Downtown Developments

New Businesses Open in Downtown Kalamazoo

If you’ve walked through downtown Kalamazoo recently you may have noticed a few new storefronts on the Mall and South Burdick. We’re thrilled to welcome the below businesses to the downtown community, and more are getting ready to open up shop. Stay tuned as we highlight new businesses opening in the coming months!
 
Kalamazoo’s premier pet boutique, Beowoof, is a proud supplier of only the healthiest, highest quality pet foods and treats available for your dog, cat, bunny, guinea pig and gerbil. Located at 428 South Burdick.

Bee Joyful is a zero waste business offering plastic free alternatives to the items most commonly used for personal and home care. Located at 243 South Kalamazoo Mall.

Great Lakes Thrift Company is the newest addition to the Kalamazoo Mall. Originally a regular vendor at Vintage in the Zoo, owner Anika Johnson said it was the 2019 downtown holiday pop-up shop that showed her there was a market in downtown for vintage clothing and inspired her to get a storefront. Located at 328 South Kalamazoo Mall.

Changes to Downtown Zoning Code

The City of Kalamazoo is updating the zoning code for Downtown Kalamazoo. With the current limitations on gatherings, the City is kicking off the project and seeking input in new ways this summer.
 
The first activity focuses on the zoning map for Downtown. Currently Downtown is mapped with one large zoning district; the City is proposing it to be divided into three smaller districts. The City is asking participants to review proposed maps to confirm or to suggest changes.  Input is available through mid-July.

The second activity will focus on the zoning standards for each of the new districts and how the zoning code works with the Downtown Design Review Guidelines and Historic Districts.
 
To learn about the project, timeline, and how to provide input click here. The process is set up to allow you to participate completely virtually or through self-guided walks through Downtown. You can also use the City’s new engagement hotline and leave your input at 269-226-6524.

The Kalamazoo Mall Market will be closed this Friday, July 3 due to the holiday weekend, but will be open again on July 10!

Downtown Kalamazoo Mall businesses are bringing their retail and dining to the streets! Every Friday this summer (June-September), the Kalamazoo Mall will be closed to vehicles so customers can freely shop, dine and experience downtown Kalamazoo businesses in a safe and comfortable environment. 

If you are a downtown Kalamazoo Mall business interested and need more information, please contact Events Director Sue Huggett.

Beats on Bates is taking a break for the holiday on July 1, but returns on July 8 with BlueBack performing blues, jump swing and roots rock music from between World War II to the Vietnam War.
 
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.

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!

Workout Wednesdays begins again in-person in a socially distant format on July 8 with Intentional Yoga. Intentional Yoga will be offering an all-levels Vinyasa style class taught by Devon Crahan! Whether you are a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, join us for an evening of fun and movement.

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