I have not visited downtown Battle Creek in many years. I think a surprising majority of Kalamazooans would be in a similar situation. For only being 20 miles apart, there does not seem to be a lot of overlap between these two similar-sized population centers (Kalamazoo's ~74,000 vs. Battle Creek's ~52,000). If you consider the two MSA's, there's a bit more disparity (Kalamazoo is about 2 1/2 times greater - ~335,000 vs. ~136,000 in Bttle Creek). But both cities share an abundance of similarities - both anchored by a few key entities, both situated along the Kalamazoo River, both settled around 1830, both feature unique downtown settings, and some great architecture, and both are trying (and, I would argue, succeeding) to maintain vibrancy, relevance, and a sense of identity in the post-industrial landscape. Battle Creek and Kalamazoo both receive more than their fair share of negativity. True, both cities are challenged by persistent issues of economic disparity and homelessness, but they are fighting back.
Anyway, here are some more photos from my walk around Battle Creek - not all new construction (although some of it is). Really just a mix of things - there's a lot I did not get to. I thought about posting this in the photos section, but I wanted to keep it tied to the overall development thread, since it gives greater context for a city probably not too many outside of Michigan are familiar with.
Kellogg's office building, with 21-story Battle Creek Tower beyond (built 1930-1931)
Kellogg's Headquarters Building
Shipping container shops, corner of McCamley and Hamblin
Wave Square, corner of McCamley and Michigan
Other views of Battle Creek Tower
Recently demolished buildings (see before
here)
Former Arcadia Brewing Company space
Inside
This vacant beauty is at the corner of Michigan and Carlyle
Battle Creek River through downtown
Central Field House, a pretty cool throwback basketball arena (here's an
inside shot)
The former Battle Creek Sanitarium, now part of the Federal Complex since the 1950's
Kellogg Manor, housing the Battle Creek Housing Commission
This long-vacant art deco building at the corner of Van Buren and Washington was once The Hart Hotel
Seventh Day Adventist Temple, on Washington
McCamley Park