LANSING — All signs point to new life at what was once Clara's Lansing Station.

In late August, Gillespie Group announced plans for a grocery store and a hotel on the 600 block of East Michigan Avenue, part of a larger mixed-use development slated to open by the end of 2020.

Gillespie Group also owns the now-vacant Clara's Lansing Station, which is across the street.

President Pat Gillespie said redevelopment work on that site will likely start before the hotel and market are up and running.

While Gillespie Group hasn't released specific plans for the former train station, Gillespie said he envisions a bar and restaurant with an entertainment component for the space.

“There’s not many iconic historic buildings like that in town," he said. “It be a shame to tear something like that down.”

A lifelong Lansing resident, Gillespie said his family often visited Clara's for brunch after church or for pizza after basketball games. He said he's looking forward to re-energizing the space.

“We definitely plan on celebrating the history of the train station," he said.

Part of the building was built in 1887, according to property records. It served as a train station from 1903 to 1972. Clara's opened in 1978. Part of the restaurant was in a converted rail car.

Clara’s closed on in June 2016 after nearly 38 years as a restaurant, citing declining business and maintenance issues on the building.

Cari DeLamielleure, owner of Batter Up Bistro, said she's excited to see the impact the redevelopment has on the area. Her restaurant is on Michigan Avenue near both the new market and hotel and Clara's.

“I felt for so long that I’m on the outskirts of where things are happening," said DeLamielleure, who's also a downtown resident. “To watch this unfold in the next few years is gong to be so cool.”

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Contact reporter Haley Hansen at (517) 267-1344 or hhansen@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @halehansen.