Here is a different view of The Exchange from about 1 week ago. I took this screen shot from the below news story. The video footage is from the top of Peregrine Tower, which is a higher perspective than I can get.
Took this over the weekend. At the moment they are on the 8th / 9th floor. The 8th floor is the first residential floor, and it involves a bit of a transition from the parking deck levels below. It is about 50% total height now.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”―Mark Twain
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”―Saint Augustine
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”―Anonymous
Having another tower of this scale does a lot for downtown Kalamazoo's small skyline. I think its position and height make downtown feel far more dense. I only hope we don't have to wait another quarter-century for the next one of similar size.
Having another tower of this scale does a lot for downtown Kalamazoo's small skyline. I think its position and height make downtown feel far more dense. I only hope we don't have to wait another quarter-century for the next one of similar size.
agreed -- it's a nice addition and makes a good impact.
I love seeing these projects in smaller cities. even relatively modest projects can make a huge difference.
same is happening in Boise with a ton of infill that would get lost in most larger cities.
__________________
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”―Mark Twain
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”―Saint Augustine
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”―Anonymous
The Exchange from this morning, driving in from the north along Rose St. It's really starting to take on quite a presence. I like the view from this angle - it makes the 10-story Radisson (peaking out in front of it) seem small. 2 full floors to go.
I'm loving the impact that this is having on the skyline - from today.
When it is overcast, like today, the arctic blue glass comes across as almost black - I think it looks really good.
They have poured the eastern portion of the 15th floor and this thing will be topped out in a few more weeks. Check back for more photos that I will post from a recent building tour.
Anyone know what the wall system is called? I see this on so many buildings now with the metal framing and such.
I don't know the exact name of the system, but it is a floor to ceiling curtain wall or storefront-type system. The louvers for the unit ventilators for each residence are integrated into the curtain system as well.
I forgot about this thread for a while because I've mostly been posting The Exchange photos on the general kalamazoo development thread. Here's the most recent photos, copied from that thread, showing the crane coming down two weeks ago.
The Exchange is still under construction, but the exterior is mostly complete now, and the building is firmly set in the skyline. Soft opening for some of the ground level retail might be in July.
Photos from a building tour a few days ago. The first floor commercial spaces are expected to be done late July. Chemical Bank will be the anchor tenant, and the first tenant to move in. Apartment move ins could begin end of August.
Lobby
Trash Chute
7th Floor (will be rentable commercial office space)
Michigan Ave sidewalk build-out
Legs at work
You can see where they patched the floor after the concrete pumps were removed.
You can also see how the column layout allows for the potential of a common corridor down the center of the space.
Great view of the Kalamazoo Building signage from the 7th floor roof deck.
I still think this is one of the best views of the downtown Kalamazoo Mall.
You can see 100 E Water St. under construction in the distance with its crane.
15th Floor (more leasable office space)
Interesting view of the courthouse roof. I learned that those enclosures were originally utilized for outdoor time for inmates that were held in a small prison. The cells and warden's apartment were located on the top floor of the building. It's mostly prosecutor's offices up there now. But notice the girl playing on the roof...?
She was literally dancing. What the heck?? Must be someone's daughter who works in the building.
Bronson Park. Top left you can see the 400 Rose apartment block under construction.
The first tenants are moving in to The Exchange. The anchor tenant, Chemical Bank, opened its doors yesterday, and the first residential tenants are scheduled to begin move-ins today.
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...