Hidden Kalamazoo Tour features buildings in use

For the third annual Hidden Kalamazoo Tour, hidden is taking on a whole new meaning. This year the tour goes into behind the scenes spaces in buildings that have been in constant use for more than 75 years.

The dressing rooms backstage at the Civic Theatre and State Theatre are two spaces on the 2015 tour that takes place June 20 and June 21 in downtown Kalamazoo.

Tour organizers say it will open up spaces “only seen by staff, owners, realtors, inspectors and other insiders.”

Tour spots are: Upjohn World Headquarters, 301 John Street (Bronson Healthcare Group); State Theatre, 404 South Burdick; Civic Theatre, 329 South Park; Fountain of the Pioneers in Bronson Park; Nelson Newton Carriage Co., 150 N. Edwards (Heritage Company); Holt Hotel, 320 E. Michigan (Alfred E. Bike); Van Kersen Building, and 401 East Michigan (Food Dance).

Tourists can go from one site to the next on their own schedule and start and finish at any stop. Tickets are good for both days of the tour and visits can be spread out over each day.

Volunteers lead tours, manage the building sites, and more. Organizers say they will need more than 100 volunteers for the tour.  

Tickets are available at the following locations: Spirit of Kalamazoo, 128 Portage; D&W 2103 Parkview at Oakland; D&W 525 Romence in Portage; Kalamazoo City Hall 241 W. South, Treasurer’s office; Kalamazoo Public Services Building, 415 Stockbridge. Tickets $15 and sold only in advance.

The Hidden Kalamazoo tour is a fundraiser for the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission. The commission is a self-funded city advisory board.

Source: Hidden Kalamazoo