Kalamazoo development plans for 2020 include changes to Arcadia Creek Festival Place
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The city of Kalamazoo has announced and started a number of large projects in the past few years.
As the new decade begins, the city said the work won't be slowing down; instead, more projects are beginning to take shape.
Landmarks of 2019
Possibly the most obvious change of the year to downtown Kalamazoo was the construction on the Exchange Building on West Michigan Avenue between Bronson Park and the Kalamazoo Mall.
At times, construction and backups lead to frustration for commuters and area businesses, but the first tenants opened business in the building in July.
Rebekah Kik, the director of community planning and economic development for Kalamazoo, said the growth of the building at 180 Water St. was very promising. She said it would be home to the Kalamazoo Promise and the offices of Southwest Michigan First.
"We're still gonna see four more stories go onto that building in 2020," Kik said. "As well as the complete redesign of Whiskey Alley, which is going to be right behind that."
She said more housing options would be soon available to residents wanting to live downtown with the development of the 400 Rose Apartment complex, which is near south side of city hall.
"The residential impact in the downtown is going to be phenomenal for the businesses that are here," Kik said.
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Arcadia and other futures
Through a partnership with the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, Kik said, the city planned to make changes to Arcadia Creek Festival Site.
"They just released requests for proposals to redesign the Arcadia festival site," Kik said. "Re-imagining that site after 10 years is going to be a pretty landmark project."
As to what to look out for in 2020, she said, Kalamazoo residents should look for new businesses in individual neighborhoods, crediting people from Kalamazoo for contributing to the growth of the city.
One example Kik listed was the development of the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program diner opening in Washington Square.
"We're growing our own economy out of existing people that are already here. You know, I hear about different cities that ... try to recruit people in, but we have so many amazing community members that already have phenomenal ideas," Kik said.
Sparking new involvement
Kik said anyone with new ideas should contact the city economic office, whether they want something done or they want to start their own business.
The city holds weekly meetings when interested entrepreneurs could schedule a time to speak. She said those meetings allow possible business owners to trouble shoot their thoughts before they spend money.
"Whether you have a fully baked idea or just something 'hey, I've been thinking about this, but I really don't know what the first steps are,' our team can help you on those Wednesday morning meetings."
Often, Kik said, people take steps before contacting the city, such as buying a building. Then, her office has to inform them on areas they didn't consider, such as fire safety or how many bathrooms they're required to have.
To learn more, contact information for the city of Kalamazoo Economic Development office is on its website.
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