Clara's Lansing Station will be sold to Gillespie Group

LANSING – Gillespie Group is purchasing the iconic downtown train depot that was formerly the home of Clara’s Lansing Station.

The company, which is behind the development of Lansing Brewing Co. and the Outfield Apartments, is expected to close on the purchase of the 6,000-square-foot historic building on July 29, said Pat Gillespie, president of Gillespie Group.

Clara’s closed on June 26 after nearly 38 years in business due to declining business and maintenance issues on the building, which is well over 100 years old. Part of the building was built in 1887, according to property records. It served as a train station from 1903 to 1972.

It became Clara's in 1978 and was known for its Sunday brunch, its atmosphere and the fact that a portion of the restaurant was a converted rail car.

"It's a cool building that can't be duplicated," Gillespie said. "We have numerous developments in the Stadium District  ... so it's a natural fit to try and turn this around."

Gillespie said it is too early to discuss specific plans for the depot, but he intends to reopen it in 2017 as an entertainment venue. Gillespie said concepts for the redevelopment could be ready by the end of the year.

"We're excited to have another option for people to go visit downtown," he said.

Owners of Clara's Lansing Station reflect on 38 years

Gillespie declined to release the sale price of the building, and property records have yet to be updated to reflect the transfer of ownership of the property at 637 E. Michigan Ave.

"We're excited that this building, which is part of our family, is going to someone who is going to take care of it," said Cindy Jubeck, former co-owner of Clara's, in an interview. "He respects the historical aspects of it."

A Clara's location remains open in Battle Creek.

Gillespie Group is cataloging the array of items that gave the restaurant its charm in order to incorporate them in future renovations, according to the release.

The specifics of what Gillespie intends to do with the building have not been released. The company is seeking input from the community for the future project. Ideas can be sent to ideas@gillespie-group.com.

Alexander Alusheff is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at (517) 388-5973 or aalusheff@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexalusheff.