East Lansing’s beloved Constellation Cat Cafe is facing an unexpected hurdle in its highly anticipated move to Old Town. Months of preparation for the relocation have been disrupted after a recent car accident resulted in damage to their new building. The incident, while thankfully not causing any injuries to people or cats, has created significant challenges for the cafe’s reopening timeline.
Constellation Cat Cafe founder, Kelsey Maccombs, expressed her initial shock and concern upon receiving news of the crash. Despite the setback, Maccombs remains optimistic, emphasizing that “in so many ways, it could’ve been worse.” According to Maccombs, a three-car accident led to one of the vehicles colliding with the side of their new, yet-to-open location in Old Town. This unfortunate event has thrown a wrench into their plans, delaying the grand opening that was eagerly awaited by the community and cat enthusiasts alike.
The move to a larger space in Old Town was driven by Constellation Cat Cafe’s core mission: to provide a comfortable and enriching environment for cats awaiting adoption and to connect them with loving forever homes. The expansion aimed to enhance this mission by offering more space for feline residents and visitors. Now, the repairs needed due to the car crash damage are an unforeseen financial burden, especially as Maccombs is also expecting a baby in November. This personal and professional challenge adds another layer of complexity to the situation. “It’s hard to know this means no matter what we do in the next two months, we can’t get it open in time for me to be the one who opens it,” Maccombs shared, highlighting the personal impact of the delay.
To navigate this challenging period, Constellation Cat Cafe is reaching out to the community for support. While they are working with insurance to assess the coverage for the building repairs, immediate community assistance can significantly alleviate the financial strain. Maccombs encourages supporters to contribute through donations via their website, which will directly address the urgent repair costs. Beyond monetary donations, local residents can also support Constellation Cat Cafe by visiting their current location and purchasing coffee or booking cat room visits. These ongoing operations are crucial for maintaining their services and caring for the cats during this transitional period.
The Lansing Police Department has been contacted for details regarding the car crash incident, but information is currently limited. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting Constellation Cat Cafe and helping them overcome this obstacle. Despite the unexpected damage, the spirit of Constellation Cat Cafe and its commitment to cat welfare remains strong. The community’s support will be instrumental in ensuring that this beloved cat cafe can successfully open its doors in Old Town and continue its valuable work of finding homes for cats in need.
For those interested in staying updated on Constellation Cat Cafe’s progress or seeking ways to help, visiting their website or social media channels is recommended. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in getting this constellation cat cafe back on track and shining brightly in its new Old Town location.
