A typical summer in downtown Kalamazoo is full of festivals, shopping, and incredible bites from local restaurants. While this summer may look a little different, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is still dedicated to providing memorable, safe experiences. Jennifer Kitson Jelenek, chief operating officer of the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership said the number one priority remains to engage the community with local businesses and the downtown space. Based on recent survey results that assessed customer comfortability, 95 percent of respondents considered themselves likely or very likely to wear a mask while out in public and don’t mind doing so. “Every day presents a new and different challenge. Businesses are working really hard to adapt their business models, to adapt their physical restaurants or physical store to keep customers safe and comfortable during this time,” said Jennifer. “It’s just so important during this time to continue to do things like order takeout and support local businesses because they employ people and they’re part of our broader economy.” To better support the downtown businesses, the team at the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership has created or reinvented its three summer series: Workout Wednesday, Beats on Bates, and new this year Kalamazoo Mall Market.
Weekly throughout the summer on Wednesday evenings, the community can enjoy a wellness activity from a local fitness studio or small business in Bronson Park followed by a featured artist and refreshments on bates alley. On Friday evenings, the Kalamazoo Mall Market opens. During this time vehicle traffic is limited and restaurants and businesses are allowed to expand their space onto the sidewalks through the Outdoor Experience program. “This program really helps with the capacity limits at restaurants and allows businesses to extend outside and pull more business in,” said Megan Behymer, communications and marketing manager. This week, plan to workout with Clock-N-Lock Escape Room, jam with Megan Dooley, and support local businesses at the Mall Market.
