Vine Neighborhood, Kalamazoo

The Vine Neighborhood is a neighborhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. Its boundaries are West Lovell Street to the north, Oakland Drive to the west, Crosstown Parkway to the south, and South Burdick Street to the east.[1]

History

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Kalamazoo, the Vine has houses dating to the 1840s.[2] During the early 1900s, businesses in the Vine flourished, including a variety of grocery and retail spaces. During the Great Depression, many houses built for single families were split into multiple residences.[2] In the 1970s, the neighborhood became a destination for students attending nearby Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College at the downtown campus, garnering the name "student ghetto".

In 2009, about 80% of residents were students,[3] but many students have moved to new apartments on the west side of town, leaving Vine apartments vacant.[4][5]

In December 2009, a neighborhood revitalization plan was unveiled to reduce crime and improve the area's commercial and economic development.[3] Landlords have been improving their properties to attract students to the area.

In 2009, the Vine was described by the national magazine This Old House as one of the best places for families to buy an old house.[6] The magazine cited the Vine's proximity to downtown, schools, parks, hiking trails and playgrounds.

Education

The Vine Neighborhood is within the boundary of Kalamazoo Public Schools. Schools in the neighborhood include El Sol Elementary, Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center and a Montessori School.

Transportation

The Kalamazoo Transportation Center downtown is served by Kalamazoo Metro Transit, Amtrak and Greyhound. Local buses run by Kalamazoo Metro Transit take these routes through the Vine:

No.NameService points[7]
1WestnedgeDowntown, Meijer on Westnedge, Crossroads Mall
4OaklandDowntown, Michikal Street, Oakland Drive, Oakwood, Parkview Avenue
12BronsonDowntown, YWCA, South Middle School, St. Monica's School, Hackett High School, Meijer on Westnedge, Milham Park, Loy Norrix High School, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
13South BurdickDowntown Bronson Methodist Hospital, Family Independence Agency, MRC on Bank Street, Goodwill Industries, Milham Park, Loy Norrix High School, Meijer on Westnedge,
16LovellDowntown, Kalamazoo City Hall, Oak and Lovell, Western Michigan University's main campus
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References
  3. "Residents celebrate revitalization of Kalamazoo's Vine Street Neighborhood". mlive.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  5. "Knollwood Apartments - a Western Michigan University tradition - get a new look". mlive.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  6. "Best Old House Neighborhoods 2009: Editors' Picks". thisoldhouse.com. 3 June 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  7. "Welcome to Kalamazoo Metro Transit!". www.kalamazoocity.org. Retrieved 23 May 2017.

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