WORK BEGINS ON MAJOR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
December 18, 2001

Ground was broken today for a new development that will set the standard for new projects in the Lansing area. The "Boji Complex" will be a 300,000 square foot office building with an adjoining parking structure with a capacity of 1,450 cars. Located across the street from the south side of the State Capitol, this project will offer more amenities than any other building in downtown Lansing.

Governor John Engler and Mayor David Hollister each took a shovel to kick off the project. They were joined by owners Louie Boji and Ron Boji, officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Jim Epolito, CEO of the Accident Fund of Michigan.

"This project could not have happened without the cooperation and relationships we have developed over the past 18 months. From the unique agreement initially established with the Accident Fund, to the help and support from the Mayor and city, to the incredible cooperation from the MEDC, we have many people to thank," said Ron Boji.

"We initially presented our vision to the Mayor and Governor about 18 months ago. It's amazing what we have accomplished working together. This groundbreaking today ends one phase of our vision and begins another phase. We are truly thankful for all the cooperation we have received to bring us to this point," said Louie Boji.

The Boji's own the building known for years as the Michigan National Tower. Faced with 100% occupancy in the building, they needed to expand the tower and began to plan for that project. It was then discovered the Accident Fund of Michigan had purchased the parking structure at the corner of Capitol and Allegan for their own employees. Tower employees would have no nearby parking under the arrangement.

The Boji's then arranged a lease with the Accident Fund for the parking structure and finalized plans to build a new parking structure to accommodate employees from the expansion of the tower. Through a transfer of state land to the city and the purchase of Accident Fund land, they acquired enough property to build a parking structure and office building. Through a unique partnership agreement with the city, this project became a reality.

"From my initial conversations with Jim Epolito at the Accident Fund, to my negotiations with the Mayor and the city, this has been quite a learning process. I've been fortunate to have some of the best teachers around," said Ron Boji. "And I cannot thank the Governor enough for his efforts to move the project to this point. We would not be here without his leadership."

"Today represents the beginning of many great things to come for Lansing. The community of Lansing has been wonderful to us and we hope we can show our appreciation through creative projects that benefit the city," concluded Louie Boji.

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