06/17/2026
Thank you! MEDC MiPlace and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office for this wonderful recognition of The Residences at Walter French!
Huge thanks to Governor Whitmer's administration, Rep. Kara Hope, and our incredible partners Quinn Evans, Rohde Construction, and Housing Links, LLC.
To everyone who believed in this building's second chapter — thank you for helping bring affordable housing and community space back to the heart of south Lansing.
Walter French School was built in 1925 to offer a modern, state-of-the-art school for the young scholars of south Lansing. The building helped to usher in progressive educational practices and featured decorative architectural features including large banks of windows, intricate stone carvings, and multicolor brickwork designs. After the school closed in 2004, it spiraled into disrepair. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 as the first step in an adaptive reuse journey that would eventually span more than ten years.
Starting in 2023, the interior was strategically redesigned into 76 affordable apartment units, while retaining character-defining features such as terrazzo floors, large window openings, and wide interior stairways. The Residences at Walter French opened in September 2025 and has full residential occupancy. The property also provides office and commercial space, and is home to an on-site children’s daycare. The renewed Walter French School addresses several needs in the Lansing community, which will keep the future bright long into its second century.
“The redevelopment of the 100-year-old Walter H. French Junior High School transformed a long-neglected building into an innovative multi-use building that includes affordable housing,” said State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt). “Walter French was once a decaying eyesore, but with state funding that I helped get for the project, it’s become a beautiful landmark and community space. I commend the awardees for their dedication and vision for this crucial investment in the heart of south Lansing.”
Congratulations to Capital Area Housing Partnership ; Quinn Evans; Rohde Construction; and Housing Links, LLC in receiving recognition from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office for their Rehabilitation of the Walter French School into The Residences at Walter French in Lansing.
