KALAMAZOO : DISCOVER OLD TRADITIONS AND CREATE NEW MEMORIES

by Jennifer Zanowski

 

“Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo ”. Many have the impression that the city of Kalamazoo is a fictional place with an unusual name. The truth is that Kalamazoo does exist, and it’s thriving and booming now, more than ever! The unique characteristics of the city make it the ideal destination for exploration and excitement. There is something waiting for everyone among the entertainment, parks and recreation, shopping, nightlife and dining, cultural and artistic events, and higher education facilities. These elements of the city serve as the catalyst to learning about Kalamazoo , and experiencing the city first-hand.

 

One of the greatest aspects of Kalamazoo is the convenience of its location! Discovering Kalamazoo will give you the satisfaction of uncovering one of Michigan ’s best-kept secrets. Kalamazoo is located in southwest Michigan , exactly halfway between Chicago and Detroit , and is also only 35 miles from Lake Michigan . Whether you choose to stay a week or stop by for just the day, you can stay in an exquisite four-diamond hotel or intimate bed and breakfast. No matter how long your visit, you’ll want to start planning your next trip right away! Whatever is on your schedule, you will find that Kalamazoo is easy to get to, and hard to leave.

 

HISTORY

 

Kalamazoo , Michigan was considered a valuable asset to the United States , and continues to uphold that reputation to this day. The population of Kalamazoo is an approximate 238,544, and the numbers choosing to make this city their home are increasing. Kalamazoo was originally favored because it served as a fur trading post in the late 1700’s. Over the years, the city took various names because of the rare qualities that were constantly being discovered. These names included, “The Paper City”, “The Celery City”, “The Mall City”, and the “Bedding Plant Capital of the World”. Kalamazoo is best known for being “The Mall City”, because it’s home to the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the country. Auto traffic on Burdick Street ended in 1959, and shoppers enjoyed the four block-long outdoor mall. Only two blocks of this fabulous mall remain closed to traffic today, but the exciting and original atmosphere still remains.

 

Titus Bronson was the founder of Kalamazoo in 1831. Years later, his influence on Kalamazoo is still visible as he is remembered through his namesake, Bronson Park , which serves as the central focus of the city. Another historic landmark that Kalamazoo proudly owns is an Underground Railroad Home, which was erected in 1835. Nathan Thomas, the county’s first doctor, arranged his home to be part of a network of safe houses that hid former slaves. Visiting these specific historic sites and others in Kalamazoo proves to be an educational and entertaining event. It is also fulfilling to know that anytime you are enjoying downtown, you are actually part of the new history of Kalamazoo that is created every day.

 

CENTRAL CITY

 

Downtown Kalamazoo has become so much more than the nicknames that were once used to describe it. Since the community culture is so rich and vibrant, the city has been broken up into six extraordinary and separate districts. Although these districts neighbor each other, it’s the detailed differences among each of them that cause them to stand out individually. They make up what is called Central City, Kalamazoo ’s Downtown. Each is made of different mixtures of entertainment and art, dining and nightlife, and retail and business services. Exploring each of these individual districts will give you a brand new way of viewing Downtown Kalamazoo as a whole.

 

Kalamazoo Mall District

Kalamazoo Mall district serves as the heart and soul of Central City. Here you can walk up and down the herringbone brick and cement street of the Kalamazoo Mall, while passing friendly merchants and smiling customers. The festivities continue year round with parades, sidewalk sales, art on the mall, mixer on the mall, and other seasonal activities. While you’re in this district be sure to check out the Epic Center , State Theatre, and Radisson Plaza Hotel; you’ll be glad you did!

 

East End District

This district truly captures the creativity that exists throughout Kalamazoo . Stimulating spots are born from unusual and ordinary places in this end of Kalamazoo . You will discover antique shops, coffee shops that were once gas stations, and nationally known microbreweries. The diverse and flavorful entrepreneurs in East End enjoy the fact that there’s nobody like them.

 

South Town District

This melting pot is full of flavor, and is ready for you to dig in! There is an interesting mix of neighborhoods, businesses, and gathering places. In its earlier days it stood for a highly populated working class neighborhood, and its managing to hold onto its roots. The new Bronson Hospital has recently changed the look of South Town , and also proves to be a major contribution to Central City.

 

Arcadia District

Arcadia serves as the official definition of what is constantly coming and going in Kalamazoo . The Amtrak train can be heard throughout the district bringing people to and from the city. The founder of Kalamazoo settled in Arcadia Creek, the district’s original gateway. You will experience Kalamazoo at its best when you take part in any one of the annual events that take place at The Arcadia Creek Festival Place. New exhibits are always being showcased at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and new students are always welcomed at The Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Arcadia is a constant reminder that change is good for a city’s soul.

 

Bronson Park District

Come and explore the district that houses the memories of everything that’s ever happened in Kalamazoo . Bronson Park is the center of this district and is proudly surrounded by churches, a country courthouse, public library, and civic theatre. This district is exploding with stories of Kalamazoo ’s history that want to be told and retold again. It is where the city founder spent his first night, and where Abraham Lincoln once spoke. One of the most beautiful places to visit in this district is the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, which demonstrates how important knowledge of art is to Central City.

 

Haymarket District

If you’re looking for fun, the Haymarket is the place for you. You can find the excitement of the Haymarket along E. Michigan Avenue between the streets of Portage and Pitcher. Expect to hear sounds of jazz music floating through the air while patrons of all ages enjoy dinner at one of the well established restaurants. London Grille is a beautifully restored building in the heart of the district, a great place to enjoy hearty food and a beer with the locals. Don’t miss out on the live entertainment that can be found at Monaco Bay (a favorite among the student of the local Western Michigan University ), featuring dueling pianos. The food, entertainment, and service found at Monaco Bay is comparable to what you would find in Las Vegas . At any time of the day, you can also realize that this district still serves as the city’s center of commerce. The nightlife and entertainment seems to connect the past to the present, and everyone has a good time experiencing it.

 

 

A PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY

 

Kalamazoo strives to provide the best environment for the ones who live and grow up here. Positive attitudes are expressed while helping others in the community. This overall feeling is highly contagious in Kalamazoo , and it tends to affect anyone who gets too close. Many organizations spread this emotion throughout the city on a daily basis, such as the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Each of these organizations focuses on making the city a finer place to live and visit. It’s accomplished by making neighborhoods nicer, reviving the hopes and dreams of the homeless, and earning money through grants for needy individuals.

 

The importance of religion to Titus Bronson, the founder of Kalamazoo , can still be strongly recognized in the five original churches that remain downtown. These churches border Bronson Park , and have served central Kalamazoo for almost 750 years. The Baptist Church , First Congregational Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Reformed Church, and First United Methodist Church are all included in the five original churches, and were founded by less than 100 people in 1834.

 

 

A PLACE FOR THE ARTS

 

Kalamazoo is filled with appealing and educational events to attend. The arts community is taken very seriously among both the artists and those who appreciate it. The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) was founded in 1966, and is considered a strong provider of funds for the arts community. As a non-profit organization, they intend to improve the cultural life in greater Kalamazoo . Members include art organizations, individual artists, and art lovers. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has an impressive history starting from 1924. The KIA’s mission is to nourish the creation and appreciation of the visual arts for the communities of West Michigan . Exhibitions, lectures, special events and permanent collections continue to attract people to the KIA, with the interest of enjoying magnificent images.

 

If you’re in the mood to enjoy the arts in a unique atmosphere, the Kalamazoo State Theatre is the place to go! This historical fixture has been part of downtown since 1927. Many years and a few renovations later, the theatre is still drawing large audiences in for operas, dramas, big bands, ballets, dance reviews, stage shows and movies. The shows vary among many interests, so get your tickets today!

 

 

AN ESSENTIAL TRIP

 

Kalamazoo has so much going on, it’s essential to make the trip and see what the city has to offer you, specifically. Come experience old traditions as they intertwine with new possibilities, and be part of the ever-changing history of Kalamazoo . The distinct and vibrant community will leave an everlasting impression on you, and you’ll be eager to return. The hospitality of the community is showered on its guests, and Kalamazoo can’t wait to provide you with the memorable experience that you deserve.