Some good news, and some bad news. First, the bad - another historic church structure bites the dust downtown. This is (now, was) a beautiful building. A lot of irony that the arts institute is the one responsible for obliterating it. It was pretty much a given that it would come down, after the city voted in April to block their own historic preservation commission from trying to save it (by making Bronson Park a local historic district). With progress comes destruction, and here's hoping that something meaningful can at least replace it in the near future (and not just another green space / parking lot).
Images Source:
WWMT | Jake Berent
Now, the better news - just a stone's throw away from the church demo, the first (and anchor) tenant, Chemical Bank, has opened its doors in The Exchange.
Quote:
First tenant opens the doors for business in the Kalamazoo Exchange Building
Callie Rainey | WWMT Newschannel 3
July 31, 2019
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Chemical Bank was the first tenant to open it's doors in the Kalamazoo Exchange Building on July 31, 2019, but there was still construction left to be done. Many people said they're excited the long-awaited project is almost complete. Since 1993, Kathy Beebe has been baking treats and pouring lattes along the Kalamazoo Mall at Cafe Casa. She said construction has always been a part of the area but she remains positive because of what it means for the future...
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Apparently, the first residential tenants are also scheduled to begin move-ins today, while construction wraps up.
Image Source:
Facebook | Cailey Rainey