REO Town facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
REO Town
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REO Town district in Lansing, Michigan
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Location in the city of Lansing, Michigan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Ingham |
| Area | |
| • Neighborhood | 0.624 sq mi (1.62 km2) |
| Population
(2009)
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| • Neighborhood | 1,989 |
| • Density | 3,188/sq mi (1,230.7/km2) |
| • Metro | 454,044 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
48910, 48912, 48933
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| Area code(s) | 517 |
| Website | reotown.com |
| REO Town @ city-data.com | |
REO Town is a cool neighborhood in Lansing, Michigan. It's just south of the city center. This area is surrounded by West Malcolm X Street to the north, South Cedar Street to the east, West Mount Hope Avenue to the south, and Townsend Street, the Grand River, and South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the west.
Many people consider REO Town the birthplace of the commercial automobile in the United States. It's named after Ransom Eli Olds, a famous car pioneer. He also helped create the Oldsmobile and REO car brands.
Besides a busy street called South Washington Avenue, REO Town has three smaller neighborhoods. These are Fabulous Acres, Moores Park, and River Point.
A Look at REO Town's History
The REO Motor Car Company started making cars in REO Town in 1905. They continued making cars there until 1975.
In 2003, the REO Town Commercial Association was created. This group helps encourage new businesses and homes in the area.
In 2010, the Lansing Board of Water & Light announced big plans. They wanted to build a new power plant in REO Town. This plant would use natural gas to make electricity and steam. It opened in 2013 and brought 180 jobs to the area. There were also plans to fix up the old Grand Trunk Railway train station.
In August 2010, an old motel called the Deluxe Inn became an outdoor art show. About 25 artists created amazing graffiti art on the building. The motel was later taken down in September 2010. Now, it's a large grassy area.
In 2011, Lansing received money to improve Washington Avenue in REO Town. This project helped make the street look nicer and better for walking.
How REO Town Works: Economy
REO Town has many different businesses, both big and small. Some of these include the Board of Water and Light and Saddleback BBQ. You can also find Blue Owl Coffee, Michigan Creative, and the Good Truckin' Diner.
The biggest employer in REO Town is still the car industry. The Lansing Grand River Assembly plant employs about 2,500 people.
REO Town is a great place to find vintage and second-hand items. There are many unique stores like REO Town Marketplace and Vintage Junkies. Other shops include Community Finery, Thriftique, and Jean Jean Vintage.
If you need a haircut or nail services, REO Town has places like Cuttin Up Barber Shop.
Fun in REO Town: Arts and Culture
REO Town hosts several exciting arts and culture events each year.
- Art Attack: This event is organized by the REO Town Commercial Association. It celebrates local art, live music, and delicious food.
- Arts Night Out: The Arts Council of Greater Lansing puts on this event. It's a fun celebration of art and culture in the community.
The Robin Theatre is a special place for performances. You can enjoy poetry, live music, and theater shows there. REO Town also has recording studios like Elm Street Recording and REO Town Recording.
