AUDIO: Marriott wants to build new Residence Inn near Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Marriott plans to build a new Residence Inn on Kalamazoo’s far southside if they can get the help they need from the city of Kalamazoo to aid in the financing.

They have picked the site of the former Brewsters restaurant near the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport on Portage Road for the new facility. Before it was a restaurant, it was a gas station, and that means it’s probably contaminated and Jamie McCarthy, on the city’s development staff says that’s made finding a developer difficult, despite its prime location.

She says the hospitality operation is looking for help with the cleanup from the Brownfieild Development Authority, tax breaks from the city and tax increment financing totaling about $3 million. The firm plans to spend $23 million on construction.

Curt Aardema with AVB Construction says the location at I-94,and the airport, it’s a prime location for travelers, and especially business travelers who work with Stryker, Pfizer and Zoetis just to the south of the airport.

Last night commissioners gave preliminary approval to their Brownfield plan. They will be pursuing the other incentives over the next few months.

The goal is to have the new hotel ready for occupancy in the spring of 2026.