Kreeger Building

Home to Green Top Tavern

Situated today at 250-252 E. Michigan Avenue, the Kreeger Building’s most notable feature is the Art Deco-style typeface used to inscribe the surname “Kreeger” into its sandstone façade. Some of the lore and mystery regarding the building stems from a difficulty in providing a definitive built-date, as well as its possible role in anti-prohibition activities.

The two-story building was likely built c.1882, and has housed its current occupant, the Green Top Tavern, since the early 1930s, making it the second oldest pub in the city. However, when zooming in on a photograph from the late 1860s, a building clearly stands at the same location, albeit with a far different appearance. So, without any clear evidence that a newer building was erected sometime later, it is certainly possible that the building is even older than 1882. What makes the confusion even more vexing, is why in 1924, when Peter Kreeger moved into the building, did he inscribe his name and year into the building’s façade. Was it because a major renovation had taken place, erasing much of the building’s earlier features?

Before Peter Kreeger (1896-1947) opened a cigar store and pool hall around 1924, the building possessed several occupants, including a meat market (William L. Fischer), a saloon proprietor and a grocery store. Prohibition was in full swing at the time when Peter Kreeger moved in, forcing him to wait until the repeal of the temperance law in 1932 to be able to apply for a liquor license. But did he actually wait? The business has since been referred to as a speakeasy by the current owners, suggesting that alcohol distribution played a role in its affairs despite the legal restrictions.

“Overcoats, with pints in the pockets, were sold off racks, and patrons would climb the stairwell in the back to drink above what is now one of Kalamazoo’s favorite dive bars.”

–Kalamazoo Gazette, 20 August 2024

The name of the bar derives from the green metal and stained glass ceiling once visible. After Peter’s death in 1947, Peter’s sons Melanchton L. and John (1920-2014) took over management duties of the tavern and restaurant. M.L. took over full ownership of the bar in 1962, and ran it until his death in December of 2005. The bar eventually changed hands to current owner, Randy Newby in 2017. Just as popular as ever, the Green Top Tavern celebrated its centennial birthday in 2024 with a Roaring 1920s-themed party.

Written by Ryan Gage, Kalamazoo Public Library staff, April 2026