KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) - The state of Michigan is backing a renovation of the historic Depot Building in downtown Kalamazoo with more than $480,000 in funding.
The redevelopment of the 1920s-era train depot is getting a Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant that’s authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Kalamazoo Gazette reported (https://bit.ly/1PY74n3 ).
The support announced on Thursday by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. requires the project to generate a capital investment of about $3.6 million and create up to 20 jobs, the newspaper said.
“The restoration of this historic structure will bring new vitality to downtown Kalamazoo, create jobs for local residents and serve as a catalyst for additional economic growth in the area,” Steve Arwood, chief executive officer of the MEDC, said in a statement.
The Depot Building was originally built for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad and has served as the home of a used furniture store, a guitar shop and other businesses.
An offshoot company of Kalamazoo-based PlazaCorp Realty Advisors announced plans last month to renovate the vacant Depot Building for commercial and office uses, starting with a HopCat craft beer bar and a Maru Sushi and Grill restaurant.
BarFly Ventures said the craft beer bar and restaurant with seating for about 300 will be its 11th HopCat and will open this fall. Maru Sushi, which has locations in East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Midland and Okemos, will open a 90-seat restaurant at the building.
The businesses are expected to add to a cluster of venues in downtown’s entertainment district.
Renovation will include restoration of the historic exterior and interior of the building, along with the addition of new porch space.
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Information from: Kalamazoo Gazette, https://www.mlive.com/kalamazoo
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