Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo’s name is so distinctive strangers around the world have been known to break into song at hearing the name. With such a recognizable moniker you’d think Kalamazoo wouldn’t need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city’s refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and the Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown K’zoo the nation’s first pedestrian mall in 1959 continues to work today. Innovators have developed thriving life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. They build on the expertise of Kalamazoo’s universities. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College all are centers of research, development and technology. They surround a downtown vibrating with condos, apartments and homegrown, top-notch restaurants. The universities are woven into the city’s social fabric and contribute to a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and a vibrant local theater community are a few of the offerings. Locals also love their festivals that fill the air with music and the scents of ethnic foods wafting over the Arcadia Festival grounds and the Kalamazoo River. Outdoor activities from biking on the Kal-Haven trail to disc golf and standard golf on a nationally-acclaimed course in Milham Park are the start of the city’s leisure side. Sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for a scholarship that pays 100 percent of their tuition at any public university or community college.

Scholarship for women pays for tuition, fees — and life’s emergencies

For women who struggle financially to get their college degree there's help to be found through the Women’s Education Coalition.

Kalamazoo updates residents on progress toward streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists

Within weeks, Kalamazoo could be wrapping up years of work to get safer streets.

Vegan-friendly coffee shop looks to be a welcoming place in downtown Kalamazoo

The folks at Rose Gold Coffee Company want people to get to know them, and vice-versa.

Beyond red lines: New Northside lines help ensure affordable housing and boost resident businesses

Developers are looking at Kalamazoo's Northside with new appreciation thanks to the tireless work of many, including Mattie Jordan-Woods.

Second phase of BTR park expected to proceed in early 2019

A project three years in the making is about to break ground. Business Technology and Research Park 2 has received the funding it needs to proceed.

Northside home to new hub for ‘bundled’ support to help residents create sustainable financial lives

The Financial Opportunity Collaborative at the Douglass Community Center expects to provide an estimated 150 area residents with financial coaching and employment services in its first year alone.

Northside Art Hops to become monthly events and the first feature artist, Ed Genesis

The power of art to offer hope and promote confidence, especially in youth who may be struggling with difficult circumstances is something Ed Genesis believes in.  

Better data is helping the United Way make sure funding hits strategic targets

These days the folks at the United Way have better answers when asked, “How’s it going?”

Nearing its 100th anniversary, the Douglass Community Association welcomes new director, Sid Ellis

Over the years, the Douglass Community Association has evolved from a recreation facility for African American troops stationed at Fort Custer to a pillar of the community that serves all in terms of social services, recreation, enrichment and special events.  

Schupan and Sons plans expansion in Kalamazoo

A $10.1 million investment is expected to generate 80 jobs over three years at Schupan & Sons.

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