Welcome to the Westside Neighborhood! Join us for a virtual tour of some of our historic homes, structures, and parks with some of the neighbors who make the Westside great.
The Westside is a beautiful historic neighborhood located just west of downtown Lansing, Michigan, USA. There are approximately 2,000 households within the Westside Neighborhood boundaries of Oakland Avenue on the north, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the east, the Grand River on the south, and the boundary of the city on the west. Our community is known for its wonderful homes with unique character and warm interior woodwork, along winding streets lined with mature shade trees. We have a strong sense of community, and are also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
There were several developments over the years, and homes were built anywhere from the late 1800's through the 1960's. The association hosts potlucks, picnics, community forums, and fundraisers for our efforts to improve our neighborhood. The Letts Community Center is located in the heart of the neighborhood and functions as a gathering place for city residents and others.
There are numerous programs for kids, youth, and seniors.
Lansing is the capital city of the state, and many residents are employed by state government, Michigan State University, and General Motors Corporation. We are a community of diversified residents interested in community welfare, quality of life, the environment, nice homes, pretty gardens, healthy food, strong kids, and the safety and health of our neighbors.
Please visit our neighborhood. We are proud of our community!
Check out the self-guided walking tour of the Westside Neighborhood created by NorthWest Initiative's Westside Commercial Association, along with a more in-depth history of our neighborhood (complete with elephants!).
Our neighborhood has a "You Auto Know" sign about it! http://www.lansing.org/includes/content/docs/media/Westside-Neighborhood-sign.pdf
In the News:
May 19, 2021 article from Lansing’s City Pulse Family-owned convenience store open on Lansing’s west side
January 7, 2021 article from Lansing’s City Pulse City Pulse People Issue 2021: Willard Walker, public servant
July 7, 2020 article from WILX: Mobile Farmers’ Markets popping up in 6 Lansing sites, see where you can get local produce
May 19, 2020 article from Lansing State Journal: Lansing's two oldest restaurants have seen a lot. They're determined to beat this pandemic.
March 1, 2013 news story from WILX: "Law enforcement collaborate to prevent violent crime"
November 28, 2012 article from Capital Gains: "License to snoop: Retro home edition 1920-1960"
October 3, 2012 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Home invasion: Annual tour lets you peek in some swanky Westside homes"
September 13, 2012 article from MLive.com: "Fresh ingredients from Michigan farmers featured at Lansing's Fork in the Road"
July 15, 2012 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside Garden Tour shows off neighborhood, helps a good cause"
April 15, 2012 article from Lansing State Journal: "Evolution of a Lansing mosque"
March 18, 2012 interview on WKAR: "reWorking Michigan: Task force sets out to revitalize former GM properties"
January 18, 2012 article from Lansing State Journal: "Students, alumni fighting to save Sexton High School"
December 26, 2011 article from Lansing's Online News: "Lost Lansing: Is treasure still buried in the West Side Neighborhood"
October 4, 2011 article from MLive.com: "Lansing School Board candidates meet potential constituents at community forum"
August 24, 2011 article from Lansing State Journal: "Riddle Elementary gets new state-of-the-art play structure"
June 22, 2011 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Westside Story"
April 25, 2011 article from Lansing State Journal: "Vietnamese congregation breathes new life into site of former Holy Cross church"
April 5, 2011 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Holy Cross comes back to life"
March 23, 2011 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Harry's Place Changes with the Times"
February 22, 2011 Lansing School District press release on Sexton's "Robo Reds" advancement to World Competition
September 22, 2010 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Disaster to Dazzler"
July 28, 2010 article from Capital Gains: "Landing in Lansing: Dan and Ashley Lamb"
November 12, 2009 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Eye Candy! of the Week: [Forbes Street Substation]"
September 30, 2009 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Open Door"
January 14, 2009 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Suits, Shots"
October 6, 2008 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside story: house tour charms visitors, aids homeless"
October 4, 2008 article from Lansing State Journal: "Homeowner says house tour will alter views on living in city"
October 1, 2008 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Works in Progress"
October 12, 2007 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside tour to step back in time: Event offers nostalgic look at area"
July 11, 2007 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Rooted in Community"
July 7, 2007 article from Lansing State Journal: "Small Westside garden displays produce large results"
May 3, 2007 article from Lansing State Journal: "Child-care center set to open at Verlinden"
November 8, 2006 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "How History and Myths Sustain Lansing's West Side"
October 7, 2006 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside Home Tour highlights sites from early 1900s"
April 27, 2004 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside stories"
October 10, 2003 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside opens its doors to browsers"
October 8, 2003 article from Lansing's City Pulse: "Go discover Westside yourself during home tour"
July 12, 2002 article from Lansing State Journal: "Garden tours to showcare area greenery"
October 13, 2001 article from Lansing State Journal: "Westside Home Tour opens its doors for 7th year"
July 9, 2001 article from Lansing State Journal: "400 people from near and far treated to fragrant afternoon"
July 10, 2000 article from Lansing State Journal: "A little country in the city"
July 8, 2000 article from Lansing State Journal: "Tour shows creative use of space"
October 14, 1999 article from Lansing State Journal: "Welcome to the West Side"
Other Links of Interest