Planning Commission grants one-year extension for seasonal Timber Sauna park at 270 W. Grand River
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Summary
The commission approved a one-year extension for Timber Sauna Company’s previously approved seasonal sauna park, citing the applicant’s need for additional time to resolve building-code and permit issues.
The East Lansing Planning Commission on March 26 recommended a one-year extension for Timber Sauna Company’s previously approved seasonal sauna park at 270 W. Grand River Ave., extending the permit to expire May 2, 2026.
Daniel Downs, founder of Timber Sauna Company, told commissioners the project has been delayed by an unusual and unresolved set of Michigan building-code questions for a temporary seasonal structure. He said the company is working with the city’s building and planning staff to produce required drawings and to meet the code’s structural and safety requirements.
Downtown property owner DTN is listed as the site owner in the application materials; Mr. Downs said he has a lease agreement contingent on permitting and that a formal lease would be executed after land-use approvals. Commissioners asked about parking and how seasonal operation would fit alongside existing tenants; Mr. Downs said the sauna footprint would use approximately the southwest corner of the vacant lot (about 2,700 square feet) and the remainder of the lot would remain parking under DTN control.
Commissioner Overby moved to recommend approval of the requested extension; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The recommendation will proceed to City Council as the next step in the permit timeline.
Mr. Downs told the commission he has interest from user groups (running and fitness groups, wellness-oriented users) and that while saunas in Michigan often see higher demand in colder months, a seasonal program could be used in summer months as well.
