Kalamazoo redevelopment project seeks to transform old county courthouse into hotel

Three major sites in downtown Kalamazoo could soon be the focus of a huge transformation project.

PlazaCorp is leading an investment for the project, worth more than $100 million, hoping to transform underused properties into vibrant spaces as presented to Kalamazoo city commissioners during a meeting Monday night.

“This project preserves the architectural and historic identity of our downtown, investing in buildings and people that tell Kalamazoo’s story,” Trisha Kidd, director of project management for PlazaCorp, said.

The structures being repurposed include the Spearflex office building, which will be turned into 57 residential units, and a rundown factory on 619 Porter Street, which will be a mix of commercial and residential use.

The third location is a historical Kalamazoo County Courthouse, located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo.

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Once finished, the courthouse will be a hotel operated by a national chain, offering 127 rooms, restaurants, a lobby bar, and onsite parking.

“Designed to serve both residents and visitors, the hotel will help drive tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen the city’s economic vitality,” Kidd said.

PlazaCorp’s investment will be led through Transformational Brownfield Program, allowing developers to use a set amount of money from taxpayers –including property and sales tax– to help move the project forward, funding things like demolition, construction, and restoration.

This tool helps to bridge financial gaps that might otherwise prevent these projects from moving forward.

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“We're looking for job creation, creation of housing,” Sarah Snoeyink, community development manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said. “It’s something that’s bigger than just a single property being rehabilitated, it’s supporting an ecosystem of change.”

These projects aim to breathe new life into underutilized properties by fueling economic growth and supporting local businesses, said Kidd, while also preserving some of Kalamazoo’s most historical buildings.

“This initiative represents a bold and thoughtful step forward, reinvigorating key sites in our downtown and reflecting our shared vision for Kalamazoo’s future,” said Kidd.

Project plans will be seeking approval later this year, but even then, would not be set to complete until 2031.