Edison Neighborhood

Named after a neighborhood school, the Edison Environmental Science Academy, a magnet elementary school, which was in turn, named after Thomas Edison, America’s best-known inventor, the Edison neighborhood is largely comprised of production, service and construction workers, people who have literally helped build and rebuild the city, as well as healthcare, office, and food service workers, people who take care of the city and its residents. And in the spirit of its namesake, Edison continues to invent itself, even when growth and revitalization have failed to deliver on hoped-for promises.With recent economic upturns both for the neighborhood and the city, as well as community and police efforts to lessen violent crime, the future looks bright. 

Edison is the first neighborhood being covered in the “On the Ground" series which amplifies the voices of Edison Neighborhood residents. Over three months, Second Wave journalists will be embedded in the Edison Neighborhood to explore topics of importance to residents, business owners, and other members of the community. 

The On the Ground program is made possible by funding from the City of Kalamazoo, LISC, the Fetzer Institute, the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, Michigan WORKS!, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

Longform Open Roads Transportation

Open Roads, Kalamazoo's bike hub, moving and growing

Mark WedelThursday, April 24, 2025
Longform Jerico SWMI Journalism Collab Community Development

Building businesses and community at Jerico in Kalamazoo's Edison neighborhood

Mark WedelThursday, February 27, 2025
Longform On The Ground El Concilio new building Diversity

El Concilio celebrates new building, prepares for life under Trump, round two

Mark WedelThursday, December 5, 2024
Feature Story SugarBowl Arts and Culture

From neighborhood 'dive bar' to eclectic music venue, Edison's SugarBowl is pretty sweet

Mark WedelThursday, September 12, 2024
Longform Best of 2023 Arts and Culture

Beyond words: Kalamazoo in photos, 2023

Fran DwightThursday, January 4, 2024
Feature Story Dream of Kalamazoo Kids and Education

Dream of Kalamazoo helps adoption and foster families send kids to school with hairstyles held high

Al JonesThursday, September 7, 2023
Feature Story Brown Boy Brown Girl Kids and Education

Brown Boy Brown Girl founder wants kids of color to see themselves in what they read and write

Al JonesThursday, August 17, 2023
Longform National Night Out Safe Communities

Kalamazoo's National Night Out goes all out in six neighborhoods

Al JonesThursday, August 3, 2023
Feature Story Sean Hollins Entrepreneurship

Kalamazoo's RJ’s Printing legacy grows with new chapter and new owner

Mike WenningerThursday, July 27, 2023
Longform Valhalla Entrepreneurship

Valhalla: Kalamazoo meadery with all the Viking feels

Mark WedelThursday, April 6, 2023
Feature Story Earth Day 2023 Building Communities

Kalamazoo Earth Day 2023 Festival on the horizon

Al JonesThursday, March 16, 2023
Longform Darcy Whatzit Hour Arts and Culture

Whatzit at the Dormouse Theatre? Kalamazoo's own Darcy Wilkin and her talented musical guests

Mark WedelThursday, March 9, 2023
Feature Story Downpayment Assistance Building Communities

Downpayment Assistance in Kalamazoo expands to help more people buy homes

Al JonesWednesday, January 25, 2023
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