Two updates on the Kalamazoo Commons property:
1. Talks are underway to find a new theater operator for the 'former' Alamo Drafthouse Cinema / 'former-former' Rave Cityplace 14, possibly by this Fall, although no details about what company yet, apart from it being a nationally-recognized "major theater operator". I hope whoever it is can do something about the exterior, which is terrible, in my opinion.
Image Source:
Al Jones | MLive
2. In the same complex, all of the ground-floor commercial storefronts on all three sides of the building (with the exception of Farmer's Alley Theatre) are undergoing conversion to apartments, slated to open this August. The conversion, which involves about 17,000 SF of formerly-designated retail space, will create 8 apartments with one to three bedrooms each, going for $1,500 to $3,000 per month. There are already 17 fully-leased units on the second floor (with a three-level parking deck above these).
It is a logical change; having commercial spaces along South Street, Portage Street, and Farmer's Alley made little to no sense in the first place, as there is hardly any foot traffic in the area, apart from those heading to / from WMU's School of Medicine.
Image Source:
Al Jones | MLive