How Kalamazoo built the nation’s first pedestrian mall
On August 19, 1959, two blocks of Burdick Street closed to cars and about 50,000 people came to see what downtown could be.
Downtown Kalamazoo
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News & stories
Press releases, updates and stories about downtown Kalamazoo and the people who make it what it is.
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Downtown parking updates take effect
New downtown parking zones and rates started April 1, 2026. The first 90 minutes stay free in the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall ramps.
City of Kalamazoo
Festivals go on at Arcadia Creek during its renovation (opens in a new tab)
WOOD TV 8 on the $3.6 million transformation of Arcadia Creek Festival Place, and the summer festivals still planned at the site.
From WOOD TV 8
Downtown businesses invited to apply for Match on Main grant
The City could apply for up to $25,000 in state Match on Main funding for two downtown businesses. This year's application window has closed.
City of Kalamazoo
Construction approved for Farmers Alley and Rose Street plazas
The first two sites of the Downtown Kalamazoo Placemaking project, Farmers Alley and the Rose Street plaza at Arcadia Creek, moved to construction in 2026.
City of Kalamazoo
Historic Kalamazoo State Theatre sold; new owners plan to reopen in 2027 (opens in a new tab)
The 1927 movie palace on South Burdick Street has new owners who hope to reopen it in its 100th year.
From Signature Associates
More smart recycling units coming downtown
Twenty-six new Bigbelly units replaced 58 old trash cans, bringing downtown to 51 dual trash and recycling bins.
WMUK, reporting on the City of Kalamazoo’s news release
For media
For interviews, photos or information about downtown Kalamazoo, contact the City of Kalamazoo’s downtown team.
Email downtown@kalamazoocity.org
Call (269) 337-8993
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