KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Several projects are planned for the new year ahead in the downtown Kalamazoo area.

There has been plenty of construction over the past year and there’s more to come. The Exchange Building now towers over the city on West Michigan Avenue, a project that was about six years in the making. It is also now home to the offices of the Kalamazoo Promise.

A continuing operation is the construction at 180 Water Street. City officials say they will be adding four more floors to that development in 2020.

Behind 180 Water is Whiskey Alley which is being completely redesigned this year.

The City is also currently weighing options for a redesign of Arcadia Creek Festival Site. Officials say that requests for proposals into the redesign have already been released.

As for local businesses, City officials say that options are available for help, regardless of the business type. Citizens can contact the City Economic Office for help in developing ideas and options.

Officials note that many citizens make mistakes in trying to start a business without help, usually in the area of zoning requirements.

The business development isn’t limited to downtown, as the city wants to add local businesses in other neighborhoods as well.

More information about business development options through Kalamazoo can be found online at https://www.kalamazoocity.org/development.