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New Housing in Redeveloped Brownfield in Kalamazoo
New Housing in Redeveloped Brownfield in Kalamazoo
Lots of October Events
Mike Granchi
Oct 28, 2025
Secret Little Hack |
Visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center for beautiful hiking trails and educational nature exhibits that are perfect for all ages. |
From Scrap Yards to Smart Living: Two Brownfield Projects Rewriting Kalamazoo’s Story
In downtown Kalamazoo, two once-forgotten properties are undergoing something of a makeover—one might say a glow up. The City's partners-in-progress are transforming contaminated, idle land into affordable housing that shines a light on resilience, community and possibility.
1. “River’s Edge” – A stretch along the river that’s moving from rust to residence
At the first site—now dubbed River’s Edge—the land had previously held a heat-treating facility and an auto repair shop. The kind of heavy-duty industry that left its mark: petroleum compounds, metals and PCBs.
Enter the city, the state Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and a developer who saw opportunity. A $1 million EGLE brownfield remediation grant laid the groundwork.
Fast-forward to now: the project is a $55 million development featuring two four-story apartment buildings, 224 rental units (with 184 of them reserved for households earning up to 60 % of the area median income), a community center and leasing office. That’s quite the pivot: from oil stains to open doors.
Beyond the numbers, what jumps out is how this project marries environmental cleanup with social good. A site that might have been an eyesore is becoming a home for neighbors, a communal hub for gathering—and a symbol that Kalamazoo is willing to invest in real transformation.
“Investing in the redevelopment of brownfield sites is not just about cleaning up the past. It is about creating a brighter future for our communities, our economy and the environment. Projects like Harrison Circle and River’s Edge show how strategic cleanup efforts can turn once-contaminated properties into affordable housing and community assets.” — Phil Roos, EGLE Director |
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2. “Harrison Circle” – Where a junkyard once stood, a mixed-use community emerges
Just a few blocks away, the second project—Harrison Circle—tells a similarly hopeful tale. On land that used to host a gas station, auto repair shop and junkyard, contamination and vacancy lingered. But with the help of a $300,000 EGLE grant, that site has become the foundation for an $14 million mixed-use development: 80 rental units (64 of them reserved for households earning 30-80 % of area median income) plus about 5,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Here again, the story isn’t just bricks and sidewalk, but people. Affordable housing where folks can live—and live well—in the heart of the city. Space for businesses. A neighborhood reconnecting to itself.
“The City of Kalamazoo team is grateful for the strong partnership we have with EGLE. The reuse of former industrial sites in a manner that is safe and supports important redevelopment is critically important work for the city.” — David Anderson, then-Mayor of Kalamazoo.
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What this means for Kalamazoo and surrounding areas:
First, it shows that brownfield redevelopment doesn’t have to be a dry phrase—it can be deeply human. Vacant lots don’t just get paved over; they can come back as places where a teacher, a young family, a small-business owner can put down roots.
Second, it highlights partnership: city, state, developer, community. EGLE Director Phil Roos said these projects show how cleaning up the past and building for the future can go hand in hand. When investment is paired with intention, the return isn’t just financial—it’s social.
Third, it reinvigorates parts of Kalamazoo that may have been overlooked. When one property in a neighborhood turns around, momentum often follows. These developments help make downtown more walkable, vibrant and viable. As one observer noted: “If you can redevelop one of those, it becomes a magnet for other … organizations that want to put in new sites.”
A light-hearted thought
Imagine this: 10 years ago, a rusting auto repair shed sat idle, the ghost of oily footprints lingering. Today, someone’s moving into Apartment C, courtyard view, coffee in hand, wondering “what did this place used to be?” And the answer might be, “you know, a junkyard.” But what to keep in mind:
In short: two brownfield sites. One – River’s Edge, once high-heat industry, now 224 rental units and community hub. Two – Harrison Circle, once a junkyard/gas station zone, now 80 units plus commercial space. Both backed by state + local incentives. Both choosing people over neglect. And both inviting Kalamazoo to rewrite its narrative. |
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?! |
A comprehensive list of Halloween activites all around the Kalamazoo/Portage area:
https://allevents.in/kalamazoo/halloween#search |
Dia de los Muertos Celebration 2025
More info: https://elconciliokzoo.org/diadelosmuertos/ |
Parent’s Night Out: Halloween Edition
More info: https://allevents.in/kalamazoo/parents-night-out-halloween-edition/200028893726549 (Please note - reservations needed and there is a fee to attend) |
Southwest Michigan Train Show & Sale
More info: https://kmrhs.org/trainshow |
November Storytime
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Kalamazoo Valley Museum – Laboratory Mayhem & Museum Mayhem
More info: https://kalamazoomuseum.org/events |
New Restaurants in the Area |
Greenhouse Café (Kalamazoo)
More info: https://greenhousecafemi.toast.site/
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Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant (Kalamazoo)
More info: https://ayasofyarestaurants.com/ |
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