Downtown Kalamazoo is set to celebrate the grand opening of Bates Alley on Friday, Oct. 5, during October's Art Hop. The public is invited to join in to light the overhead bistro lighting to signal the alleyway’s completion at 5:30 p.m.. Think of it as an electrical ribbon cutting. Then stick around for live music by Alex Mendenall. This is thanks in part to a matched crowd funding effort to turn the undervalued strip of alleyway behind such Kalamazoo staples as Olde Peninsula and Green Top Tavern in to a pedestrian promenade with outdoor seating, bistro lighting, an neighborly feel. Mayor Bobby Hopewell is excited to see this space used to its full potential, saying, quote, "Being able to bring Bates Alley to life through the partnership of individuals, local entities and state
organizations is an example of successful collaboration for positive impact. We are especially excited to be able to host a project like this in Downtown Kalamazoo."

Celebrate the lighting of Bates Alley this Friday during Art Hop.

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