How a neglected alley became Kalamazoo’s midweek party
From youth rock bands to funk, hip-hop, reggae, and blues, Beats on Bates has turned a humble alley into the soundtrack of Kalamazoo's summer Wednesdays.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s name is so distinctive strangers around the world have been known to break into song at hearing the name. With such a recognizable moniker you’d think Kalamazoo wouldn’t need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city’s refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and the Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown K’zoo the nation’s first pedestrian mall in 1959 continues to work today. Innovators have developed thriving life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. They build on the expertise of Kalamazoo’s universities. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College all are centers of research, development and technology. They surround a downtown vibrating with condos, apartments and homegrown, top-notch restaurants. The universities are woven into the city’s social fabric and contribute to a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and a vibrant local theater community are a few of the offerings. Locals also love their festivals that fill the air with music and the scents of ethnic foods wafting over the Arcadia Festival grounds and the Kalamazoo River. Outdoor activities from biking on the Kal-Haven trail to disc golf and standard golf on a nationally-acclaimed course in Milham Park are the start of the city’s leisure side. Sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for a scholarship that pays 100 percent of their tuition at any public university or community college.
With a new apartment building in the Vine Neighborhood, Open Doors now serves about 100 households
Vine is a perfect neighborhood for Open Doors, with local shopping, culture, and services nearby.
Double play: Two new sports venues (arena and complex) could change the game for Kalamazoo’s economy
With a new downtown arena and a $49 million indoor sports complex under construction, Kalamazoo is positioning itself to attract major sporting events, boost tourism, create jobs, and generate millions in new economic activity.
New Eastside Square Condominium project is a creative housing effort inside and out
Three of the six condominium units in the new Eastside Square Condominium development are occupied. Two more expected to be purchased soon.
From one room to endless possibilities: Kalamazoo’s new Ecumenical Senior Center is taking shape
A new, expanded Ecumenical Senior Center is set to open next spring, providing more space, services, and opportunities for older adults while helping drive the ongoing revitalization of Kalamazoo's Northside.
Early childhood millages strengthen childcare system
Kalamazoo childcare millage would be a test case for the state.
How a pair of soggy, smelly gloves sparked a Michigan-made business
Karen Smoots of Portage turned a household problem into The EcoDryer, a Michigan-made invention now helping keep students' winter gear dry in schools.
Gluten-free Kalamazoo Cookie Company finds sweet success
After years of baking from home, Tyler Dilworth has opened the first storefront for Kalamazoo Cookie Co., building a growing business around fresh-baked, gluten-free cookies.
New 5-year plan means the Kalamazoo County Land Bank is thinking more than one house at a time
The Land Bank plans to expand its focus by working to find solutions that lay the groundwork for stronger communities.
Short-term pain, long-term gain: Kalamazoo begins biggest Downtown street transformation in 60 Years
Construction is underway on Kalamazoo's long-planned Streets for All project, with city leaders and downtown businesses acknowledging years of disruption while promoting the $100 million overhaul will create a safer, more accessible, and more vibrant downtown.
