KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Mall is 60 years old as of Monday.
The downtown shopping center is well-known for being the nations’ first outdoor pedestrian mall, and was first opened to the public on August 19th, 1959.
The mall was a hit, and several other cities such as Battle Creek began developing their own outdoor shopping areas.
Originally meant for foot traffic only, a road through the mall was redeveloped in 1998 for vehicles.
Today, the mall remains open with several local businesses, and is often the host of local events such as the Kalamazoo Chili Cook-off.
The next event taking place in the Kalamazoo Mall area will be a concert by local reggae group Zion Lion, who will perform at Bates Alley on Wednesday, August 21st through the “Beats on Bates” summer concert series.
