Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey, a popular franchise known for its delicious tacos and extensive whiskey selection, will be opening a new location in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The restaurant/bar will be occupying the main floor of the former Charter One Bank building at 215 E. Michigan Ave., which has been vacant since 2011. The opening is scheduled for late 2023.

The Cleveland-based franchise already has successful locations in East Lansing, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids, with the latter having opened just last year. Kalamazoo will be the 20th location for the franchise, which has been operating for 11 years and has restaurants in seven states. Jake Hawley, the owner and operator of all Barrio’s Michigan locations, expressed excitement about being part of the bustling city center of downtown Kalamazoo.

The space that Barrio will occupy is approximately 5,650 square feet, and plans are underway to renovate and utilize the rest of the building. It is estimated that the redevelopment project will cost around $4 million. The project partners include Eckert Wordell Architecture, CSM Group, Construction Simplified, and the city of Kalamazoo, in collaboration with the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA). The use of OPRA will provide a tax break for the project, allowing for upfront costs to be covered. The total amount of taxes to be abated over 12 years is estimated to be $393,946.

The renovation of the building will involve updating HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as extensive interior and exterior work. This project will breathe new life into a building that has been vacant and neglected for 12 years, making it the first in the city to utilize OPRA as an economic development tool.

Treystar, the property owner and developer, purchased the building in April 2022, and it has become part of their property portfolio within the Haymarket District. The Haymarket District includes other notable buildings such as the Monroe Building, the Haymarket Building, and Main Street East building, as well as the Haymarket Plaza along Michigan Avenue.

Terry Patterson, a partner at Treystar, expressed excitement about bringing Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey to downtown Kalamazoo and the Haymarket District. The vibrant energy and concept of Barrio align well with the efforts to develop and operate the Haymarket Plaza. The restaurant/bar will join WL Socialhouse in anchoring the district’s downtown entertainment campus.

The opening of Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey is expected to create 60 to 80 new jobs in Kalamazoo. For more information, visit their website at barrio-tacos.com.

This exciting addition to downtown Kalamazoo will surely draw locals and visitors alike, offering them a unique dining and nightlife experience in the heart of the city. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to enjoy some delicious tacos, tequila, and whiskey at Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey in late 2023!

Title: Unleashing the Unpacking Experience: A Journey of Transformation for WMU Students

Introduction:

Change is both intimidating and exhilarating, particularly when it involves leaving the comfort of familiarity and embarking on a new chapter in life. For students at Western Michigan University (WMU), this exciting moment arrives during move-in days, as they unpack their belongings and bid farewell to their childhood homes. Though we typically associate the mundane act of unpacking with a chore, let us take a fresh perspective and discover the hidden treasures that lie within this transformative experience.

The Act of Unpacking:

As students arrive on campus, their vehicles brimming with cardboard boxes, they take their first steps towards independence. Each box, meticulously packed by loving parents or helpful friends, carries with it not only clothes and mementos but dreams and aspirations. Unboxing, in essence, is a ritual of self-discovery, as students unravel their belongings and reconstruct their identity in a new environment.

Unleashing Personal Expression:

Every item selected for the journey to WMU represents a piece of the student’s personality. From the vintage posters adorning the walls to the cozy comforters and cherished family heirlooms tucked away on shelves, each choice offers a glimpse into the individuality of the student. Unpacking becomes a process of self-expression, as the dorm rooms are transformed into tiny sanctuaries where uniqueness thrives amidst the sea of institutionally standardized spaces.

Creating Connections:

Move-in days are a whirlwind of activity, as students and families bustle through bustling hallways, navigating stacks of boxes and precarious furniture arrangements. Amidst this chaos, connections forged through shared experiences become the driving force that unites students in their journey. Each conversation held while lugging suitcases up stairs or offering helping hands to a struggling neighbor becomes a catalyst for lasting friendships and cherished memories.

The Magic of Serendipity:

Within every box resides the potential for unexpected encounters. As students dig deeper into their possessions, they often stumble upon forgotten trinkets, handwritten letters, or perhaps a journal with pages full of long-forgotten musings. These serendipitous discoveries serve as glimpses into the past, reminding students of the journey that led them to this moment. Through these rediscovered relics, students can appreciate the growth they have undergone and the person they have become.

A Transformational Ritual:

Unpacking, seemingly a straightforward task, gradually transforms into an introspective journey. As students organize their new living spaces, they also establish an internal order, weaving the threads of their past with the present. The process mirrors their emotional journey, enabling them to confront fears, embrace excitement, and ultimately emerge as independent individuals ready to conquer the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Conclusion:

The act of unpacking, though often overlooked in the grand scheme of moving to a new place, holds transformative power. At WMU, this process becomes a rite of passage, an opportunity for self-expression, connection, and personal growth. As students unpack their belongings, they unpack their dreams, passions, and aspirations, setting forth on a path that will shape their academic and personal journey. So let us celebrate the magic of this seemingly ordinary act, for within the boxes lies the extraordinary potential of young minds, ready to leave their mark on the world.