KALAMAZOO, MI — Kalamazoo’s historic Michigan Avenue Courthouse has sat empty since the end of 2023.

Now, local real estate developer PlazaCorp is pitching a project that would turn the 88-year-old building into a hotel.

The 127-room boutique hotel will include a restaurant, bar and speakeasy, Trisha Kidd, PlazaCorp director of project management, told the Kalamazoo City Commission.

The $50 million investment will preserve the historic landmark’s exterior, Kidd said. Inside, a national hotel brand will offer a luxury stay in the heart of Kalamazoo.

Kidd could not be reached for more information regarding plans for the building’s interior.

Work on the hotel wouldn’t start until 2029, said PlazaCorp’s Mark Chilcott, but would be complete in 2030.

The hotel will strengthen the city’s

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