person walking by the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership office
Press Release
Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership releases 2020 Annual Report
Jun 10, 2021

The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is proud to announce the release of its 2020 Downtown Kalamazoo Annual Report, detailing the organization's impact on the downtown community. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly transitioned the team’s focus from overall downtown efforts to targeted COVID response and business recovery efforts. This annual report shines a light on how the organization shifted its priorities to support downtown businesses through challenges brought on by the pandemic and the results of those efforts.

Read the 2020 Annual Report
Press Release
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Ambassador Program launches
May 18, 2021

The Downtown Kalamazoo Ambassador Program launched Monday, May 17, to clean downtown's public spaces and serve as a resource for visitors downtown. The program will provide a direct, accessible connection seven days a week to meet the cleaning and hospitality needs as the district continues to attract new businesses, residents, and visitors.

Ambassador Program Info Packet
Downtown Newsletter – May 11, 2021
May 11, 2021

Take advantage of the sweet sunshine in downtown this summer season! It all kicks off with JumpstArt, a 5 day celebration of the arts featuring Beats on Bates, Art on the Mall, Do-Dah Parade, KIA Arts Fair, and Concerts in the Park. But the fun doesn't end there - there are endless open-air activities planned all summer long

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Press Release
Bates Alley gets a refresh with new coat of paint, new pavilion
May 6, 2021

Downtown Kalamazoo’s Bates Alley is getting a fresh coat of paint and a few new features ahead of the summer season with the re-painting of the street mural and installation of a pavilion for live music performances. On May 1-2, the street mural got a fresh coat of paint thanks to the original artist, Patrick Hershberger, and a team of volunteers. The mural, originally designed and painted in 2018, was returned to its original vibrancy that had been worn away by foot traffic for events and daily use over the last three years.

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a family enjoying some coffee at Water Street Coffee
Press Release
Downtown Kalamazoo prepares for a summer outdoors
May 5, 2021

The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership has been busy preparing for a 2021 summer season filled with endless activities outdoors, including outdoor markets, live music, community art, exercise classes and “walktails” in our Central Commons Refreshment Area. The Partnership is working to ensure all events and programming follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines and state mandates, as well as take into consideration the ability for the community to enjoy events safely and comfortably.

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Downtown Newsletter – April
Apr 27, 2021

This May, the alley will be given a fresh coat of paint by the original Bates Alley muralist, Patrick Hershberger, and a group of volunteers. Don't worry - the design isn't changing, but it will sure be brighter!But what we are most excited to announce is the addition of the Bates Alley pavilion. This semi-permanent structure will really pull the alley experience together providing a beautiful space for live performances.

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Press Release
Autos and Eats on the Alley returns to downtown Kalamazoo May 8
Apr 21, 2021

The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership invites the public to Autos and Eats on the Alley presented by Fresh Coast Auto Detail on Saturday, May 8 under the beautiful lights of Bates Alley in downtown Kalamazoo.A variety of show cars will be displayed on Bates Alley and in the adjoining parking lot on Saturday, May 8 from 5 - 8 p.m., giving visitors the perfect opportunity to view some of the area's best vehicles and take advantage of all downtown Kalamazoo has to offer

Register your car
Downtown Newsletter – April 13
Apr 13, 2021

We are at that time of the year where the holidays are well behind us, but summer is not quite within reach. We are in between. As are downtown businesses who continue their COVID-19 recovery efforts.To truly recover, downtown businesses need you and Downtown Dollars are a perfect way to earmark your money for local spending at 50+ downtown locations.

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aerial image of downtown Kalamazoo
Downtown Newsletter – March 30, 2021
Mar 30, 2021

Don't spend another Friday night at home on the couch - Art Hop is officially back in-person and completely outdoors in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo!

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News
Kalamazoo seeks ‘visionary’ developer to transform downtown parking lot
Mar 24, 2021

A city-owned parking lot in downtown Kalamazoo could be transformed into the community’s latest development project as city leaders seek proposals for the site.The city of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have released a request for developer qualifications for the development opportunity at 140 S. Edwards St. in Kalamazoo.

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News
Beer lovers line up outside Bell’s for Oberon Day in Kalamazoo
Mar 22, 2021

The sun was shining and the temperatures were climbing as dozens waited in line outside of Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo for Oberon Day.

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News
Being small enough to pivot has helped this Kalamazoo bistro survive the COVID-19 slowdown
Mar 18, 2021

Like thousands of small businesses in Michigan and millions across the United States, his family-owned restaurant, Comensoli’s Italian Bistro & Bar, in Kalamazoo’s Stuart Neighborhood, has struggled during the COVID-19-mandated shutdown of large-group gathering places and the slow reopening of sit-down restaurants and entertainment venues that has followed.

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Press Requests

Looking to get in touch? Drop an email to our communications and marketing manager, Meghan Behymer.