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.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that food waste in the U.S. is the largest stream of municipal waste-to-landfill, accounting for about 22 percent of what is dumped. A trial program in the Vine Neighborhood could be doing something to address that.
You have to know someone who knows Sherri to find out how to locate Hoodies. Or read this story.
Meet Community Correspondent Katie Platte from the 2020 class of On the Ground Community Correspondents.
People can't move from homelessness to housed if there is not enough affordable housing in a community. Pathway Home is one new way that shortage is being addressed in Kalamazoo.
Don Solesbee's neighbors say he is "the guy who does." His backyard is a social hub and he cuts the lawns and snowblows the walks of those around him. He's the one who keeps his neighbors on Reycraft connected. Some call him Mr. Milwood.
What will the Nov. 3 general election day look like? The Kalamazoo City Clerk's office and Kalamazoo Public Safety are working together to prepare for it.
During its first season, the Milwood U-Pick Herb Garden offered neighbors a variety of herbs growing in the wide curb lawn.
“Bringing the mill property back to life is not just about creating a special place, it’s about creating a safe environment, both inside and outside the building,” says Developer Chris Moore.
Kalamazoo has a really strong history of papermaking, printing industry, and education in the humanities. For 15 years the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center has been drawing on that history to make sure book making (and more) lives on.
YWCA is continuing to plan for the opening of the YWCA Edison Children’s Center, a 24-hour drop-in center that will provide affordable child care for infants to 3-year-olds as well as second- and third-shift childcare for children up to age 12.
Our Sponsors
Our Media Partners
Common Ground Is Brewing
Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).
Drink Better, Read Local
