thanks for the updates.
 

The updates are appreciated, as always.

Sadly, the cool new WMU Student Center will not be opening with a brewpub, or serving beer. There is no operator identified or contracted for that space. It's empty. BYOB. :cheers:

This is likely due to no parking nearby to accommodate the community visitors that would need to keep it afloat during the summer and holiday lulls. There is limited, metered parking available at the entrance. I'm not sure what the enforced metering hours are. Say "metered parking" and half of your potential audience tunes out anyway. This is going to be a heavy lift.

When the new parking ramp nearby opens years from now, the situation may change. That said, the new center is indeed very nice and a welcome addition. There are limited venues open until after classes start on Aug. 30.

KVCC has a reputable brewing program; WMU should just partner up with them :cheers:

On with some more updates -

First, a few exterior views of the finished WMU Student Center. This first one looks like a rendering to me, but it's real -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/aon63...i11vd4q4&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | WMU

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vprrq...q62j71cd&raw=1
Source: WMU News

Sticking with WMU, the women's basketball locker room is getting a redo -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n2gcz...mbjah5eg&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/g1oua...crh6por8&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | AVB

The WMU Stadium Club renovation is also wrapping up, just in time for the start of the football season -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9q3zz...q90x4szi&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rg529...leewzvrt&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6289g...hi9adpen&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | AVB

Sticking with the athletic theme, construction has started on the new Kalamazoo Country Club. This massive, $100+ million upgrade will include a partially-underground parking garage, indoor & outdoor dining and event spaces, a golf performance center, pro shop, fitness & wellness space, and racquet facilities. As if that wasn't enough, there will also be an aquatics complex, bowling alley, and movie theater. I sometimes hear people claiming that Kalamazoo is becoming a place just for the rich, which is categorically false. But in this one particular instance, they are spot-on, and I do feel a little sympathy for the neighbors that lost their trees and views of nature for this playground for the wealthy.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5yand...h63sb0qs&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/00stx...6vlaeuku&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xqjfh...aa6a7kbs&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | The H. Chambers Company

Contractors have finished a multi-million dollar renovation of the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites that started in 2020. All 340 of the rooms, plus 50,000 SF of event space, have gotten a refresh. I have a feeling this remodel was prompted by the recent influx of new, competing hotel brands around town. I've walked through it and it is much, much better than how it used to look -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4rhzo...pn9ehp1l&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/65y51...pbo2mqvy&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jg1jl...7acgqimk&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5k4bn...3nvjcp8a&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9gavj...l19p5nes&raw=1
Source: Wood TV 8

Exchange Place Alley has gotten some new lighting, as part of the city's ongoing efforts to strengthen placemaking and connectivity downtown -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1qjk1...zzpi4a54&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zk61k...8buyewft&raw=1
Source: Facebook | City of Kalamazoo

The new Bronson Orthopedic Surgery Center, located on Beatrice Drive in Texas Township, had a ribbon cutting on July 28. This is the latest part of a 52-acre site that Bronson continues to develop into a satellite "Health Village". It contains four operating suites, programmed for sports medicine, joint replacement surgery, hand surgery, fracture repair, foot and ankle surgery, general orthopedic surgery, and the like -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zs57w...gji3w4uq&raw=1
Source: Bronson Health

The Bluffs at Gull Lake is a 48-unit apartment development nearing completion in Gull Lake (Ross Township). There are four buildings, located on the bluff overlooking the lake at 12135 M-89. No photos, but here are some renderings -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/slqp1...9p1sxz8m&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5ufa3...37k693ni&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/11dyb...e81h5k68&raw=1
Source: The Bluffs at Gull Lake

Some more updates from around Kalamazoo -

An opening date for the new courthouse has been set - October 16. After that, everyone (or at least, I) will be looking intently at the historic court house building that fronts Michigan Avenue, to see what PlazaCorp does with it -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/31bvm...6jage6ci&raw=1
Source: Raymond Hole | WWMT

Related, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners recently voted to authorize negotiation of the purchase of property at 246 W. Kalamazoo Ave. with plans to convert the land into parking that will serve the new justice complex. This is one of many puzzle pieces in play around the plans for the new downtown arena / event center. While no one will miss this remuddled Metro PCS dealer, there's also not a lot of excitement to be had for another surface lot downtown. But maybe it will be a parking garage with some street-level activity -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lxcbd...t4p2tn3g&raw=1
Source: MLive

More exciting than a parking lot, KPS' new Edison Academy is finished. The $25 million elementary school will welcome students in 2 weeks -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/63yvb...k6livmv5&raw=1
Source: MLive

ISK's new 34/7 behavioral health urgent care also officially opened - last month -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v4z7x...zjuzokbw&raw=1
Source: ISK

A new event venue opened downtown recently, in the Main Street East property (251 East Michigan Ave. Suite 108). It occupies space that was most-recently vacated by Southwest Michigan First, which moved to the new Catalyst Center, just north of there, as well as a few other tenants -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mpdzz...zz84ch1c&raw=1
Source: Desenberg Events

A local architect has purchased the small commercial office building at 621 S Park St, with plans to convert it into his private residence. The building has some late mid-century + post-modern vibes, and even though a zoning variance was required, it seems like a befitting use, given that the surrounding properties are largely residential as well. I heard a rumor that this building, which most recently served as law offices, was originally constructed as a residence, but I've bene unable to verify that. It was originally built in 1981, and features flat roofs and a low-slung profile that is partially imbedded in the landscape. It looks like it has always been a commercial structure. But either way, this conversion project definitely seems like something that would entice an architect as a good challenge. Work has already begun on the repurposing, including new roofing and a pretty extensive gutting of the interior. First are some interior photos from the real-estate listing, followed by some of my own exterior walk-by photos, from August 1 -

A blast from the past, with finishes very reminiscent of the house I grew up in, right down to the red laminate countertops, red carpeting, and dark-stained wood -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mcrjz...t9uxmfn6&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71zl1...og6j84bb&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ci5no...as64tvli&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bnhdl...4z3e7lrc&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xzjji...pe70jcw1&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wfzhz...inosp1k2&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/24csd...l6is0t7a&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1cvhx...1gqihm2j&raw=1

I didn't dare try to take interior photos through the windows, but it does appear that much of the inside has been gutted, so I fear a lot of this vintage "character" has been removed -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lj54p...u7iq4m2h&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/celpf...2r49cxzo&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/69plf...baaoicdq&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9p1pt...zswybu4w&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qz8pi...cchgs6cz&raw=1

At long last, there has been some movement on this five-story, 64-unit senior apartment building planned for a surface lot on S Rose St -

I drove past the site on my way to work this morning and crews were already out on site doing some work. Encouraging - I was half suspecting this project was dead.

The city also awarded funds to the Northside Neighborhood's planned Zion Place development, a 70-unit senior living project -

Portage -

Tall Timbers Progress. Exterior finishes have begun, and I think they look pretty good -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cshqq...pxxjz3j1&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8km9g...s61xyb3a&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5ewnb...1e8xdhrn&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | AVB

Few people probably realize that Kalamazoo is the only place in Michigan that Abraham Lincoln ever stepped foot, where he delivered a speech against the expansion of slavery 167 years ago. A statue that was a decade in the making to commemorate that event was unveiled on Sunday, in Bronson Park -

Less than 2 days later, it was vandalized -

Steel is starting at the KRESA Career Tech Center -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6x6te...5bm88g0g&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | CSM Group (image credit - Blake Nichols at CSM Group)

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4j7vs...7bzdhuep&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | KRESA (image credit - Shannon at CSM Group)

Battle Creek -

DoubleTree by Hilton progress - on track for Q4 2024 opening -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jmc2m...nlh6u7zs&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qf4ad...r5zrbilv&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7dmx8...xepfvmoq&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zx516...kfzv1v61&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Battle Creek Unlimited

I'm at work, but in a procrastinating mood, so here are a few random, deferred updates, from in & near Kalamazoo -

East Side Square, phase 2 progress (8 condos + commercial space along E Main) -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wdyap...8zp93blp&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/r1cbv...k73hgt9z&raw=1
Source: Fran Dwight | Second Wave Media

NACD Northside / Ransom St. infill project. These photos are already a bit dated, because the basements for the last 2 homes have been completely poured -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kkiiy...5gdyqm2s&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/07ayk...5xqnyer8&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o4d4k...4pve5x9w&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bqi0o...93hpc7pc&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Abonmarche Byce

Right across the street from here, this house seemingly collapsed in on itself overnight. Although I'm pretty sure it was intentionally demolished, the debris has just been sitting there for a month with no further activity. No idea what is planned for this. Side note, Google actually captured the before & after, with some fresh street view imagery from July 2023 -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sbn9z...wn6wgxjk&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5tc3k...nxcuugoh&raw=1
Source: My own photos

This old church (Trinity Lutheran) has been getting some exterior masonry repairs, which I've been watching progress on my commutes to work -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/icw8i...51y34tlc&raw=1
Source: My own photo

Here are some photos I took on a recent tour of the new Gull Lake Center for the Fine Arts (opened in 2022), part of the Gull Lake Community Schools district campus in Richland Township -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6ysyl...7saoudjj&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dtmrd...d3bbj4rs&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a53nb...l9g2k56l&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/70uii...4g4vmpld&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rtock...61caetjo&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/650g2...iydl447b&raw=1
Source: My own photos

This little commercial development popped up seemingly overnight at 6289 W Main, in the ever-suburbanizing Oshtemo Township. It looks like 5 suites available to rent -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7yoco...q5b5fdye&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ll4f8...xzub6yvx&raw=1
Source: My own photos

J. Rettenmaier (industrial fibers) is expanding its operations in Schoolcraft Township, south of Kalamazoo. Photos are of a precast addition, a few weeks old now -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ngzjh...ij4ivhox&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sm35x...tp2nhi2l&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0x1ws...gm67l9p4&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d9vu4...gg431ylv&raw=1
Source: LinkedIn | Abonmarche Byce

The 5-story senior housing project at 530 S Rose St. is finally underway! The perimeter fence is installed, and auger drilling has commenced. Photos by me, today -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cc1zx...lumdfdte&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q38mi...430crkaw&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lsv3z...ncl2x0mb&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bmu2j...rtdl3i9a&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iahhh...549ahqsn&raw=1

The building shrunk and the price tag has gone up $2 million. Also, from the new rendering in the article, it looks like they VE'd the second floor out of the project and simplified the finishes & massing. But even so, it's good to know this project is proceeding. It looks as though it will still have some curb presence too.

Here's a slightly older rendering, still showing 2 stories -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u0hbn...3r27qudr&raw=1
Source: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo

The new Ford battery plant in Marshall can now move forward as a judge dismissed the challenge to the rezoning for the facility.

Judge dismisses complaint against Marshall Megasite rezoning; opponents to amend complaint
https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/...g/70856090007/

^ Can't say I'm at all surprised, though the article does also note:

Meanwhile, foundation work proceeds. Here's the latest update, from a buddy of mine. I'd say the music choice fits the sentiment of many locals -

https://youtu.be/WGsa4LeG8pc?si=0_f5dmgqh4Ku92L1

Maybe I'm just not understanding, but this sounds like a bad idea, on top of an already bad idea. Let's compel the local businesses, already struggling to make a profit, to cater to the growing homeless population's restroom needs, because the city can't get anything done. Don't worry, if someone ODs, falls asleep, clogs the toilet, etc. in your shop, our part-time ambassadors will get right on it :rolleyes: Meanwhile, it's still perfectly fine to piss on the sidewalks and in Bronson Park.

The city promotes the fact that public restrooms are available, but from 10:00pm to 7:30am, there is literally one single toilet that can be accessed by the hundreds of homeless downtown - the Portland Loo, installed in 2020 near the Arcadia Creek festival site.

A jobsite trailer is in place across the street from the construction site at 530 S. Rose. Perimeter shoring is installed and the auger driller has already come and gone. We should be seeing foundations very soon -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o34sv...huioh012&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n7aq4...160bd6ta&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zhz24...msf5c2wx&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8zoba...2ypflro2&raw=1

Despite the requirement to protect the neighboring foundations, I am pretty sure that the adjacent pink house is vacant and probably not long for this world, because it is in pretty rough shape -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a5h4b...wxe0b17k&raw=1

The downtown Justice Facility (oft constructed, never finished) -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dm23m...gzws36aq&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wc5ay...ajhxhpec&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mnj61...kyx2hokt&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/le3nr...0xskqy1r&raw=1

Because of the construction delays with the new courthouse, officials have been discussing designing and building an additional courtroom at the Gull Road complex, so as to not create any further delays at the downtown site (an additional circuit court judge was recently added, but there is no assigned space for this new judge to hold court in the currently-under construction facility) -

Nearby, the former Whitley Memorial Funeral Home at 330 N Westnedge awaits its own impending funeral. The windows were recently removed, and the surrounding site, which had been used for staging materials for the new justice center, is now cleared. This was probably a handsome house, back in the day. Now, it is one of the last remaining structures standing between oblivion and the future downtown event center. It looks like it's probably just a matter of hours before this one returns to the dust -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n3mhp...mqt0p61k&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ojedq...y2vik48x&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fdvto...9iee8rtg&raw=1

Kalamazoo downtown lunch observations -

The city's second Portland Loo is installed. Unlike the first one, this one is only semi-public - it is situated within the enclosure of the children's nature playscape, and therefore only accessible to users of the space during normal operating hours -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1g8jz...2e3qpo84&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/l5r6j...vsagd1xn&raw=1

A work crew was dismantling this war memorial statuary in front of the courthouse. Presumably, these will find a new home at the new courthouse, and this is one of the early steps in handing the property over to PlazaCorp -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uzj5w...r1ql3adk&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o0gzx...jdqpw0wb&raw=1

This seems like a silly use of funds -

Unrelated, I had dinner in Texas Corners on Monday and afterward, I checked-in on the Lofts on Q. Surprisingly, I don't mind the finishes too much. Not sure how well they will age though -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fldfl...8ysbf438&raw=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/e9rte...nqnvlcul&raw=1

The next (final) two houses of this NACD infill development are framed up -

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hnc8a...6w0vkj47&raw=1

$30M gift will allow Kalamazoo College to build new dorm
https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo...-new-dorm.html

Affordable apartment complex a step closer to being built in Kalamazoo
https://www.mlive.com/resizer/OP3J-z...T7YJCQLZ4Q.jpg
https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo...kalamazoo.html