KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — A gaggle of local elected officials and representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation toured the Depot and the Foundry in Downtown Kalamazoo yesterday, to look at projects that have won state incentives, and turned hovels into hotspots.
The Depot, which once was home to a hubcap shop, is now the home of Hopcat, a sushi restaurant and a financial firm.
Andy Wentzel with Plaza Corp says it was falling apart when they took it over.
Rep. Brandt Iden says the state can help with the financing to make things happen.
Senator Margaret O’Brien says it’s the MEDC that makes it possible.
The foundry was an old abandoned steel mill that is now ultra-modern office space and will soon be the home of a new restaurant.
Plaza Corp also has plans to remodel the current County Courthouse, the Old Masonic Temple and the Gibson Guitar Works. Those projects may be seeking state help as well.
