Kalamazoo: A Thriving Hub of Culture and Innovation

Brimming with creativity and a lively spirit, Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a city that harmoniously blends urban vitality with a warm, community-driven atmosphere. Home to thinkers, doers, and dreamers, Kalamazoo is a place where innovation meets opportunity, creating a vibrant hub that's continually growing.

Imagine strolling through bustling farmers’ markets, surrounded by the scent of fresh produce and artisan creations, or taking in the city’s rich cultural tapestry highlighted by its engaging arts scene. With institutions like the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, residents and visitors alike are spoiled with world-class performances and exhibitions.

Education thrives here too, thanks to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, fostering an environment brimming with youthful energy and diverse perspectives. The renowned Kalamazoo Promise further fuels the city's educational ethos, promising a bright future for every local student.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the city's lush parks and trails, perfect for both leisurely strolls and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Meanwhile, the craft beer aficionados find solace in craft breweries like Bell’s Brewery, offering a communal place to savor finely brewed flavors.

Kalamazoo is not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive, to explore, and to create lifelong memories. Whether you’re looking to innovate, unwind, or come together with a welcoming community, Kalamazoo warmly awaits.

What Most People Get Wrong About Basement Waterproofing

Charlie Hill

Homeowners often misunderstand the real threat moisture poses to basements. The most visible signs, such as cracks in concrete or standing water after a storm, are not the full picture. Many believe these indicators are the beginning of a problem, when in fact they may result from long-standing moisture intrusion.

What escapes notice are the smaller fractures in foundation walls or floors — thin enough to appear harmless but wide enough for water vapor and groundwater to pass through. These fine cracks, sometimes no wider than a sewing needle, allow consistent dampness into the basement environment. Over time, that moisture feeds mold growth, degrades wood framing, and reduces the integrity of masonry.

A common misconception is that basement waterproofing begins and ends with interior fixes. Sealants, epoxy injections, or even high-capacity sump pumps can provide short-term relief. However, these measures treat symptoms rather than sources. Moisture that has already breached the structure is more difficult to control and more expensive to remediate.

By contrast, a robust waterproofing strategy begins on the outside of the foundation. Excavation allows the application of waterproof barriers directly to exterior walls. This exterior sealing is often accompanied by a network of drainage systems — French drains, gravel trenches, and perforated piping — that redirect groundwater before it accumulates against the structure. In this way, pressure on the foundation is reduced, and entry points are sealed before water can make contact.

The concept of waterproofing as a one-time installation is another misstep. Ongoing attention to site grading, gutter performance, and soil saturation levels plays a key role in protecting the foundation. When surface water is allowed to pool near basement walls, even the best membranes will eventually fail. Regular inspection of the exterior drainage infrastructure is just as vital as the initial installation.

Basement waterproofing works best when it redirects water before it ever reaches the foundation, not after moisture has entered the structure.

Long-term success relies on a strategy that combines external sealing, efficient drainage, and maintenance of above-ground systems. When executed properly, this approach can protect not just the basement, but the air quality, structure, and overall durability of the home above it.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Located midway between Detroit and Chicago, Kalamazoo has become a strategic destination for industrial investment in Southwest Michigan. The city’s access to I-94, US-131, and the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport creates strong logistics advantages for manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers looking to serve Midwest and national markets.

Recent years have seen a surge in demand for modern industrial space, with new developments such as Midlink Business Park and the expansion of the Kalamazoo Business Park providing flexible options for advanced manufacturing, warehousing, and life sciences. Vacancy rates remain tight, and local real estate leaders report that shovel-ready sites and build-to-suit opportunities are moving quickly.

Kalamazoo’s collaborative approach to workforce development is a major draw for employers. The Michigan Works! Southwest network, along with local partners like Kalamazoo Valley Community College, delivers tailored training in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. These efforts are reinforced by state programs such as the Michigan New Jobs Training Program, which helps companies offset training costs for new employees.

On the incentives front, Michigan’s Business Development Program and local tax abatements through the City of Kalamazoo can help reduce upfront costs for expanding or relocating businesses. The city and county economic development teams work closely with companies to streamline permitting and connect them with available resources.