Lansing Schools Turn to Solar While Beloved Pizza Shop Closes
In Lansing, two very different stories are unfolding—one about innovation and sustainability, and another about the bittersweet end of a community favorite.
On one side of the city, the Lansing School District is stepping into the future with a bold move toward renewable energy. Thousands of solar panels now stretch in neat rows near the Alfreda Schmidt Community Center in southwest Lansing, gleaming under the sun and signaling a new chapter for local schools. By the end of October, officials expect the switch to be pulled, activating an impressive solar capacity that has not been attempted by any other school district in the region. The energy generated will not only help power school buildings but also support electric buses, making the district one of the first in mid-Michigan to show such a commitment to sustainable energy. It’s a project designed to cut costs over time, reduce the environmental footprint, and set an example for younger generations who will see firsthand how clean energy can be part of everyday life. The move reflects a growing trend in education—where districts are not only teaching students about science and sustainability but also demonstrating it in action.
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Meanwhile, just a few miles away, Lansing residents are coming to terms with the closure of a longtime neighborhood staple. After 43 years in business, Papa John’s Pizza on Michigan Avenue has quietly shut its doors. And to be clear, this was not the national chain—it was a beloved local spot that started back in 1982 and, at its peak, had four locations around the city. Over the years, it narrowed down to one, the Michigan Avenue shop, which held on as a go-to place for high-quality, affordable pizza. Locals always took pride in the fact that this “Papa John’s” was their own, a place that had nothing to do with the bigger brand but somehow managed to outlast and outshine it in the eyes of the community.
No official announcement was made, but when customers recently tried to place an order online, they were met with a message confirming the closure. Speculation quickly followed: some say the owners were simply ready to retire, others point to the high cost of repairs—like a broken cooler estimated at $15,000—or to the ongoing construction on Michigan Avenue, which made business difficult. There’s even word that the building may have been purchased by Resurrection Church, located right across the street.
Whatever the reason, the loss is being felt deeply. For many, Papa John’s was more than a pizza place—it was a gathering spot, a piece of Lansing’s history, and a reminder of how local businesses can shape the character of a neighborhood.
So, as solar panels rise in Lansing to shape the future, another piece of its past quietly fades away. It’s a reminder of the balance between progress and nostalgia—the excitement of new beginnings, and the sadness of saying goodbye to traditions that helped make the city feel like home.
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