New plan for Kalamazoo Gazette site

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Phoenix Properties has announced its plans to redevelop the former Kalamazoo Gazette building in downtown Kalamazoo.

The building, at the corner of Kalamazoo Mall and Lovell Street, had been the home for the Kalamazoo Gazette since 1925. Now a part of the MLive Media Group, the paper's news and advertising sales staff has relocated to 316 S. Kalamazoo Mall.

"Phoenix Properties is very excited to be contributing to the dynamic recent growth in this part of our downtown market," said Alan Sylvester and Greg Taylor, principals of Phoenix. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with the many committed economic development partners, both public and private, who have supported our efforts to add value in our community. We envision a mix of retail, residential, office, medical and perhaps even some production uses for this fine facility."

Terms of the sale remain confidential and the total project cost will depend upon the final user mix, according to a news release.

This project could provide space for commercial tenants as soon as this summer.

The conversion of this property to mixed-use will occur during the same time period other major development projects are completed in its immediate vicinity, which include Peregrine Plaza, a redevelopment project for commercial use (now housing the new offices for MLive), residential units, and the Western Michigan University School of Medicine, located one block away.
 
Ken Nacci, president of Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated, said, "DKI is pleased that it will be working with Phoenix on this project because it appreciates the rich history of this great property. We are confident that, done properly, the Gazette buildings will create many exciting new opportunities for downtown job creation and add attractions to this expanding part of town."

"Our organization is pleased that Phoenix, as a local developer, will be working hard to preserve the pride of ownership that the Kalamazoo Gazette has always had for our long-time home. Our business is starting an exciting new phase in Kalamazoo and we look forward to witnessing equally exciting new uses of our property," said James Stephanak, publisher, representing the Kalamazoo Gazette.