Washington Square Revitalization

Phase One of the catalyst project will include selective demolition, the restoration of a key historic facade, rehabilitation of the associated retail space, and construction of new infill building for retail, as well as relocation of adult entertainment businesses clustered in Washington Square. During Phase Two, the adjacent private parking will be upgraded to serve both the new and existing retail and possibly function as an outdoor venue for small events and festivals, such as the annual Diversity Celebration. There will also be public right-of-way enhancements. The grant is to be used for facade improvements of the historic building, demolition of the non-historic adult entertainment building, and new building construction for retail.

Highlights:

• The grant-money project was completed, but there are other projects, for which we received funds from other contributors, that are still to be completed.
• There has been a good amount of retention and also expansion of existing companies in the area. A specific one was Grapevine, as it has expanded its business. Also, some others have changed owners because of the catalyst project.
• Through the state of Michigan the MSHDA- Recoverable Grant, and BRP Grant Transfer, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation provided grants for a project-related investment loan, community redevelopment fund grant, economic development priority grant, and exterior restoration project grant. The City of Kalamazoo awarded a community development block grant.
• Cultural attractions and investments in the area represent various groups, such as the Fine Arts Organization. Upjohn Park, which is a skate park, now has a pool upgrade and also added a boundary-free playground. There also was an upgrade to the Farmers’ Market.
• Other organizations involved in the project are the Edison Neighborhood, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation, Bronson Medical Center, and Downtown Kalamazoo Inc.