Kalamazoo officials hope a site with over a hundred years of history will be another step in reviving the economically depressed Edison Neighborhood.

The site at Portage and Lake Streets started out as the Union Brewery, and then with the start of Prohibition, transformed into the Kalamazoo Creamery. It served up milk and dairy products, under the "Klover Gold" brand name, through most of the rest of the century before finally being razed in 2011.

Now plans have been announced to build "The Creamery", a mixed use three story building.

The first floor of The Creamery will house nearly 7,500 square feet of commercial space. One great benefit to future residents: The developer is expected to enter a long-term lease agreement with the YWCA, which plans to locate a childcare center within a portion of the space. The remaining area will be used for its corporate offices and another commercial endeavor. -MSHDA

Background on the project: This project was announced Wednesday after the "MSHDA Board approved loans for a $14.3 million development deal that includes financial support from the Michigan Strategic Fund."

Hollander Development Corporation plans to redevelop the site into a LEED Platinum certified, mixed-use building offering affordable and workforce housing as well as commercial space.  A total of 48 residential units is planned with 33 units set aside for workforce and market-rate tenants, targeting households between 70 percent and 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). The other 15 units will be affordable to tenants earning less than 30 percent AMI.  - MSHDA

 

The hope is to get construction started next Spring.

 

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