Kalamazoo -

After opening at 50% capacity in November of last year, the new Hilton Garden Inn announced Tuesday that it will now move to 100% capacity (114 rooms total). The adjoining Home2 Suites is on track to open next month with an additional 106 rooms. The two hotels will share amenities including a restaurant, bar, indoor saline pool, fitness center, guest laundry, covered parking, and outdoor courtyard with a fire pit. Between these two hotels, the existing Radisson, and the (hopefully) eventual Hard Rock / REVERB hotel, Kalamazoo's downtown hotel scene is looking much better.

Next step, the new convention center?

Kalamazoo -

1. I drove by the downtown justice facility site yesterday. I was excited to see that fences are up and site demolition & clearing has begun, in anticipation of the official ground breaking in May.

2. After a 2019 fire destroyed their church building near WMU, the Kalamazoo Latvian community decided to build a new, smaller sanctuary on the same property, attached to its church hall - which survived the fire. It will open this summer; here is a rendering and floor plan, followed by some older photos of the fire damage and construction photos -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wq72inz58q...ring.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Intersect Studio

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yq6bdpn8s0...Plan.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qmfjy06dci...%207.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ew30w4kr9g...%208.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6mf6tot8ag...%209.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aahzj2rnyd...2010.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oguvbkz5hk...2011.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6so01a20f...2012.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlb3cv4w1j...%201.jpg?raw=1

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https://www.dropbox.com/s/nao44huc4s...%204.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2mmw7uwnyg...%205.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4nayrp6n38...%206.jpg?raw=1
Source: Kalamazoo Latvians

Vicksburg -

The Mill at Vicksburg posted a blog article and a video for Earth Day about their sustainability pillars. The short film includes some cool footage of ongoing work at the former factory site.

• Video Link

Churches in Kzoo sure have had some bad luck in recent years. Glad to hear about the justice center site prep, though!

Very true. As the justice complex gears up, another big one is winding down. Here's a 2-year time-lapse of Catalyst 12 / 180 E Water St. -

• Video Link


While it's an unexpected use, it is nice to see that something is going to occupy the old print shop at 10 Mills Street. It's too bad more of the historic architecture in this area wasn't saved. This area has seen a lot of disinvestment. The city just cleared out a winter homeless camp behind here, and the entire area sits in the flood plane. Hopefully, this new occupancy helps stabilize the property and the area and will lead to new investments -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pn2d5nij76...tory.jpg?raw=1
Source: MLive | Kalamazoo County Land Bank

Kalamazoo -

It looks like PlazaCorp has found a tenant for a portion of the top floor of the exchange. Custer, Inc. an interior furnishing design company, posted some pictures of their nearly-complete tenant fit out. Somewhat surprising news, with the ongoing pandemic, that they were able to find a tenant for this prime space!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pj18kwa0zr...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ziwhbc35k9...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxh2vg24am...%203.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Todd Custer / Custer, Inc.

Battle Creek -

Magna Cosma Casting, an automotive parts supplier, intends to invest over $30 million in its Battle Creek facilities at 10 Clark Rd N with a 50,000 SF addition -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7ptbfbil8d...ting.jpg?raw=1
Source: Second Wave Media | Shabaka Gibson / BCU

Right on good to see more investment reaching Battle Creek. The city is in an interesting position the city didn’t suffer from deindustrialization due to Kellogg’s continued commitment to the city however as a one industry town the area stagnated during the 2000s and missed out for the most part on the urban recovery of the past decade.

It’s in a naturally beautiful area with rolling hills and lakes but the tourist draw is more low key than Kzoo & GR can tap into as hub cities for the east shore of lake mi nor does it have a major university presence. Battle Creek also has a oversized downtown for its current and historic population to act as a draw hopefully things keep breaking BC’s way.

Good points. It's true - if Kellogg's had moved it's HQ, Battle Creek would be a very different place today. That said, it is too bad that there is no real production left in the city for the company - just administration, R&D, and other white collar jobs (don't get me wrong; those are good too!). But there is lots of other industry. Most of the larger-scale construction in Battle Creek is related to manufacturing expansions - which is not as sexy to post about here, but which I am also completely fine with, because it means economic stability and diversity, more jobs, and hopefully soon, even more downtown housing and retail business. The HDI Federal Center also provides some good job stability there.

In many ways, I think Battle Creek has a better skyline and downtown than Kalamazoo, even though Kalamazoo is more than 1.5x larger. Of course, size doesn't matter too much when you consider the two downtowns are only 30 minutes apart from each other. Still, I'd love to get their historic Art Deco skyscrapers... :yes:


I forgot to post this photo that I took when driving by the Kalamazoo County Downtown Justice Facility. From a few days ago - site clearing is probably close to finished already - note the new Home2 Suites Hotel on the left and the new(ish) Exchange Building in the distance - if I had turned down a side street, you'd also see the new Catalyst 12 development that is nearing completion... lots of new development visible from this perspective -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dbht31yqsf...lity.jpg?raw=1

Oshtemo Township -

It's been a few months since an update on the Advia Credit Union HQ. Byce just posted a few photos - it's very far along now, and the interior finishes, which are well underway, look good! :tup:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lkfyoaxg4j...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wjmb6bndvc...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/16pdrcusmo...%203.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/z4gq9z1tvr...%204.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hw0ekj4n69...%205.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aqnvxfqc5w...%206.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g02zj6nf98...%208.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o90v9uudzc...%209.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Byce & Associates, Inc.

All photos by me, taken yesterday, 05/01/21 -

Home2 Suites -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pj8quhgbt9...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hgpxkz1sa0...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ojpbrolwvo...%203.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ykjfv0kd0n...%204.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/isvxjy3pa5...%205.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fad9uoynmj...%206.jpg?raw=1

Downtown Justice Facility -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/46iwri9vdd...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6sjqufnywe...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vd50kpxycg...%203.jpg?raw=1

Westgate Commons -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o6ekw44f9o...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/blt1y97dq4...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hya5z8xoxl...%203.jpg?raw=1

Catalyst 12 -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2t751l3cqp...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8lbabcwf6e...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y5lgbbanva...%203.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sqciiohq50...%204.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v9l02kjki0...%205.jpg?raw=1

Gospel Ministries Women & Children's Shelter -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yol0q5wqoc...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ull8l24rvs...%202.jpg?raw=1

Harrison Circle Apartments -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/h8y6pz2w14...%201.jpg?raw=1

Kalamazoo College Natatorium -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2hzhd7vzwn...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7a4glyroi3...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/doz744nu8j...%203.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gkx3lj0vy9...%204.jpg?raw=1

Portage -

Portage Public Schools is considering a $175 million / 25-year school bond proposal for the August 3rd ballot, which would generate funds to replace five of its elementary school buildings and remodel one. The idea appears to have enough public support to pass. This would mark the second massive bond passage in less than six years in Portage. A $144 million bond passed in November 2015.

The aging schools involved would be Amberly, Angling, Central, Haverhill and Woodland elementary schools. It would also include renovations of Moorsbridge Elementary -


The City of Portage recently completed its rebuilt of Zylman Avenue. The project engineer, Abonmarche, just posted a series of photos. I didn't even know this was happening because I don't have reason to travel that way that much anymore. The "complete street" project included a 64 ft. wide boulevard, a new roundabout, a 10 ft. wide non-motorized path, and extensive drainage improvements.

The photos below make it look deceptively rural - this is actually very close to Stryker's new facility and residential development, and it seems like it was built in anticipation of future development of this part of the city -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxkoh12lua...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jfef6as0bq...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/d0b96vy6i6...%203.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o0d0gzl9mn...%204.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vyqzni9pr6...%205.jpg?raw=1
Source: Abonmarche Consultants, Inc.

Kalamazoo -

A few looks at the GPI (Graphic Packaging Int'l) expansion, from the past few weeks. On any given day, there are 400+ contractors working on the massive site -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1bdov175z1...%201.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | The Wieland Corporation

https://www.dropbox.com/s/19umbno5v6...%202.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | The Wieland Corporation

https://www.dropbox.com/s/21h83yzoye...%203.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | The Wieland Corporation

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6obs8nshyb...%204.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | The Wieland Corporation

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wzh7xy12ij...%205.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | The Wieland Corporation

Portage -

The new Community Senior Center is well underway. I've been thinking it might be about time to go and take some photos, and then these popped up in my feed -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mbuhwspbj9...%201.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bu32kw6jtm...%202.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/urb9o3dih9...%203.jpg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n8o9poyanj...%204.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Byce & Associates, Inc.

Kalamazoo -

The Catalyst 12 development is close to complete. There's a short news video at the link below -

Here's an interior apartment unit layout that I haven't seen yet. It would be pretty nice to have a corner unit like this in downtown, with 4 separate walk-outs. The units will rent for about $1 / SF, which is pretty incredible -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dfedt7kbks...yout.JPG?raw=1
Source: WWMT | Courtesy Catalyst Development Company

A fairly large development coming to the Northside! This site was blighted due to some serious wind damage, which knocked down several brick walls of the old structure.

I wish some if it could be salvaged, but this looks like a good use of the property:

https://wwmt.com/amp/news/local/plan...e-neighborhood

Oh wow. 5 stories & 52 units would be huge for this area.

The BRA has been trying to get that site developed for years. It looks like they will salvage a bit of it - the 2-story brick portion along Porter appears to show in the rendering. Or maybe they are reconstructing that façade, or replicating it? It also looks like the designers are channeling the unofficial colors of all new development in this area - red, white, and gray :rolleyes:

I'll add this one to the rundown!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8y4fj8txdr...ment.JPG?raw=1
Source: WWMT | Courtesy PlazaCorp LLC

Here's some other Kalamazoo "rapid-fire" updates that have been piling up -

1. There is a public input meeting scheduled for Monday, 5/24 to brainstorm ideas for the new natural playscape that will be built upon the site of the demolished First Reformed Church (302 Academy St. - next to Bronson Park).

2. Meanwhile, KNAC (Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition) has officially purchased First Baptist Church, which is directly north of the aforementioned project. This is the oldest church left on the square, and it has been around long enough to witness Abraham Lincoln visiting the city. KNAC will maintain and manage the property now, and it will lease space to the dwindling First Baptist congregation as well as other non-profits, start-ups, and arts organizations. There are plans to remodel portions of the complex to provide collaborative work space that can be shared by tenants -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/iwb4pf12ck...urch.jpg?raw=1
Source: WMUK | KNAC

3. The city is doubling down on their Bates Alley transformation. The Kalamazoo River-inspired street mural just got a fresh coat of paint, and a "semi-permanent pavilion" has been installed for music, poetry, and other live events -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/56y04uemej...201.jpeg?raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xp9c1cnjpn...202.jpeg?raw=1
Source: Al Jones | Second Wave Southwest Michigan

4. Allied Paper Landfill cleanup will start soon. The former landfill, part of an EPA Superfund site, will take about four years to properly clean. Once that work is finished, it opens the door for potential development of the site -

Here's a conceptual site plan from years ago -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/za9r7vgb4h...Plan.jpg?raw=1
Source: Waste 360

5. The city continues to expand its network of heated sidewalks systems (for snow melting). This most-recent one is being done through a unique public-private partnership, along S Rose St., in front of the Comerica Bank building.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh5fy40opz...Melt.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Construction Simplified

6. Construction is underway for a new splash pad installation at LaCrone Park (535 W. Paterson St).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xzahr1dama...0Pad.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | City of Kalamazoo

7. WMU Student Center progress -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o04w0smwnj...nter.jpg?raw=1
Source: WMU

8. Bonus photo of Catalyst 12, nearing the finish line -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/umfztevpr9...2012.jpg?raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | CSM Group

Thanks for the updates! I was in Kzoo last weekend for the first time in years, and the changes to downtown and just north of downtown are very noticeable.

Sidewalk shot of the detail on the WMU Dining Center.
 

I'm hoping there's some lighting to make this come alive at night. The fins are bound to be 'controversial', like anything other than glass, stone, or brick would be. Sigh.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n985mp5gx4...14.26.jpg?dl=0

(Crossing fingers that the image is viewable.)