City approves rezoning for development in Kalamazoo's downtown

KALAMAZOO, MI -- A plan to rezone 50 acres in downtown Kalamazoo to encourage pedestrian-friendly housing and commercial developments was approved after a public hearing Tuesday.

With the approval of the Kalamazoo City Commission, an ordinance to rezone 45 parcels between South Pitcher and Mills streets and between East Michigan Avenue and the Portage Creek/King Highway area is intended to promote commercial, mixed-use development. The Kalamazoo Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance at its Jan. 17 meeting.

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Planning staff recommended the city approve the rezoning in order to prime Kalamazoo's east end for future development. According to a

, an increase in demand for downtown residential space is causing developers to look at land and facilities adjacent to the central business district for new mixed-use projects.

Commissioner Jack Urban pointed specifically toward an $11 million Treystar development as an example of future uses in the area.

The overlooked former foundry building at 600 E. Michigan Ave. is being transformed into an office complex with sprawling communal spaces and an attached restaurant.

"This is a huge section right in the center of our downtown that has been neglected for years," Urban said. "I'm very excited about how this fits in with the River's edge initiatives the city began years ago."

Developments on the east end would be near downtown entertainment features like Food Dance Restaurant, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Black Owl Cafe and Arcadia Ales, the latter which was also developed by Treystar.

Across the Kalamazoo River, Merchants Crossing is a collection of vacant commercial buildings and parcels acquired by the Kalamazoo County Land Bank.

Originally home to the Merchants Publishing business, the site has housed numerous businesses over the years, before falling into disrepair, vacancy, and eventually tax foreclosure in 2014 and 2015.

The land bank has released requests for proposals that would transform previously blighted parcels into a vibrant and attractive hub to complement the nearby redevelopment.

Developments in the 50-acre area would be required to adhere to new design guidelines created by the commission to foster a pedestrian-friendly environment. New buildings would need to be at least 20 feet tall, constructed close to the front property lines, and have parking located in the rear or side of the lot.

Buildings would also be required to feature attractive facades containing large window space, and front entrances facing the streets.

Whenever possible, building and site design would be also required to take advantage of Portage Creek, which cuts through many of the parcels and serves as the zone's southern boundary. Balconies, porches, sitting areas and outdoor customer areas should offer a view of the creek.

Bike lanes will be included in the street areas and the street network will be required to offer multiple connective and circular routes to adjacent areas.

Drive-through facilities would be allowed with some regulation, limited to the side and rear of buildings.

City officials believe east end of downtown Kalamazoo is beginning to show its potential to area developers, especially with the City Commission's decision to accept a $70.3 million donation to cut its general property tax.

Commissioners have committed to reducing the tax by 38 percent, from 19.27 mills to 12 mills starting this fiscal year. The City Commission approved a 2017 budget proposal incorporating the millage reduction Tuesday night.

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