Downtown Kalamazoo, MI
A RENEWED VISION AND PRIORITIES FOR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shuttering of its Downtown Partnership, the City of Kalamazoo is reconstructing its downtown’s operating entity with its Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Economic Growth Authority. The City engaged Yard & Company to lead a working group through a 3-month strategic planning process to craft a new structure, set of roles and responsibilities, and its identity in the community. The process has led to an action-oriented strategic plan for the new operating entity and crafted a curated event plan to support the reintroduction of it to the Kalamazoo community.
Services
Planning | Activation | Operation
Timeframe
2022
Client
City of Kalamazoo
Location
Kalamazoo, Michigan
PROBLEM
How can Kalamazoo breathe new life into its downtown by addressing neglected public spaces and reinvigorating the downtown operating entity to create a more vibrant pedestrian experience?
SOLUTION
Revitalize downtown by focusing on public spaces, modernizing the downtown operating entity, and creating a pedestrian-friendly experience.
ACTION
Improve sidewalks, create “outdoor rooms,” add attractive signage and art, revamp the downtown operating entity, and partner with the City to boost street-level retail.
