The latest from Southwest Michigan.
A 125-Year-Old Landmark in Cass County Restored to its Former Glory
After two decades of vacancy, the iconic Cass County Administration building has been painstakingly restored just in time for its 125th anniversary through the incredible work by construction firm ELITE Companies, architect Intersect Studio, and owner’s representative PlazaCorp Realty Advisors, Inc.
‘Halloween Boo Bash’ at Silver Beach Center October 12
A Halloween Party with a carousel, the Sanderson Sister witches, a magician, and other eerie-ristable activities? Yes, please! Make plans now to attend the Third Annual Halloween Boo Bash at Silver Beach Center in St. Joseph on Oct. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Southwest Michigan Welcomes its First Black-owned Venture Capital Firm with $50M
Southwest Michigan’s first Black-owned venture capital firm made its debut with a $50 million capital commitment. It’s called Kalamazoo Forward Ventures and is made up of seven successful and community-driven men, all from Michigan.
Ground Breaks on Olive Garden at Battle Creek’s Lakeview Square Mall
HOT ROD Drag Week Returns to West Michigan, Celebrating 20 Years
The race to determine the title of “Fastest Street Car in America” is returning to West Michigan. As part of the race’s 20th anniversary, it’s returning to two of the tracks it visited in its very first year, with one being in Martin, Michigan on Wednesday, September 18.
$65M Hard Rock Hotel project rolls forward in Kalamazoo, but behind schedule
Hard Rock Hotels has announced plans for development of a new hotel at the historic Gibson guitar and mandolin manufacturing site at 225 Parsons St., which is the founding location of Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. in 1917.REVERB by Hard Rock Kalamazoo would be a destination location for visitors and is set to be completed in the fall of 2023.
Rock Star Buys Michigan Vineyard and Winery
OneRepublic guitarist Zach Filkins and his wife, Lindsay, bought Karma Vista winery in Coloma after a recent visit. The vineyard and winery boasts sweeping views of the countryside and is located about 45 minutes from Kalamazoo. The winery has been renamed Filkins Vineyards.
See Binder Park Zoo’s Adorable New Zebra Foal and Its Proud Mom
Binder Park Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its family of zebras. Born July 15, the unnamed foal is the first-born of mother Debbie, the zoo’s last foal that was born in 2018, according to Marketing Manager Allie Stoddard. Zookeepers are expected to announce the newborn’s name once it is chosen.
USTA Boys National Championships Begin This Friday
The United States Tennis Association is coming to Kalamazoo for its Boys 18s and 16s National Championships from Aug 2-11. Get ready for 10 days of intense competition as nearly 500 outstanding juniors arrive from all over the US to compete to win an automatic bid to the US Open Tournament.
Chalk the Block to Return to St. Joseph in August
Get ready for an art-filled weekend as Chalk the Block makes its colorful return to downtown St. Joseph from Aug. 2-4. Amateur and professional artists will showcase their creativity as the community strolls Broad Street and votes for their favorite piece.
KRESA’s $100M Education Center Aims to Open for 2025-2026 School Year
Progress is being made on the $100 million Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) Career and Technical Education Center. This project is important for the region as it will prepare area students for high-demand career opportunities.
There is ‘Something for Everyone’ at This Year’s Battle Creek Garden Tour, July 20-21
Love to garden? Leila Arboretum Society will showcase a variety of different gardening styles during its 31st annual Battle Creek Garden Tour. This year, the garden tour will feature seven gardens in the Battle Creek area with a diverse array of gardening styles on display. Tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20 and 21, rain or shine.