Kalamazoo Lost & Found
Lynn Smith Houghton and Pamela Hall O’Connor, 2001
Read Kalamazoo Lost & Found
For its third publication, the Preservation Commission first considered reprinting Nineteenth-century Homes in a Midwestern Village, but ultimately chose a new path.
This book’s framework was developed from author and historian Lynn Houghton’s slide show of buildings that were “Lost” for a variety of reasons. In reviewing the many other publications on that topic, the authors decided to also use this book to celebrate interesting “preserved” buildings. After consulting with experts in the field and reviewing many images, they produced a “sample” chapter for fundraising.
The concept of a “Lost and Found” book attracted a lot of attention, and about forty local foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals made gifts in its support. Gracing each entry are both historical photographs (many of which had never before been seen publicly) and contemporary photographs. The “Lost” section is divided into ten chapters that cover different building and site types, including those related to Health and Human Services, Sacred Places and Streetscapes, among others. The “Found” chapter is where the preserved places shine, in no specific order.
Lynn Smith Houghton and Pamela Hall O’Connor did the research and writing. Well-known Kalamazoo photographer John Lacko provided the contemporary photography; Brakeman Design in Kalamazoo devised the book’s layout and managed many other details, and Western Michigan University librarian Maria Perez-Stable served as the book’s editor. Kalamazoo Lost and Found captured two statewide publications awards.
Notes
Properties that have been demolished or substantially altered since the original publication.
page 174:
The Ladies Library Association completed a respectful rear addition, including adding an elevator, to its building in 2013.
page 205:
In 2018, work on Loy Norrix High School at the SE corner of Lovers Lane and Kilgore Road resulted in major changes to the shape, configuration and color of the window panels on the primary façade.
page 224:
In 2014, Orrin B. Hayes at 543 W. Michigan Avenue replaced its fabric showroom awnings with metal ones. Window and side door openings were added and reconfigured.
page 225:
In 2011, Kalamazoo College, working with the City of Kalamazoo and several private citizens, moved its Hoben House/L. Lee Stryker Center to 304 Monroe Street to make way for the College’s Arcus Center for Social Justice.
page 226:
In 2011, a demolition crew took down the Vander Horst House/Josephine’s restaurant at 601 S. Burdick.
page 227:
The Michigan Central Railroad Station at 459 North Burdick Street underwent an award-winning, multi-year, transformation. Completed in 2006, work included rehabilitation of the main building and the addition of arched, canopied bus ports reflecting the Station’s architectural style. It now operates under its new name: The Kalamazoo Transportation Center.
page 231:
The building at 491 W. South Street received a large addition to its south side in 2014.
pages 241-242:
Between 2018 and 2019, Bronson Park changed dramatically. After the demolition of the Fountain of the Pioneers, the work crew filled its pools with dirt and grass. The Kirk Newman sculpture group, When Justice and Mercy Prevail, Children May Safely Play, formerly located in the west pool, moved to the south lawn, and most monuments found new locations on the park’s east end. Multiple large circular concrete utility units were also installed throughout the park.
page 254:
Fire destroyed the Sarkozy Bakery at 335 & 339 N. Rose Street in 2012. The business reopened in 2014 at the Columbia Plaza, 350 E. Michigan Avenue.