Check out the hidden gem of Asylum Lake Preserve in Kalamazoo for a peaceful nature escape.

Downtown Kalamazoo is experiencing its most significant transformation in decades as the highly anticipated Kalamazoo Event Center nears completion.

The $515 million, 453,000-square-foot development has entered its most visible construction phase, with steel beams now rising after infrastructure work that began in fall 2024.

The scale is remarkable — designed to host over 230 events annually, including concerts, community gatherings, and sporting events.

September 2025's ceremonial groundbreaking drew an estimated 3,000-plus attendees celebrating what many consider the catalyst for regional economic revival.

William Johnston of Greenleaf Companies and his wife Ronda Stryker have spent two decades bringing this completely private investment to life.

The facility will house Western Michigan University's basketball and hockey programs, the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team, and numerous regional events.

Local economic impact includes $174.9 million on materials and labor, plus 40 construction jobs through partnerships with Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

The project has triggered additional regional investments, including Kalamazoo Candle Company's $1 million expansion and PlazaCorp's $32.7 million historic building conversion into 82-unit housing.

Construction completes by fall 2027, with projections of over $50 million annual economic impact and half a million yearly visitors positioning Southwest Michigan for unprecedented growth.

Downtown Kalamazoo is rapidly emerging as a thriving technology and innovation hub, fueled by strategic investments and entrepreneurial momentum.

A $54.6 million brownfield plan recently gained state approval, unlocking nearly $96 million in private development across ambitious downtown projects.

PlazaCorp Realty Advisors leads this transformation with three major developments.

The historic 1937 courthouse will become a 127-room boutique hotel featuring a lobby bar, fitness center, and restaurant.

Meanwhile, a deteriorated Porter Street building will rise as five stories of mixed-use space with 58 residential units and commercial property.

Tech companies like RealBio Technology and Revision Autonomy are establishing operations locally, with the latter developing cutting-edge automotive vision systems.

Western Michigan University anchors this ecosystem through its Starting Gate accelerator, providing year-long support for student entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.

State investment of nearly $700,000 in WMU's advanced manufacturing programs targets electric vehicle and semiconductor industries, creating a skilled workforce pipeline.

Organizations like Startup Zoo attract investment dollars and talent while WMed provides dedicated incubators for science and technology startups.

This infrastructure positions Kalamazoo as an affordable alternative to expensive markets like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor.

THERE ARE A LOT OF EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE AREA - Check them out!

January 15 – January 23

 Arts & Entertainment

The Cherry Orchard — Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
Ongoing performances through January 23
A classic stage production filled with humor, drama, and timeless storytelling.

Revisiting Creedence (CCR Tribute Concert)
Friday, January 16 — 7:30 PM
Miller Auditorium
A high-energy tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival featuring all the hits.

Joe Policastro Trio Jazz Night
Thursday, January 15 — 7:00–8:30 PM
An intimate evening of live jazz music.

Family & Community Fun

Ice Cream Challenge — Air Zoo
Saturday, January 17 — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
A fun, hands-on family science activity at the Air Zoo.

Portage Community & Senior Center Events

Guitar Club
Friday, January 16 — 2:00–4:00 PM
Sunday, January 18 — 2:30–4:30 PM

Quilting and More
Friday, January 16 — 2:00–5:00 PM
Friday, January 23 — 2:00–5:00 PM

Euchre Card Games
Sunday, January 18 — 2:00–5:00 PM

Cornhole
Monday, January 19 — 12:00–1:30 PM

Cribbage
Monday, January 19 — 1:00–4:30 PM

DIY Creativity Tuesdays
Tuesday, January 20 — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Bridge Club
Tuesday, January 20 — 12:30–3:30 PM
Friday, January 23 — 12:30–3:30 PM

Chess & Checkers
Tuesday, January 20 — 2:00–4:00 PM

Pinochle & Poker
Thursday, January 22 — 1:00–4:30 PM

Crafty Recyclers
Friday, January 23 — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Here are some recent trending restaurants you might want to check out:

• WL Socialhouse — Trendy lunch/dinner spot downtown.

• 600 Kitchen & Bar — Local favorite for casual American fare.

• Studio Grill — Classic brunch and burgers downtown.

• The Grazing Table Kalamazoo — Great for sandwiches, salads, and lunch bites.

• Latitude 42° Brewing Company Portage — Popular brewpub with elevated pub food.

• Mex House — Tex-Mex brunch & lunch in Portage.

• Blue Kitchella — Highly rated casual restaurant in Portage.

ENTERTAINMENT UPDATE: 

It was announced at the Portage City Council Meeting on Jan. 13 that ZapZone will be opening on Feb 4.  I also heard there may be an open house upcoming - stay tuned! 

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