Clara’s, a Wonderful Example of Historic Preservation
Even though I have driven past Clara’s for years, I tragically had never gone inside. That all changes when Preservation Lansing Director Gretchen Cochran suggested we have lunch there this week. All round, a very good experience — including the food, ambiance and of course the company!
Here’s a bit of history about Clara’s. Built in 1903, the “Union Depot” on Michigan Avenue was known as an entertainment spot for Lansing locals whose loved to watch the iron horse pull in each day. It’s rumored this station was also used as a backdrop in the production and shooting of the famous novel turned movie “Anatomy of a Murder.” The elaborate combination of cut stone arches and towers was designed be Detroit architects Spiers and Rohns who gave several Michigan railroad stations a similar dash of Romanesque design.
Visible signs of wealth appeared throughout Lansing in the early days of the new century, thanks to industrial pioneer Ransom E. Olds. His motor car design brought a revolution in travel that quickly labeled Lansing “Olds Town” and insured Michigan’s future as the Automotive State. Many of the homes built by the city’s automobile elite were impressive but relatively modest, like the Queen Anne style mansion of the Olds family.
The windows in Clara’s authentically duplicate the popular 1903 designs. Progress built Lansing but the industrial era was the death knell for many of the city’s landmarks, including the Olds home. It was torn down in 1972 to make way for I-496. A solid bronze lamp can be found at the bottom of our stair railing and when you reach the top of the stairs, you can see the peak of the cathedral ceiling. The bronze chandelier hanging there is one of our oldest antiques.
Evidence of the good “Olds” days kept disappearing but Union Station continued to serve passengers until 1972 when all service through Lansing was discontinued and the station was closed. Three years later Amtrak resumed service but East Lansing won the depot bid. Active restaurateurs bought the station in 1978 and today you enjoy the results of their efforts in reconstructing a little of Lansing’s tradition.
And lastly, I wondered how Clara’s got it’s name. Apparently Clara was a popular name for ladies at the turn of the century. So there you go!
Leisa
