The idea for this website had been floating around in my head for a number of years. I've long been interested with Kalamazoo's buildings and with architecture as a whole. Having assembled a number of sources and historic photos I was prepared to begin the site when a twist of fate lead my first webproject to be about Detroit. That was three years ago.

Taking HIST 404 at Western Michigan University with Dr. Schmitt provided me another opportunely to start the site. Nothing wakes up a lazy person like a deadline! And thus on November 29, 2000 (the day it was due) Built Kalamazoo was born.

I have borrowed the format of the site from one of my favorite websites, The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit. The site is arranged as a tour taking you through a series of geographical 'districts'. Further explanation of the different districts may be found on the History page. For those looking for a specific building, a Table of Contents is provided.

Currently (as of 11-29-00) this is only the foundation of the site. This will be an ongoing project. I will continually be adding information, various goodies, as well as many more buildings.

I hope you enjoy this look at Kalamazoo's past. Should you have any questions or comments feel free to send me an e-mail.

David Kohrman
david.kohrman@wmich.edu