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.
Connecting caregivers and professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients with those partners like the Alzheimer’s Association, Bronson Healthcare Group and other resources began last fall. That's one of the goals of the new Memory Care Learning Center at the Heritage Community in Kalamazoo.
If you've been seeing writer and illustrator David Small's name popping up around Kalamazoo lately the events and recognition come as Western Michigan University Archives has acquired an archive of his works and that of his wife Sarah Stuart.
Residents can look forward to a cluster of new projects that are in the works for the Edison Neighborhood.
In one of Kalamazoo's largest neighborhoods, Fall is a busy time. Find out what's happening in Milwood over the next few weeks.
To increase the amount of affordable housing in Kalamazoo County will take the work of many, including philanthropic organizations and individuals who can partner with private developers as they did in the Harrison Circle Apartments at North Harrison and East Ransom streets in the River’s Edge District, the developers of that project say.
How is the protection of Kalamazoo's wilder spaces going? We brought together some of those who are doing the work to find out.
Jerry Dixon, a 1979 Kalamazoo Central grad who went on to become a Broadway actor, then director, returns to his hometown to turn "Songs for a New World" at Farmers Alley Theatre into a healing, cathartic experience for people trying to create a new new-normal for themselves.
The first visible part of revitalization efforts in the 1600 block of East Main Street is in place and ready to be celebrated by the public.
Dozens of young people – including high schoolers, middle schoolers, and even elementary-aged students -- came together this summer to offer their input on what a youth and teen facility in their community should look like.
Thursday, Sept. 16 there was a celebration of the completion of the Warner Building and dedicated the Haymarket Plaza, a 7,000-square-foot open area designed to accommodate entertainment, food trucks, and outdoor seating for food and beverages designed to attract downtown residents, workers, and visitors.
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