KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Western Michigan University is getting an impressive return for a piece of downtown real estate.
The address in question sounds more prestigious than it is. It’s at the corner of Kalamazoo Avenue and Westnedge Avenue, and is now the location of a vacant funeral home.
WMU Vice President for Business and Finance Jan Van Der Kley says Kalamazoo County wants to buy the land to provide dedicated parking for the new Justice Center, which is still under construction.
The university got the land for free following a joint intergovernmental discussion to promote development of the Arcadia Creek area several years ago.
Kalamazoo County has agreed to purchase the square block for $1.15 million, pending an environmental assessment.
Van Der Kley says the money would go into WMU’s general fund and be spent on whatever is deemed the highest priority.
(reporting from John McNeill)
