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Heard this on the news this morning:
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Oshtemo Township -
I missed this last month, but Borgess has announced its plans to construct a new cancer center in the WMU Business Park expansion, right on the edge between Kalamazoo City and Oshtemo Township. They bought the first parcel there last fall. This is typically how things go with the two large, competing hospital businesses in town. Bronson builds something, then Borgess builds the same type of something. Bronson's 6-story cancer pavilion downtown is set to open end of this year. Quote:
Source: MLive | Courtesy Ascension Borgess |
Here's another article about the recently passed hotel tax, as it applies to Kalamazoo -
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Great update!
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Western Michigan University's Dunbar Hall is about to undergo a $40 million renovation, that will include stripping parts of the existing 5 1/2 story structure down to its structural skeleton. The upgrades to this 1970's-era structure will further transform the rapidly changing main campus. There are a few renderings from a recent Town Hall meeting.
Existing: https://ghvzvq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Renderings: https://ghv4vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ghv5vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ghv6vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WMU Capital Projects |
Just for fun / as an aside, here are a few renderings (not previously posted) of the new WMU Aviation College Addition and Renovation in Battle Creek. There's also a live construction cam at this link.
https://gxv5vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://gxv6vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://gxvzvq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://gxv0vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://gxv1vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WMU Capital Projects Here's a webcam screenshot from today - https://gxv2vq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Oxblue |
A little update on the county courthouse project. It really doesn't say anything new of note, save for the fact that it confirms construction should start this summer, which would mark a major milestone for Arcadia West (where no construction, save for surface parking, has occurred for decades).
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Big update / catch-up list today. Some familiar things, but I also tried to highlight some of the less obvious things going on around the region. Let's start with some infrastructure improvements...
Flood Control in Kalamazoo The City of Kalamazoo recently approved additional funds for additional dredging of some waterways, for better flood control in the Crosstown Ponds / Axtell Creek areas. The actual amount of material to be removed ended up being higher than initially estimated. This is by no means glorious work that will get SSP enthusiasts excited, but it is essential nevertheless. Quote:
https://hhszag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hhsaag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hhsyag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Joel Bissel | MLive Flood Control in Texas Township Texas Township has also had some struggles with flooding, around the several lakes that are loaded with upscale residential development. Recently, the Township conducted a study to determine legal lake levels. This study will inform the proposed long-term solution to alleviate flooding, which includes plans to build a horizontal well and drainage system. This would be paid for through a special assessment district. According to MLive, Quote:
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https://hhswag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none May 2019 https://hhsxag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hhsqag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none June 2019 https://hhsrag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hxsyag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hxszag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none A diagram from a presentation slide in January 2019, illustrating a temporary solution to move water from Eagle Lake to Crooked Lake to a wetland area with a series of pumps. https://hxsaag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source for all of these: Joel Bissell | MLive Cork Street Redesign The City of Kalamazoo is starting work in March to reconfigure Cork Street from west of Lovers Lane to Sprinkle Avenue. The work will take most of 2020 and will be a "road diet". 4 traffic lanes (2 in each direction) will be converted to 1 lane in each direction with a dedicated center left turn lane and dedicated bike lanes on both sides (similar to what has been done on portions of Portage Road recently). There will also be infrastructure / utility upgrades. Quote:
Source: MLive | City of Kalamazoo KPS Transportation Facility This is kind of infrastructure-related too. Construction progress continues on a new transportation center to serve Kalamazoo Public Schools. This is one part of the many projects funded by the largest public bond ever passed in the district's history. I think the location for it on Ravine Road is rather bizarre. It is northwest of the city center in a pretty remote area and surrounded by industry and gravel pits. But I guess the land was cheap. I would have rather seen this be an infill project closer to the city center, and where it could be accessed by pedestrians or cyclists (to encourage alternative transportation methods for staff / bus drivers). https://hxsuag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hxsvag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | Tower Pinkster Affordable Housing in Portage Here's an article about the oft-overlooked problem of affordable / equitable housing in the more affluent city of Portage. Poverty and homelessness / home instability is still an issue here. The article discusses Portage's new affordable housing project off Centre Avenue, named Selinon Park. It also mentions the new FedEx distribution facility, which is under construction on Portage Road, near-ish the airport. Quote:
In addition to its seven new primary care facilities going up around the county, Bronson is moving forward with plans for a new ambulatory / outpatient orthopedic surgery center in Texas Township. The facility will be about 18,000 SF and is expected to break ground in the Spring. It will be immediately adjacent to the new primary care facility being constructed near the northeast intersection of I-94 and 9th Street in Texas Township (off of Beatrice Dr). According to the press release, "Over the last five years, the number of surgeries performed at the hospital has increased 15%." It will cost about $21 million, and it will contain four operating rooms. https://hhsuag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Bronson Health New Chick-fil-A It's official. Work on the new Chick-fil-A is actually starting. Demolition is proceeding for two properties on the northeast corner of West Main and Drake. It sounds like the big delay ended up being more related to the city's hang-ups over the business' religious / political discriminatory policies than anything to do with curb cuts or driveway access. But now we can thankfully all move on and soon we will be eating more chicken. https://irswag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/treys...150834177-z-9h Natural Flavors Expansion This is a little old (I think the project wrapped up over a year ago), but I never shared photos. "Natural Flavors" is the name of a fairly large, local company that produces extracts used in food flavoring. It greatly expanded its existing facility recently. Tower Pinkster was the local architect, and recently posted some completed photos on LinkedIn. https://hxsxag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hxsqag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hxsrag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://fbsyag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://fbsaag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | Tower Pinkster Advia Credit Union HQ Advia Credit Union just celebrated its topping out ceremony. OK, so it is only 3 1/2 floors, but it still marks a milestone for this large, suburban-ish headquarters. The purple beam was a nice touch. https://fbsxag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://fbsqag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://fbsrag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://frsyag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | Byce & Associates The same building, from a few days earlier - https://fbsuag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://fbsvag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://fbswag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | Byce & Associates St. Augustine Cathedral Renovation These photos are about 1 month old now, but St. Augustine Cathedral in downtown Kalamazoo is undergoing some extensive renovation work https://frsuag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://frsbag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://frsaag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://frsvag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | Miller Davis 180 E Water Street 180 E Water St is going gangbusters. Lots of glazing installed, sheathing and weather barriers ongoing,. We will be seeing exterior finishes soon. Photos I took today - https://hbt99q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hbtq9q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hbtp9q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hbua9q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Hilton Hotels Down the road, the dual Hilton Hotel projects are also cranking. Steel and framing is up to the 4th floor now. Workers seem to be taking advantage of the improved weather this weekend. https://hbt69q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hbt79q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hbt89q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hbt19q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Stryker Nears Top of Best Places to Work Nationally If rankings matter to you, Stryker was recently voted the #8 (out of 100) best places to work for in the entire country - not bad for the home team! That is up 3 spots from last year. It is the only company based in Kalamazoo / West Michigan to make the list, and only three other Michigan-based companies made the list -
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Here is a time-lapse of the Tower 2 construction progress at Firekeepers Casino (near Battle Creek). It's not the greatest angle, but it shows progress through January of this year. More info here. Aerial Views I flew in to Kalamazoo International Airport yesterday for the first time (normally, I fly out Detroit or Grand Rapids, but KZO had remarkably competitive prices for whatever reason this time). It turns out that the flight path yields some great aerial views of the city. You come in low, and circle the entire urban center before landing. The sun was low in the sky (it was late afternoon) and the window was scratched and smudged, but I still took some photos. I'll remember next time to try to schedule a flight for a better time of day, if it works out, so I can get clearer photos. Coming in from the west, you can see I-94 to the far right, Stadium Drive just left of center, and US-131 connecting them (middle of the image, semi-horizontally). Downtown is toward the upper-left. https://hrt79q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Similar to the other view, still approaching from the west. You get a better look at US-131 and Stadium Drive. You can also make out the Amtrak train tracks, bottom left corner and winding up (east-bound). https://hrt69q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Here we have circled downtown, and are now looking west, while preparing for a landing approach from the north. Unfortunately the sun was right in my lens so I could not get a great shot. But you can clearly make out the Kalamazoo River and E. Michigan Ave. (and the railway bridge above it). If you squint, you can see the downtown skyline. Pretty neat :tup: https://hrt59q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Cuius Amicus (man's best friend) And this is my dog, wondering what the heck I'm doing for so long glued to a computer screen. Alas, he's given up on me. But I hope you enjoyed this update as much as I enjoyed compiling it. https://frsxag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://frsqag.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
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There really has not been a lot of news on what will happen to the current building yet. There was apparently some deal set up where Plazacorp would take over once the county moved out, but I have heard nothing else on that in over a year, which means that some things are probably happening behind-the-scenes that the public is out of the loop on. Plazacorp has been pretty quite in general lately. A deed restriction on the current courthouse property might require the building to remain at least in-part dedicated to the public realm. No updates publicly on how / if Plazacorp is trying to get around that one. This MLive article (updated over 1 year ago) explains things a little. As far as I know, there has not been much of an update beyond this. Quote:
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I'm disappointed by the lack of ground floor retail, but this is a great development for downtown Battle Creek nonetheless:
$20.6M affordable housing project planned for downtown Battle Creek Quote:
Shrank's Catering buildings, which formerly occupied the site planned for Sophia Square. Source. https://www.emporis.com/images/show/...r-exterior.jpg Hamblin Opera House. Source. |
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https://gqal9w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WKZO | Courtesy of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners The project is officially referred to as the Downtown Justice Facility. And it looks amazing. They call this the "Tower Pinkster / HOK" design, although I don't know why this distinction, because I don't think there ever were alternative designs by other firms. Local A&E firm Tower Pinkster and international super-firm HOK have partnered a lot in the past for other other local projects, including Stryker Instruments New Divisional Facility in Portage and the Accident Fund Insurance Company in Lansing. Quote:
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And right on its heels, news yesterday that North Rose Street will be closing for a few months for construction of a new pedestrian bridge, which will connect the new Hilton Garden Inn & Home2 Suites with the existing Arcadia Parking Ramp. I have not seen a rendering for this, apart from what was hinted at in the earlier Hilton Hotel(s) renderings.
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Interesting time to announce this big of a project. We will see where it leads...
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Image Source: Alyssa Keown | The Battle Creek Enquirer |
Right down the street from where we live...
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Update: Photos embedded
The skywalk structure is going up right now for the Hilton Hotels projects. These photos were shared on Instagram yesterday by Byce & Associates. https://hqbsug.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hqbtug.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hqbnug.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://hqbuug.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
deja vu, do you have any recent update photos on the downtown projects?
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WHAT is that skywalk? That's going to destroy the look of the facade of the Rose street market building. Is it connecting to a parking garage? Why on earth would they allow that? Can people not walk on the sidewalk for 30 seconds?
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Of particular note, there is now a construction fence and job trailer along with some heavy equipment stationed on the site of the future county court house downtown. That is scheduled to begin construction this month, and it seems like despite everything, it will in fact hit that milestone. In the meantime, I did at least get a fairly recent shot of the new WMU student housing project - Arcadia Flats. Hopefully they will have students to fill it with, come fall semester :uhh: This is from a July 2 drive-by. The exterior of the building is nearly complete. https://vqq3va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none In sadder news, four historic residential structures in Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood were destroyed by fire in June, when the city was under curfew and the protests were happening. While the cause of the fire is officially "undetermined with human involvement" it is pretty obvious to anyone with half a brain that it was arson. The fire started at 912 / 914 W North St., an abandoned, 3-story building. It quickly spread to the houses immediately to the east (902 W North St) and west (918 / 920 W North St), as well as a 2-story masonry structure behind it, to the north. Three of the four structures were uninhabited, and one was in the process of being converted into affordable housing. A long-term resident in 918 / 920 was able to escape only with her life. A city official told me that these structures shared a central heating system via underground tunnels at one time. This may or may not have been a contributing factor as to why all of the properties were consumed so quickly. These aerial images of the aftermath were provided by Kalamazoo public safety. You can see the total destruction of the central structure - it looks as if a bomb was dropped on it. https://vqq4va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgqqva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none More info / images source: Quote:
https://sgrbva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgrcva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Fortunately, these historic homes were at least well-documented by the city and many others, since they were located in a historic district. I took some photos myself, on a walk in December. Here's 912 / 914 W North St - the center structure where the fire reportedly started: https://vqqpva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none This is 902 W North St, located to the east of the the previous. You can also glimpse the structure behind 912 / 914, a 2-story masonry building that appears to have been multi-family housing at one point. Both of these were too damaged by fire to be saved: https://vqq8va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Here's 918 / 920, which was the only structure that was occupied. It was also significantly damaged by fire and then demolished: https://sgrava.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none If there is one piece of good news about all of this, it is that 836 W North St survived unscathed. This Victorian beauty is one of my favorites in the city. It also sits vacant at the moment. The fact that it was separated by a street might have been it's saving grace. https://vqq9va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
Here are some Kalamazoo updates. I finally got out on Saturday to catch a lot of things. This is rather long, and rather than try to arrange these in a special order, they are just in the order that I came across them. A mix of driving and walking, and a mix of things big and small, suburban and urban.
Here's some viewing music if you want (that's still a thing, right?) King-Westwood Elementary School Addition and Remodel - https://sgqpva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgq3va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Consumers Credit Union Branch - this was a fast new build on the northwest corner of Drake and West Main. An older bank branch was demolished to make way for this. The branch functioned out of a mobile trailer in an adjacent parking lot while this went up. Looks like it is just about ready to open - https://sgq4va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swqqva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swrava.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none In contrast, across the street on the NE corner of Drake and West Main is the site of the slowest-moving project in town, a new Chick-fil-A (only the region's 2nd) - https://swrbva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Bronson Methodist has a lot of things going on around town, including no less than six new Primary Care medical buildings. This is the one on West Main, in Oshtemo Township. All six were scheduled to open at the start of July, requiring a rather coordinated move of 60+ physicians that ended their contract with Ascension Borgess (the other big hospital in town) recently - https://swrcva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swq7va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none There is a new drive that connects over to the new Advia Credit Union Headquarters, also under construction - https://swq8va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swq9va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Though in a suburban location, the Advia CU building is quite massive - https://swqpva.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none And the adjacent stormwater retention pond taking shape is also quite immense, in its own way. It rained hard yesterday, so we got to see it pretty full today - https://swq3va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none I'm glad to see so much masonry on the building - https://swq4va.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsk3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsn3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none South on Drake, past Stadium Drive, Western Michigan University now has most of the infrastructure and landscaping in place for its Business Technology and Research Park Phase 2 Expansion. Here's a site plan and some photos - no buildings yet, except for an open-air pavilion structure - https://ugsl3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WMU https://uwsm3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwsn3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsm3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsh3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsi3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsj3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsc3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugsd3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwsk3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwsl3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Heading up Stadium Drive now, towards WMU. It's hard to get a good shot driving by, but there is a new Honor Credit Union Branch that was formerly a Bob Evans. It is quite the transformation and will open this fall - https://uwsg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwsh3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Here's some renderings, since I couldn't get a good shot - https://sgsl3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsm3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsn3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Honor Credit Union Further up Stadium, Lume, the city's first Recreational Marijuana Dispensary, is open. I read that Lume is currently the largest, single-state marijuana dispensary company in the country. And they have some aggressive expansion plans. https://uwsi3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none WMU's Arcadia Flats - https://uwsj3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwsc3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwsd3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uask3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none And the new WMU Student Center, which is taking on greater presence - https://uasl3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uasm3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uasn3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Kalamazoo College's new Natatorium is a lot further along than I thought - https://uasg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uash3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uasi3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uasj3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uasc3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uasd3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsk3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Downtown, Hilton Hotels - https://uqsl3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsm3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsn3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsh3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Just west of here is where the new county justice facility will be built. The construction fencing is up, and there is a job trailer and excavator on site - https://uqsi3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsj3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none 180 E Water St / Catalyst Development - exterior finishes are underway (and look sharp!) - https://uqsc3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsd3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsh3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none "The Creamery" - https://sgsi3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsj3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsc3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Bronson Cancer Pavilion - https://sgsd3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsk3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Bronson Generator Enclosure - https://swsl3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsm3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Bronson Surgical Suite Expansion (infill at main hospital) - https://swsn3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Bronson Labs (like I said, lots going on) - https://swsh3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsi3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsj3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsc3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none 400 Rose (now occupied) - https://swsd3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugr1pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugr2pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none And finally, ending with something random, some sort of roof top work at the at&t downtown building - https://ugr3pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Thanks for scrolling! |
Great update, thanks!
I can't say I'm a fan of that skybridge, either. Too bad they couldn't connect the new building to a garage or something. |
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And I am curious if the second skybridge depicted in the rendering that would extend south (above Eleanor St) and connect to to 245-251 N. Rose is still a part of the design. It sure seems like it. I have not found much public information on this, but the opening in the bottom center of the photo below seems to align with this plan for an additional skybridge. https://uqsg3w.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://wuv29g.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none I am wondering what this second bridge is really for. There is this empty grass lot, which could theoretically support a new parking ramp. But it really just looks like it is to connect to the existing office building located on the south side of Eleanor. The grassy lot is left untouched in the rendering. Or maybe there is a new, semi-open stairway that would connect to the existing pedestrian walkway along Arcadia Creek. So is it just a pedestrian connection above Eleanor (which is not a very busy street)? |
Good morning (well, it's morning here right now).
An amendment to my previous post - the construction fence (and now demolition work) that I thought was for the new justice facility is actually a block west of this, and is for a parking lot that will serve the new facility. My neighbor, and this article, helped correct me. Newschannel 3 posted some video footage of the demo work that was commencing yesterday. Quote:
https://uartpq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none I'm pretty disappointed that after all this time, they are just going with a surface lot, versus a parking deck in the center of the block with actual mixed-use programming / development encasing it, which I thought was the earlier plan. See exhibit A, below. https://u48ssg.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none The current demo work for the alleged new parking lot is in the top right block of the four full squares below. The courthouse / justice facility would be in the block to the right of that (the block where the "RISE" logo is), in the zoomed-in view (also the block labeled (Site Under Consideration for Courthouse) in the first image. https://vi8ssg.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none So three possibilities:
My hope is that it's (3), but my fear is that it will be (1) or (2), and if it ends up being possibility (2), this will severely hamper one of the goals of developing the west end of downtown to create a tightly-knit, walk-able urban fabric to grow the small downtown. Instead, it will just be a slightly prettier, less dusty, more asphalt-y version of what's there right now. I still struggle to find a lot of public information on this justice facility project, or its surrounding related developments. Which is surprising, considering how high-profile it will be. In other news, KPS is on track to finish their new transportation center on Ravine Road by end of August. Whether or not it will be put to much use come school starting back up this Fall remains to be seen. Quote:
Source: WWMT / Newschannel 3 | Matt Miller Lastly, I must mention that Buddy's Pizza opened in Portage on Monday, after a COVID-19 related delay. The building used to house "Old Chicago" another pizza chain with often mixed reviews that closed last year. This is the first Buddy's Original Detroit-Style pizza chain in southwest Michigan, and I think it will be a hit. I grew up with it, and jokingly say it is about the only thing that would make me want to move back to the east side of the state. Now I'll never have to. Quote:
Source: WWMT / Newschannel 3 My wife surprised me with Buddy's for dinner the day it opened on Monday, and all I can say is, watch out, Erbelli's! https://uqr1pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none (yes, that's pineapple, and I don't care if you object :tongue4:) https://uqr2pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqr3pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
Here are some Kalamazoo updates for Saturday, July 25, 2020 -
Bronson Labs First, a recent article about the newly-opened, 55,000 SF / 3-story Bronson Labs facility, located at 400 John St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Quote:
The timing of this full-service facility could not be better, at least from the sense that it now allows for same-day turnaround of many COVID-19 tests in the region. Here's a neat aerial view of the same project, recently shared by the Architect, TowerPinkster, on their Instagram page - https://sgrypq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Stryker Instruments LEED Silver Certification Speaking of Tower, they just announced on Instagram that the massive new Stryker Instruments facility in Portage (completed earlier this year) just achieved LEED Silver certification. TowerPinskter partnered with HOK on this project - https://swrzpq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none There are some good interior photos from a few months ago that can also be found on several separate TowerPinkster Instagram posts, and shared below - https://ugtaya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | Towerpinkster https://ugtbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | Towerpinkster https://swrupq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | Towerpinkster https://ugtcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | Towerpinkster https://swrtpq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | Towerpinkster https://swr0pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | TowerPinkster The Creamery Just a small bit of news on The Creamery - the mixed-use project in Edison designed by Byce & Associates. The new planned completion is January 2021, after some COVID construction delays. Quote:
Some new, professional photographs are out for another recently-completed project designed by Byce - The Exchange. Sourced from Instagram, with credit to Jason Keen + Co. Photography & Fran Dwight Photography - https://ugtdya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugtxya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugtwya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugtyya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugtzya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugtsya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugttya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Charles & Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center Progress continues on the new home of the Kalamazoo Humane Society. These are screenshots from a video walk through posted in June on Instagram - https://uwtcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwtaya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwtbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | Byce & Associates West Main Mixed-Use Project I don't have a lot of info on this project and I don't know what to call it yet, but the demolition went fast and is already complete, after months (years?) of planning to replace this derelict auto service shop on West Main, near Stadium Drive. I bet the neighbors are glad to see this eyesore finally gone. Quote:
Personally, this was a favorite hang out of mine. I was sad when it closed last year, and sad once again when I drove by the complex last week to see it bulldozed into the ground. I never understood why this place was disliked by so many locals, who complained about the environment, the food, the beer, the location, etc. I personally liked the crowd and the fact that it was set aside from all of the saturation of breweries downtown. The food and beer wasn't the best, but it was good, and the live music was always great and low-key. It was a cool complex, and it also housed some artist studios for a time, I believe. Anyway, I am not completely sure what is going in its place. A lot of folks assume that the massive Graphic Packaging International faculties will expand its operations here from across the street, but I don't think so. They do indeed have plans for expansion, but I think it is all north of Paterson St., and mostly on the site of the old Checker Motors factory. One person on Facebook seems to be in the know and claims it is going to be a new Medical Marijuana grow faculty, coming Spring 2021. But no public info that I've seen on that. We will see... Here's a google maps street view, from before the demo. The first two photos below are by Jane Brewer on Facebook, posted on July 11. And the last few are my own, taken on July 19 - https://sgrzpq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgr0pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swr4pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swr3pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swrxpq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swrypq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swr2pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none WMU Projects / Facilities Construction Cameras I don't why it took me until just now to notice that Western Mich. University Facilities Department has several cameras and time lapses for campus construction projects on their website. Right now there are three active cameras, all focused on the new developments in the South Neighborhood area (Arcadia Flats & the new Student Center). The Student Center camera is especially useful, since it is largely obscured by construction fencing, landscaping, and adjacent buildings in-person. Links and stills from today, below. Camera 1 - South Neighborhood Overview https://sgrtpq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Camera 2 - South Neighborhood / Arcadia Flats Close-Up https://sgrupq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Camera 3 - Student Center & Dining Facilities: https://swr1pq.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Here's a time-lapse of the first 8 months of Arcadia Flats construction (from February 2019 - September 2019), also on the Facilities site. Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Development Finally, while not exactly development in the traditional sense, this is potential huge news for Kalamazoo if it results in billions invested in Pfizer by the Federal Government: Quote:
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It's hard to believe that is has been ten years since one of the worst inland oil spill disasters in this country's history.
Kalamazoo River Oil Spill On July 26, 2020, about one million gallons of crude oil from the oil sands of Alberta, Canada spilled out of Enbridge's Line 6B into Talmadge Creek, near Marshall, MI. This creek is a tributary of the Kalamazoo River, and the subsequent damage contaminated 35 miles of the river and its surrounding watershed. The significance of this oil spill is not lost on Michiganders, and indeed, residents of the entire Great Lakes Region, as the debate rages on about what to do about another notorious Enbridge pipeline, Line 5, that runs beneath the straights of Mackinac. You can find lots of articles and history on the spill without too much trouble. I am sharing just one such article here, from the perspective of the local Native American tribe that was possibly the most impacted (seems to be usually be the case) - the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. Quote:
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Hate to say it but the exchange is really ugly, looks like it was built in 2004.
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It's a tough one, because I'm happier with it than the empty surface lot. And I know some folks who worked on it and it was not an easy project to pull off with financial and scheduling constraints (when is it ever?)... ...but a building this tall only comes around once in a generation in Kzoo and something with more grace certainly would have been welcome. We take what we can get, here. I think it looks best at night, when it is lit up inside & out and the harshness of the concrete, EIFS, and paneling dissolves from sight. |
Two updates out of Battle Creek
With the help of a grant from Battle Creek Unlimited, a new taco joint is planning to move into the empty downtown building at 56 E Michigan Ave. Sounds like there will also be some second floor residential units as part of the work. I'm not crazy about the aesthetics of this... Quote:
Source: 95.3 WBCK https://uwtsya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Google Maps And another (much bigger) deal also involving BCU (and Industrial Partners USA) was just announced. I'm sorry this is not more architecturally compelling, but it is still a significant investment - Quote:
https://uataya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uatbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Battle Creek Enquirer | Courtesy BCU |
I don't get down to Portage as often as I used to, but was driving around Sunday and noticed a few things.
Portage North Natatorium Construction is well-along on this new pool structure. This project is very similar to the recently completed pool at Portage Central. The main difference is that this one is a separate, detached structure. It's interesting to me that in the past few years, the Kzoo / Portage area has gained three new top-notch natatoriums (this one, Portage Central's, and K-College's). I think swimming & diving must be increasing in popularity. https://uqtcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqtdya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqtwya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Portage North Middle School Right next door to this is (and sharing a vast parking lot) the recently completed Portage North Middle School. It's actually a pretty "urban" design for a decidedly "suburban" area. I say that mainly because of the density and the stacked program, which makes me picture this in a much denser setting. Same story as above, this is almost a copy of the new middle school wrapping up at Portage Central, just with different finishes and site layouts. https://uatyya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uatsya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none I particulary like this moment of stacked program & massing at a side entry to the commons - https://uattya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqtaya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqtbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none City of Portage Fire Station No. 2 Lastly, I noticed that the replacement City Fire Station No. 2 is quite far along. It's a pretty different aesthetic from the adjacent, current 1970-'s-era structure. It seems to reference some of the common tropes of earlier fire stations, including the tower. All of the overhead doors / bays for the new building are located off of the street-side elevation, so other than the tower, this looks more like any of the other office suites in the area. I think the plan is that the old station will be demolished once the new one is up and running. https://uatdya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uatxya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uatwya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uatzya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none There's much more going on in Portage I'm sure, and maybe I'll catch some more of it eventually. |
Here's another recent bit of coverage about the Kalamazoo oil spill and its aftermath.
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Demolition work in advance of the new Women & Children's shelter at the Kalamazoo Gospel Michigan has begun. It was delayed (like so many things) by COVID-19. It's a bit odd to celebrate a new homeless shelter project, but it is sadly infrastructure that the city needs while it works to solve disproportionate homelessness problems.
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Source: MLive | Joel Bissel Separately, here is a still shot from the construction camera today for the WMU Aviation Education College Addition in Battle Creek - https://uqtyya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: OxBlue |
Here are a few Kalamazoo development things; in order from small to big.
1. (Small) - "Urban Alliance" Purchases its Building Urban Alliance has purchased the former Stockbridge Avenue United Methodist Church building that has been serving as its home base since 2015. This is a well-established community / resident support program with deep roots in the city and deeper roots in the Edison neighborhood. It plans to continue to operate out of the building and further improve it as a neighborhood community / resource center. Location: 1009 East Stockbridge Avenue. Quote:
https://vwtbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Base Image Source: Google Maps 2. (Medium) - Treystar / Haymarket Plaza Development I feel like this was already announced, or maybe it's just because I was personally aware of plans for this redevelopment. Quote:
Some Renderings: https://vwtcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtwya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtdya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtxya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtyya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Patronicity / Treystar 3. (Medium) - 615 Holdings / 10th Street Enterprises I mentioned a few posts ago about the demolition of a derelict auto shop near Stadium and West Main (very close to Kalamazoo College and the Amtrak train tracks). Well, we at least have a name and a rendering of some sort for this project. It's actually a little more interesting and a little bigger than I was picturing for that site. According to this GRBJ article, there will be two mixed-use buildings consisting of commercial space, 18 residential units, and 40 parking spaces. The project will receive a $750,000, performance-based grant from the MEDC / Michigan Community Revitalization Program. The site is also getting brownfield credits. I think this is a win-win-win for all those involved. Hopefully those are some strong, acoustically-insulated walls and glazing though, because that Amtrak horn is loud! Quote:
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Rendering (not much site context yet - presumably there are two of these?) https://vwtzya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none 4. (Large) - Graphic Packaging International Expansion I was driving along the wasteland of what is North Pitcher Street Monday (after dropping off our voting ballots) and I noticed this project is MUCH further along than I had thought. They are going like gangbusters on this thing. It seems like every contractor in the region and his brother are on-site. I figure there were at least 100 vehicles in the contractor lot, maybe 150. While an industrial development in every sense, the scale of this investment, not to mention the promise of jobs it means in this region, is immense. This is a ~$600 million development to construct a new "coated recycle board" mill. It is all being built on the site of the former Checker Motor Corp. factory. The mill will house a new coated recycled board (CRB) machine with an anticipated output capacity of ~500,000 tons of coated recycle board annually. That's a lot of cardboard. It was way too busy and monitored to get out and attempt photos, so I offer some drive-by shots only for now. At least half-a-dozen cranes of some sort too. https://vataya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatwya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatdya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatxya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatyya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtsya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwttya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
I haven't checked the City of Kalamazoo Active Site Plan Review website in a while. There are 10 site applications currently open. Of those 10, two are fairly interesting, and they are both senior-housing developments.
The first project is called Rose Street Senior Living. It would be located at the corner of W Cedar St and S Rose St, just a bit south of the recently completed 400 Rose mixed-use development. The owner / developer is PGJ, Development, LLC. I can’t find much on them, except they seem to also own / manage River Bluff Townhomes in Mt. Pleasant, MI. The site / civil engineer is Driesenga & Associates (Kalamazoo) and the A&E firm is Hooker DeJong (Grand rapids). If approved, it could be a 5-story, 64-unit development, including first-floor enclosed parking (~83,000 SF total). I think this would be a great development for the location, effectively bringing the density of S. Rose St. further south and replacing a surface lot with some good density. It would be an almost total build-out of the site, in-terms of lot coverage and allowable height 57’ high proposed / 65’ max. allowed). There are plans showing an interior, second-story courtyard / light well that helps adherence with the 80% max. allowable lot coverage. https://vqtyya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtzya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqttya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtsya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo Site Plan Review The second project is an expansion at the Heritage Community (located at the corner of Portage St. and Phillips St.). The exact project address would be 500 Golden Drive. It looks like two of their existing buildings would be demolished for a new, four-story, independent living facility with 60 residential units and interior parking (~134,000 SF total). The signage in one of the renderings reads "Revel Creek" which might be a hint at the specific name of the development. Byce & Associates is the local A&E firm, along with Perkins Eastman out of Chicago. https://vqtcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtbya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtwya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtxya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo Site Plan Review |
I love this concept program, and I hate the location. In my opinion, the intersection of N. Westnedge Ave. & W. North St. is far too noisy, commercial, and traffic-laden to be a desirable spot for stand-alone dwellings, no matter what the size. This area should be reserved for denser, mixed-use development, maybe 2-3 floors of sound-attenuated apartments, with ground-level commercial. Hopefully the stakeholders know what they are doing. It's better than vacant parcels anyway. The three homes and small business office building would be built in the first phase, on the southeast corner. The goal is that three more would eventually be built in a subsequent phase on the opposite (northwest) corner.
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https://uqsojg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqspjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uqsqjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Second Wave Media |
Catching up some things in Portage & Kalamazoo, gleaned over the past few weeks. First, Kalamazoo -
WMU’s new Student Center & Dining Facilities building, from this morning – https://ugqpsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WMU Webcam WMU Arcadia Flats, also this morning – https://ugqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WMU Webcam The Creamery, from near end of July, 2020 - https://swsnjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsojg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swspjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsqjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swsjjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://swskjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | byceassociates The Charles & Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center (which will house the Kalamazoo Humane Society), early August, 2020 - https://ugqrsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://ugqssg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | byceassociates A couple views of 180 E Water St, posted by CSM via LinkedIn. The first is from during a Chiller installation, with bonus skyline shot - https://ugqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none An unfinished office floor level - https://ugqnsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | CSM Group 400 Rose, recently completed (it is the first LEED sustainable housing development in downtown Kalamazoo) - https://ugqtsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | AVB Lastly, a sunrise view from the top of the new Hilton Garden Inn / Home2 Suites, from August 2020 - https://ugqjsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | First Companies, Inc. |
Moving on to Portage –
Some nice shots of Stryker's new building, from 07/31/2020 & 08/12/2020 - https://vqskjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsrjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgssjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgstjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgsujg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | @towerpinkster https://sgsojg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | towerpinkster And a pretty cool axo-section rendering view of the interior, posted 08/07/2020 - https://sgsnjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDmRKmsjigz Portage North Middle School, professionally photographed, and now with an AIA Design Honor Award under its belt - https://sgskjg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | C2AE / Jason Keen Portage Public Schools recently released a public update video, with some footage of the new Central Middle School (which is very similar to the new North Middle School, just with different finishes). https://uwqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwqrsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwqssg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwqtsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwqmsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwqnsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://uwqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Portage Public Schools |
Kalamazoo Zoning Update
Kalamazoo is currently conducting a series of input activities to modify downtown zoning uses & standards. The first activity was focused on updating the downtown zoning map by dividing the one, large Commercial – Central Business District (CCBD) into three smaller districts. The resulting map is below. The second activity focuses on feedback for this draft map, and specific use and standards of the three proposed Downtown Districts. This activity ends tomorrow (9/8/20).
I think it is a good effort on the part of city planners, especially during the COVID era. Although I am not sure yet about the move from one zone to three (when many other municipalities seem to be headed the opposite direction). The city claims that the "one-size fits-all" approach limits their ability to implement the goals of the new master plan. The city's goal is to update the entire zoning code in sections. There has not been a comprehensive zoning update since 2005. These current updates are focused on supporting the visions outlined in the new, Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Master Plan, which was completed in 2017 and can be viewed here. More detail in the short video below - Anyway, if anyone else here lives in the city, I'd encourage you to participate. https://uqqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://vgqmsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://uqqisg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://uqqjsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://vgqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://vgqtsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://vgqrsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://vgqssg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo https://uqqnsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: City of Kalamazoo |
1. City Life Teen Center, opening January 2021 (COVID delays), is a new, $3 million facility on Kalamazoo's Eastside. The site is the East Main Church of Christ (right next to Harding's). The architect is INFORM Architecture (local) -
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Source: WWMT | Troy Truxton https://vgqisg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: WWMT | Troy Truxton 2. While browsing around, I came across these renderings for the new "American Muscle" showcase building that is planned for the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners. It is designed to resemble a 1960's auto dealership. https://vgqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwqrsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwqtsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Schley Nelson Architects 3. Reservations are officially open for the new Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Kalamazoo. It looks like the first night one can book is December 9-10, 2020. No reservation dates yet for Home2 Suites, which I imagine is opening later. But both hotels are now hiring. I don't know why it took me until this far into it to realize that both projects have dedicated Facebook pages. Here are some updates from the recent past, from Facebook. The lobby in the renovated building (Hilton Garden Inn side) looks especially interesting. Note also the extensive snow melt system that is being installed. Facebook Links: Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown Home2 Suites Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqtsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vwqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vwqpsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vwqjsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqmsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vaqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vaqssg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqnsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqrsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vaqjsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown https://vaqnsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Home2 Suites Kalamazoo Downtown https://vaqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Home2 Suites Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Home2 Suites Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqssg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Home2 Suites Kalamazoo Downtown https://vqqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Facebook | Home2 Suites Kalamazoo Downtown |
Hello! Here are a couple of updates around Kalamazoo:
1. Haymarket Plaza Work is moving along on the Haymarket Plaza (the reimagined alley in-between the existing Main Street East Building and the new 180 E Water St. development). Frankly, I'm surprised it is moving this fast. They must be trying to get all of the concrete work done before cold weather sets in. CSM posted a photo on their LinkedIn account. This will strengthen the small but unique alley culture that the downtown has been developing over the years, joining destinations like Bates Alley, Whiskey Alley, Farmers Alley, and Exchange Place. Quote:
2. WMU New Student Center & Dining Facility Walbridge Group (CM) shared some interesting photos on their Instagram account yesterday of the final pour for the new student center & dining facility at WMU. The structural design of the floor is a "voided biaxial slab" which involves the use of many small, hollow balls that result in a lighter structure and increased + irregular column spacing. They look like large, colored golf balls, though I'm not sure of the significance of the different colors - differently sized voids, loads... just random? Anyway, pretty neat! https://sgqnsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgqmsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgqosg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgqpsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none 3. City of Kalamazoo - Downtown Zoning The downtown zoning revamp continues with a virtual town hall tonight (September 24, 2020 - Live on Youtube), followed by a Planning Commission Review on October 1, 2020 (also will be cast on Youtube). This process is moving along at a fairly brisk clip, and it will be interesting to hear how satisfied the public is with the final plan in the coming months. Draft documents can be viewed here. https://sgqisg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source 4. Updated Downtown Aerial Drone Footage 've been searching (hoping) that someone out there would do some new drone photography of downtown, since it has changed so much recently. And then I stumbled across @whiskeyalphadelta's Instagram account. Here are two views of the city center, taken on the first evening of Fall, 2020. The first view is the portion of downtown that lies North of Michigan Ave. and the second view is the portion that is south of Michigan Ave. If you know where you are looking, you can spot every major downtown infill development from the past few years, including The Exchange, 180 E. Water St., 400 Rose, and the Hilton Hotels. Great views! https://swqqsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgqjsg.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
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https://vgtidw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: MLive | Joel Bissell https://vgthdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: AVB | Courtesy Byce & Associates https://vgtkdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: Portage Community Senior Center |
The rain finally went away and the sun came out today. I counted 9 cranes scattered around the Kalamazoo skyline while walking around downtown.
First, I didn't realize that the Harrison Circle project had started, let alone that it was this far along. The prefab. concrete structure on this one is interesting - https://vgtgdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vgtedw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vgtfdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vgtzdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwthdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none A new rendering of Harrison Circle slipped under my radar. I spotted this on AVB's website today - https://vqtkdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none It is very much in keeping with the pseudo-industrial, loft-style developments in the surrounding Rivers Edge district. It looks... nominally better than the earlier, 4-story version - https://gaa64q.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none I spotted the glazing contractors installing some of the "showpiece" windows on the corner of 180 E. Water St. These are reminiscent of the Little Caesar's HQ pizza slice windows in Detroit. I love the exterior materials on this one - https://vgtadw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtadw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtidw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtjdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtkdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtddw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtedw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none You can see it peeking out above the smaller buildings along W. Michigan Ave. - https://vwtfdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vwtzdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Haymarket Plaza - https://vwtgdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
(continued from previous post)
The Hilton Hotel projects are progressing rapidly. It looks like the terra cotta details on the former Masonic building have been cleaned and restored. The colors really pop now. Finishes are far along on the Home2 Suites portion, and the sky bridge appears mostly complete, although the road remains closed beneath it - https://vathdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatidw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatjdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatddw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none One can get a good view of this project from the top of the Radisson parking deck, not to mention the blocks to the west. The new county parking lot is nearly complete. The space in-between this lot and the hotels will eventually be the new justice complex. That project will help fill a major void and connect potential future developments further west to downtown - https://vatkdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatedw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none You can also get a decent view of 180 E. Water St. from the top of the Radisson parking deck, as well as the Graphic Packaging International expansion. Also, it was just great weather for a general skyline shot. Lastly, you can spot the four cranes that are a part of the new WMU Student Center, off in the distance to the west - https://vatfdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatgdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatzdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vatadw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none We end with some closer-up views of the WMU student center. In the last photo, you can spot the opening in the floor plate that will visually connect multiple levels of the building - https://vqthdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtjdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://vqtidw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
Byce & Associates posted a progress video two weeks ago of the Advia Credit Union project. I think it's growing on me... the interior lobby space looks like it will be pretty cool, and the exterior finishes are well-selected and actually have some complexity. I keep wishing this thing was in the heart of downtown though, as opposed to in a field next to a Meijer. I'll hopefully get to tour this in November.
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The notorious Econo Lodge in Battle Creek is finally history. This place was plagued by years of illicit activities, then a lawsuit, and finally, a suspicious fire. The demolition cost is $90,000, paid for out of the $2.4 million insurance settlement that the motel owners received.
According to this article, Quote:
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https://swthdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgtadw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none https://sgtzdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source: 95.3 WBCK News Talk Radio | TSM Photo |
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo is eyeing several prominent parcels for expanding their presence in the city. The site, located at the intersection of E Vine and Portage Streets, is comprised of four parcels, several of which were recently cleared - 825 and 847 Portage Street + 720 and 726 E. Vine Street. Most recently, it was home to Grapevine Furniture. B&G Club plans to build a new, 2-story Community Service Center here.
This could be a good anchor organization in an area that is lacking cohesion and walkability. The site is more or less a no-man's land, positioned in-between Downtown, South Town, the Vine Neighborhood, and the Edison Neighborhood (although I think it technically lies within Edison). It's sort of industrial, sort of residential, sort of commercial, sort of open space. There are busy roads and train tracks nearby. The area has born decades of decline, demolitions, and disinvestments. It has higher poverty and crime (I feel like every time I say this about an area of Kalamazoo, there happens to be a police vehicle in the street view). Only recently has new development centered around Washington Square - the small commercial center of the Edison neighborhood) - spurred greater interest and reflected a renewed effort to stabilize the area. A Special Use permit is required for such a function in the current M-1 district. This went before the Planning Commission at their September 2020 meeting, and I'm assuming it passed, under recommendation from the commission. There's no publicly shared massing yet, but I'm glad to see it will at least be 2 stories and stay fairly close to the lot lines along Portage and Vine. https://swtjdw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none |
Here are some recent photos of the new Hilton Garden Inn, which is set to open soon - November 9, 2020. From their Facebook page. The connected Home2 Suites is slated to open May 2021.
Also, a video montage of photos throughout the construction process. https://vgrhmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://vgrimw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://vgrgmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://vgrjmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://uqqqmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://uqrdmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://uqremw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://uqrfmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source https://uqqpmw.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none Source |
1. Bronson Park Updates
2+ years after being removed and placed in storage, the bronze children statues have returned to Bronson Park. New concrete bases were constructed for them. They previously sat on plinths in a fountain that was demolished and replaced with grass. The statue series were created in the 1970's sculptor Kirk Newman, to commemorate the country's bicentennial and they were originally dedicated on July 4, 1976. The full title is “When Justice and Mercy Prevail, Children May Safely Play.” Kirk has since passed on; his work seems to have a theme of groups of people / children. Quote:
Source: MLive There have been several other recent changes in the park, as part of ongoing implementation of a newer masterplan. A new honor walk that reorganizes the parks many monuments, plaques, and historic paraphernalia into one central area on the east end of the park was recently completed. There are ongoing plans to further stabilize, protect, and highlight a Native American burial mound in the south-west area of the park. And these display signs were erected earlier this year - Quote:
Source: Joel Bissell | MLive 2. Northside Tiny Houses Delayed Phase 1 of the Northside tiny house project is delayed. Groundbreaking was supposed to be yesterday. No reason for why, apart from "logistical issues' related to zoning. The issue really should be that these homes are better suited to a less prominent commercial intersection, almost anywhere else on the Northside - Quote:
Source 3. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo / Revel Creek Development / 500 Golden Drive It was announced yesterday that Ziegler Group, the investment bank that is backing the Heritage Community Of Kalamazoo's planned housing development, successfully closed on the Series 2020AB Bonds. It's an important step towards constructing the 60 independent living units to be located in a new 3/4-story residential structure on their campus off of Portage Street, dubbed "Revel Creek". Quote:
https://vqtcya.sn.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none 4. Zoetis Expansion Lastly, Zoetis is asking for a 48 million dollar, 12-year-long tax exemption, in exchange for an already-under-construction, 94 million dollar expansion to their operations on E. Kilgore Rd. (just north of the airport). The work includes a new 41,000 SF building that will add space for new production lines for new products and create an estimated 22 new jobs. There's a City Commission hearing scheduled for October 19. Seems like a lot of tax-exemption money. And why are they doing this now, when the building is already under construction? Quote:
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I've got a Loo in Kalamazoo! First Portland Loo installation in the city, from today. Interesting location, right on the edge of this parking lot, across Water St. from the Arcadia Festival Site, and almost directly adjacent to the KVCC Center for New Media Building and the new 180 E Water St. development -
https://sn3301files.storage.live.com...&cropmode=none Source: Instagram | ar_haan Speaking of 180 E. Water St. - the tower crane finally came down Tuesday. Here is one final look at it, a video CSM shared on LinkedIn. Also, the below photo, taken Monday, before disassembly began - https://sn3301files.storage.live.com...&cropmode=none Source: LinkedIn | CSM Group |
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