KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After initially being announced over a year ago, the Haymarket Plaza will officially open with a dedication ceremony this Thursday, September 16.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and will run through 9 p.m.
The celebration will include a presentation by Michigan House entitled “Placemaking to Build Community,” during which former City of Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell will host a panel of executives from Landscape Forms, Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership and TowerPinkster.
Officials say that presentation will be held to discuss the importance of placemaking in Kalamazoo.
“We are excited to unveil Haymarket Plaza and celebrate its completion with the community,” Treystar Partner and CFO Fritz Brown said in a previous statement. “This is truly a one-of-a-kind space within our community. It will be a fantastic way to enjoy the arts, relax, and make connections. Treystar is also excited to announce big news about the plaza’s ongoing use at the dedication.”
Officials say Haymarket Plaza was initiated as a result of the construction of Catalyst Development’s 275,000-square-foot mixed-use project adjacent to Treystar’s Main Street East commercial development, located on the 200 block of Michigan Avenue.
In addition, performances by Yolonda Lavender and Pink Sky will be held, as well as a demonstration of the plaza’s 3D projection mapping technology.
Designed by TowerPinkster Architects with assistance from Kingscott Associates, Haymarket Plaza has the following features:
- a snow-melt system,
- decorative concrete,
- lighting,
- Landscape Forms furniture,
- an open area designed for entertainment and/or food trucks, and
- an outdoor seating area for food/beverages.
Four projection-mapping projectors are included to display art, announcements and entertainment on the northeast elevation of the Haymarket building in the evenings.
The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony on September 16, but an RSVP is requested. To find out how to do so, click here.
