|
Quote:
Quote:
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 |
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. |
Quote:
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:
|
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:
|
Hate to say it but the exchange is really ugly, looks like it was built in 2004.
|
Quote:
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.
Quote:
Quote:
|
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.
Quote:
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:
Quote:
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.
Quote:
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) -
Quote:
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 |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 8:12 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Prev