The Foundry announces first tenant for $10 million redevelopment project

The first tenant is also the construction firm for The Foundry, a redevelopment project at 600 E. Michigan Ave. undertaken by Treystar. 

An estimated 150 people were there for the July 21 groundbreaking on the project, which is slated to be home to a wide range of organizations and businesses from entrepreneurs to established firms. 

CSM Group, the first announced tenant, is the construction firm for the redevelopment project which will transform the former metal foundry into a mixed-use property expected to be completed in July 2017.

"By surrounding ourselves with the innovative entrepreneurs that will make The Foundry their home," says Steve East, Chief Executive Officer of CSM Group, "we know that we will be pushed creatively to find new and exciting ways to deliver construction management solutions to our clients in Southwest Michigan and across the nation."

Plans presented at the groundbreaking show the approximately 53,000-square-foot project will feature business suites, a shared plaza and patio along the river, and an on-site restaurant. An anchor restaurant has committed to opening there.

The Foundry also features access to walking/jogging paths and a kayak livery. There is on-site parking at the historic building. It is located in the River's Edge neighborhood.

A number of state and local partners have joined Treystar on the $10-million project, including the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo City's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, CSM Group, Chemical Bank, Eckert Wordell, HermanMiller, MarxModa, and Hurley & Stewart.

At The Foundry, Treystar says it wants to create a workspace that is a departure from a traditional office in order to "create a sense of community, inspire collaboration, and incubate shared success."

Robert Brown of Treystar, who is overseeing development of The Foundry, says "This project is constantly evolving, creating a lot of excitement for our team and the community. We have more information to share with you in August when we can officially announce the specific restaurant to be included in The Foundry."

Source: Treystar