Econo Lodge Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Kings baseball

by sambarnett

This is the worst ballpark I've ever been to. The grandstand looks nice, but most of the stadium is aluminum and plastic and divided into separate sections. This gives Homer Stryker Field (then known as Sutherland Field) a very amateurish feel. A chain link fence, a big no-no in my book as it is too obstructive, surrounds the playing field. It's kind of hard to find from the eastbound Interstate too.
   The crowd seemed to have NO clue about what was going on on the field. For a spot of fun my friend and I started cheering for the opposite team. Lo and behold, most of the people in our section started cheering along with us. The only other time people showed enthusiasm was when the GM came out and encouraged people to stomp their feet on the aluminum bleachers. And he did this maybe 10 times in the course of the game. Yeah, that's fun. My head was throbbing by the 8th inning.
   If you're in the area and are looking to catch a game, try C.O. Brown Field in nearby Battle Creek instead. A much better experience to say the least.

Kalamazoo Downtown

by KalamazooJohn

"Renovation and new construction well along"

Much of the downtown has seen its renovation completed, such as this block, looking east.

"This block due for some renewal"

Unfortunately, a restaurant I like was removed.

"Recently derelict building now nice residental"

When I moved to Kalamazoo three years ago, this building was vacant. If I was to live downtown, this is the place. The sculpture is the "History Wheel" at the local history museum, which is behind me.

"Rose Street Market"

The building no longer hosts a market, but it is a pretty one. The building to the left is new, made to look like the older ones, and housing the National City Bank offices.

"Nice 1872 office building"

Now also housing offices of the National City Bank. Once was a carriage factory.

"And something must come down"

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, what was once the Upjohn Company, is tearing down several structures ranging from 1930 to 1970's. To the right of this picture is a new multi screen theater under construction.

"The sun doesn't always shine"

Here is a nice snowstorm from last winter. I went for a walk for a couple hours, and I always take my camers.

"Portage Street murals"

There are several of these murals along Portage, this one is on the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner sales office.