Kalamazoo Growth Boom; 11 New Apartments Over Coney Island
The downtown Kalamazoo apartment boom continues with the announcement that the three upper floors of 266 East Michigan Ave. will be developed into eleven apartments and also, expect a new second restaurant on the main floor. Most people know the building as the home of Kalamazoo's oldest restaurant, Coney Island, which will remain a tenant. Adjacent to Coney Island was Ouzo's, which closed it's door a couple of years ago.
Specifics on the apartments and their cost haven't been announced, but the original real estate listing said "The additional commercial space on Levels 2, 3, and 4 boast the building's original character and history just waiting to be developed into apartments or condos. This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of Downtown Kalamazoo's most valuable, historic buildings."
The announcement by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the governor's office says the plan is for 11 apartment units, and another restaurant to move into the space formerly occupied by Ouzo's. (The real estate listing said the existing bar equipment and liquor license were a part of the deal.) The state and city are involved as this is part of The Opportunity Zone in downtown Kalamazoo, and more than $400,000 in development money will be coming to this development, which reports say includes $3.5 in capital investment and is expected to create five jobs, though that figure need to be explained.
One other factor to consider is the effort and capital the city of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is using to develop and promote Bates Alley, the alley behind Michigan Avenue between Portage Road and Edwards Street that has become an additional entertainment area.