Board Approves Revised McDonald's Plan in Lansing
The Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals signed off on a scaled-back site plan with one variance for the former Jon Anthony Florist property.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals approved a revised McDonald's site plan for the former Jon Anthony Florist property on Michigan Avenue, which needs only one variance. The florist, which served the community for 84 years, closed in June 2025.
Why it matters
An initial McDonald's request was denied in December 2025 because it required several variances to Lansing's zoning ordinance. The revised plan's reduced scope clears the way for the property's sale and redevelopment in the city.
The revised plan requires one variance, compared with several in the initial proposal denied in December 2025. The property's sale to McDonald's is projected to close by the end of 2026, pending finalization.
The players
Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals
The local body that reviews variance requests and zoning exceptions for projects within the City of Lansing.
McDonald's
The global fast-food restaurant chain that proposed building on the former Jon Anthony Florist property.
The details
The revised site plan allows a driveway on North Hosmer Street as its one concession. The former floral shop will be demolished after the sale is final.
Timeline
June 2025: Jon Anthony Florist closed after 84 years in Lansing.
December 2025: The zoning board denied the initial McDonald's request.
November 8, 2026: The board approved the revised site plan.
End of 2026: Expected closing of the property sale and demolition.
Market Landscape
Lansing's zoning ordinance requires variances for projects that deviate from its standards, and the McDonald's case shows a developer scaling back a proposal to fit within them. The revision reflects how fast-food chains often adapt site plans to win local approval for prime commercial corners.
Lansing residents who shop at the corner of Michigan Avenue will see the former florist replaced by a McDonald's restaurant once the sale closes. The decision removes a vacant storefront and adds a fast-food option to the area.
The takeaway
Zoning boards often approve scaled-back versions of projects that were rejected in their original form. Residents who want to track changes near them can watch local board agendas for revised site plans.
What happens next
The McDonald's property sale is expected to close by the end of 2026, followed by demolition of the former floral shop.
Further reading
Explore more local changes in Openings & Closings across Lansing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 100.7 WITL.
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