Michigan, has been home to the Knapp's Department Store Building since 1937. After the fall of Knapp's in 1980, it found new life as offices for the State of Michigan. The top floors have been refurbished as offices and apartments, but a new project is underway in the former 1st floor and mezzanine thanks to the Eyde Company and Downtown Lansing Inc. Here's a look at how Knapp's Department store looks today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Hidden Gems of Downtown Lansing: The Strand - Michigan Theater

The Atrium Office Center at 215 Washington Square in downtown Lansing, Michigan, was once the home of the Strand Theater and Arcade, which eventually became the Michigan Theater. See what remains of the classic French design as we explore the space once occupied by Harry Houdini and Al Jolson. Here's how Lansing's The Strand / Michigan Theater looks today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow