Lansing Mosaic Celebrates CJ's Market Comeback After Hurricane

The community-driven art project marks the revival of the local grocery store after devastating flooding.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:40pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones, with the exterior of a small grocery store nestled in the foreground, dwarfed by the dramatic, swirling clouds and warm light above, conveying the scale and power of the natural disaster and the community's triumph.The mosaic mural on CJ's Market celebrates the community's resilience and revitalization after a devastating hurricane.Lansing Today

In Lansing, Michigan, the local community has come together to create a mosaic mural celebrating the comeback of CJ's Market, a neighborhood grocery store that was submerged under nearly 10 feet of water during Hurricane Helene 18 months ago. The mosaic project, spearheaded by local artists, symbolizes the resilience and revitalization of the area following the natural disaster.

Why it matters

The restoration of CJ's Market is a source of pride for the Lansing community, which has faced economic challenges in recent years. The mosaic mural serves as a tangible representation of the town's ability to recover and rebuild in the wake of a major weather event, showcasing the power of community-driven initiatives.

The details

After the devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene, CJ's Market underwent extensive repairs and renovations to restore the store to its former state. Local artists and community members have now come together to create a large-scale mosaic mural on the exterior of the building, using shards of broken glass and ceramic tiles to depict scenes of the store, the neighborhood, and the recovery process.

  • Hurricane Helene struck Lansing 18 months ago, causing severe flooding that submerged CJ's Market.
  • The mosaic mural project was recently completed and unveiled to the public.

The players

CJ's Market

A neighborhood grocery store in Lansing, Michigan that was heavily damaged by flooding during Hurricane Helene.

Lansing Community

The local residents and organizations in Lansing who have come together to support the restoration and revitalization of CJ's Market through the mosaic mural project.

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What they’re saying

“This mosaic is a symbol of our community's strength and resilience. We're not just rebuilding a store, we're rebuilding our sense of pride and togetherness.”

— Sarah Wilkins, Local Artist and Mosaic Project Organizer

What’s next

The completed mosaic mural will be officially unveiled to the public during a community celebration at CJ's Market this weekend.

The takeaway

The restoration of CJ's Market and the creation of the mosaic mural demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives to revive and revitalize a town in the aftermath of a natural disaster. This project has brought the Lansing community together, fostering a renewed sense of pride and resilience.