Kalamazoo's Creative Hub Thrives as Artists Transform Historic Building Into Buzzing Maker Community

The old manufacturing building at 326 West Kalamazoo Avenue now houses over 100 artists, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs spread across 140,000 square feet and 95 studios.

More than 95 artists work in various mediums, offering everything from commissioned pieces to hands-on classes.

Step inside the Park Trades Center and you'll immediately feel the energy of creation in motion.

The building pulses with diverse creative activity including glassblowing, metalsmithing, ceramics, woodworking, photography, painting, textiles, and printmaking.

Every floor tells a different story of artistic passion.

This century-old building originally housed the Kalamazoo Loose Leaf Binder Company starting in 1906, before becoming home to artists in the 1970s.

What was once an industrial powerhouse has become Southwest Michigan's most dynamic creative community.

Artists began gravitating to the space in 1971 after the building's previous industrial tenants moved out.

The transformation represents decades of organic growth as Kalamazoo makers discovered affordable studio space and collaborative opportunities.

The Park Trades Center serves as a popular destination during Kalamazoo's Art Hop, held on first Fridays throughout the year.

In 2025, six special Art Hop events will feature unique additions like after-hop concerts, guided tours, and community-based projects.

These monthly celebrations draw hundreds of visitors who explore open studios, witness live demonstrations, and connect directly with working artists.

Professional artisans include glassblowers, furniture makers, book binders, papermakers, photographers, and even a wallpaper-printing studio.

The diversity of crafts creates an atmosphere where traditional techniques meet contemporary innovation.

Located just one mile from Kalamazoo College campus, the facility has partnered with the college for over a decade, providing studio space for senior art students.

College students gain real-world experience working alongside professional artists in a commercial creative environment.

Students report that daily studio work shifts their mindset from art student to practicing artist, exposing them to exhibition opportunities and professional networking.

The Kalamazoo artisan movement extends beyond individual creativity into community economic impact.

Groups like Kalamazoo ARTisans unite ceramic artists to share inspiration, expertise, and resources while enriching the community through art education programs.

These collaborative efforts strengthen both artistic skills and local cultural offerings.

The building's role as an arts incubator continues expanding as new makers discover available studio spaces and join the creative community.

Business and creative studios remain available for lease throughout the year, welcoming new artists into the fold.

This accessibility ensures the Park Trades Center remains a living, growing hub rather than a static arts district.