Downtown Developments

Aug 26, 2020

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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS
August 26, 2020

What’s happening

As the warm weather continues this summer, we encourage you to get a breath of fresh air in downtown Kalamazoo.

Everything we have heard from the community is that people want fun and safe outdoor experiences. This is exactly what our team is striving to offer downtown.

You may have heard in the news recently that a Downtown Kalamazoo Social District was approved – allowing customers to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved licensed establishments and shop, sit outside, or walk around within a specified boundary.

The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is excited to announce the creation of the Downtown Kalamazoo Central Commons Refreshment Area! The Central Commons area will span along Michigan Avenue from Rose Street to just short of Pitcher Street, along the Kalamazoo Mall from Eleanor Street to Cedar Street, and include Bates Alley and sections of Exchange Place, Edwards Street, and South Street.

In a time when small businesses need community support more than ever and customers are more comfortable outdoors, social districts are a great way to enjoy downtown and its businesses.

Stay tuned to our social media for updates on when the Central Commons Refreshment Area launches!

Downtown Zoning Code – Input Activity 2
Thanks to everyone who participated in the first input activity for Downtown Zoning in June-July 2020. With your feedback, a draft zoning map has been created and is available for review.

In addition to the map, the second Downtown Zoning survey is now online. This survey focuses on zoning uses and standards proposed in the three new districts, specifically highlighting the changes from the current downtown zoning and what is being proposed. This survey also includes a discussion of Downtown Design Review Guidelines.

Click here for more information on the Downtown Zoning Project, to review the draft Zoning Map, and complete the second input activity.

Upcoming Events

Downtown Kalamazoo Mall businesses are bringing their retail and dining to the sidewalks!

Every Friday this summer (June-September), the Kalamazoo Mall will transform the sidewalks into an outdoor experience where customers can freely shop, dine, and enjoy downtown Kalamazoo businesses in a safe and comfortable environment.

On Friday, August 28 from 5-8 p.m., come listen the musical talents of Yolonda Lavender.

Beats on Bates is a weekly summer live music series hosted every Wednesday night 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Take a break from work and grab drinks or dinner at one of the Bates Alley businesses while enjoying live music.

September 2 – Nicholas Laraque, Jamaica’s dynamic instrumentalist (saxophone & flute), is sure to entertain you with his live performance!

View the full Beats on Bates summer lineup here.

Make sure you pack your workout gear this summer for Workout Wednesdays in downtown Kalamazoo! This is a free event every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo! There’s plenty of room in the park for social distancing.

September 2 – Just Move Fitness wants to help you discover what moves you. They love bringing a variety of fun and effective fitness to the community. Come try dance fitness, cardio drumming, kickboxing and group strength with their energetic fitness professionals in a unique mashup workout!.

All classes begin at 5:30 p.m. and are free to attend – view the schedule on our Facebook Event.

In the News

Michigan Small Business Restart program helps locals stay open amid pandemic

Kalamazoo State Theatre, Michigan Rattlers team up for intimate live music experience

Kalamazoo’s Social District will give customers of restaurants and taverns a chance to be outdoors

Skeletons arriving in downtown Kalamazoo to celebrate Halloween for a month

Theo & Stacy’s Closing To Giving Their Employees Weeks Paid Vacation

Kalamazoo venue turns to outdoor seating to keep business rolling, safety as the priority

Michigan’s Suffrage Movement on Display at Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Fuze Kitchen & Bar Reopens in Downtown Kalamazoo

Public Meetings

Kalamazoo Downtown Development Authority + Downtown Economic Growth Authority, Monday, September 21 at 3 p.m.

Downtown Projects

Stay up-to-date on all downtown construction and impacts to traffic by visiting:

downtownkalamazoo.org/construction

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Our mailing address is: 162 E. Michigan Avenue • Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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