FIRST & 42 - Places Taking Shape

Issue #185 | Monday, June 15

Southwest Michigan First offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, we’re sharing how a Northside affordable housing project is moving ahead with new county support for Zone 32 Phase II. We’re also highlighting Pipestone Golf’s $2 million indoor recreation expansion in Berrien County, new housing and commercial space coming to downtown Albion, and a Berrien Springs playground inspired by children’s drawings. Plus, don’t miss the June Chamber Connect at Vickers Lakeside Tavern in Vicksburg on Wednesday, June 24 for an evening designed to help you build relationships, make new connections, and grow your network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

Northside Housing Project Moves Ahead

Kalamazoo County has approved $2 million in Housing Millage funds to support Zone 32 Phase II, an affordable housing project planned for the Northside neighborhood. The project is expected to add 38 affordable units near Pitcher and Myrtle Streets, with a groundbreaking planned for summer 2026.

Read Full Story

Berrien County

Pipestone Golf Plans $2M Expansion

Albion Lands Major Housing Boost

Kids’ Drawings Inspire New Playground

Quick Hits

● Kalamazoo is listed as a coming-soon location for Goodwill’s Clean Tech Accelerator, putting Southwest Michigan alongside major markets in a growing national workforce training effort. Read ›

● Versiti Blood Centers will host a blood drive at The Catalyst Center in downtown Kalamazoo on Tuesday, June 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Read ›

● Rx Kids is expanding to Galesburg, Oshtemo Township and Wakeshma Township, bringing direct support to more Kalamazoo County moms and babies during pregnancy and a child’s first year. Read ›

● The Rotary Club of Kalamazoo will host its Third Annual Kalamazoo River Cleanup on Saturday, June 20, inviting volunteers to help clean up sites across Kalamazoo, Comstock and Parchment. Read ›

Upcoming Events

June Chamber Connect

Join us for the June Chamber Connect at Vickers Lakeside Tavern in Vicksburg and spend the evening building relationships, making new connections and growing your network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber.

Wednesday, June 24 | 4 - 6 p.m.

Register

Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect @ Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Tuesday, June 16 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

South Haven HarborFest @ Riverfront Park
Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20

Juneteenth Celebration @ Bronson Park
Saturday, June 20 | 1 - 7 p.m.

Intern Mixer | Discovering Kalamazoo @ The Catalyst Center
Thursday, June 25 | 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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