Welcoming You to Northside: Where Roots Run Deep
Nestled just north of downtown Kalamazoo and bounded by the tracks of the Michigan Central Railroad, the Northside neighborhood holds a unique place in the city’s story. With its tree-lined streets like North Park, the bustle of North Westnedge Avenue, and the laughter in LaCrone Park, the Northside’s history is one of resilience, transformation, and pride.
Origins: How Northside Got Its Name
The name "Northside" is as straightforward as it is fitting. When Kalamazoo was just a budding village in the 1800s, settlers and city planners simply described the area above the city’s busy downtown core as “the north side.” Over time, as more families settled in—drawn by new industries and the prospects of a better life—the name stuck.
Early settlement in this area can be traced to the mid-to-late 1800s. The Northside became a central hub for Kalamazoo’s working class, especially as the railroad attracted laborers and African-American families fleeing the South after the Civil War. The proximity to downtown, Train Street (now part of North Street), and local workplaces made it a convenient place to call home.
Key Historical Milestones
- Late 19th Century: With the Michigan Central Railroad carving through the heart of the neighborhood, Northside attracted people from around the Midwest seeking jobs and cheap housing.
- 1910s-1920s: The area solidified as a haven for the city’s African-American community, especially along streets like Rose Street and North Burdick Street. Institutions like Mt. Zion Baptist Church began serving as cultural and spiritual anchors.
- Post-World War II: Returning Black veterans and their families came home to a neighborhood full of promise, yet grappling with the challenges of redlining and segregation. Community organizations and churches offered support and unity.
- 1960s-1970s: Despite urban renewal projects that threatened historic homes, the Northside stood strong, fueled by local activism. New social programs and expanded schools worked to give residents the tools they needed to thrive.
Landmarks and Historic Institutions
The Northside is sprinkled with landmarks that tell the story of its heritage—each brick and building with its own memory.
- Lincoln Elementary School (912 North Burdick Street): Rooted in history, this school has educated generations of Northside children. A simple but stately brick structure, it’s more than a school: it’s a symbol of the neighborhood’s commitment to youth and education.
- Mt. Zion Baptist Church (120 Roberson Street): One of the oldest churches in the neighborhood, Mt. Zion has been a guiding force in both faith and civil rights. The church’s ongoing community programs make it a living piece of Northside history.
- LaCrone Park (535 W Paterson Street): This large, green oasis has been the neighborhood’s front yard for decades. Its playground and basketball courts are the stage for summer family picnics, reunions, and festivals.
- Douglass Community Association (1000 W Patterson Street): Founded in 1919, this building has been the backbone of community service for over a century. From job training to youth activities, Douglass Community Association is the heart of Northside civic life.
The Changing Face of Northside
While the fabric of the neighborhood has roots in African-American and working-class traditions, Northside has always been dynamic. Over the decades, waves of migration brought new cultures, tastes, and voices.
From the jazz and blues bands that once packed tiny house parties along North Westnedge Avenue, to neighborhood block parties and parades, culture thrives here. Today, the Northside’s Zomi, Burmese, and Latino residents are adding new chapters to the story, opening small businesses and revitalizing storefronts along Burdick and Douglas Avenue.
Streets and Stories
- North Westnedge Avenue: Running north-south through the heart of Northside, this busy corridor remains a main artery for residents heading to shops, churches, and nearby downtown.
- North Street: Once lined with thriving businesses, it’s still a place where community and commerce intersect.
- Paterson Street: Home to LaCrone Park and Douglass Community Association, Paterson is a gathering place as much as a route.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
One of the things that makes Kalamazoo’s Northside truly special is the way it honors its past while looking ahead. Each year, Juneteenth celebrations and Black History Month events foster pride and community education, and local leaders work hard to preserve historical homes and landmarks.
Institutions like Urban Alliance and the Northside Association for Community Development are helping residents transform vacant lots into community gardens, restore historic homes, and create new economic opportunities.
A Neighborhood United
Northside is more than a name on a map; it’s a patchwork quilt of family stories, church suppers, school assemblies, and neighborhood cleanups. Neighbors watch out for one another, ensuring that children can grow up with a sense of belonging—and that elders are respected as keepers of history.
For visitors and longtime Kalamazooans alike, a walk down North Park Street or a sunny afternoon at LaCrone Park quickly shows why this neighborhood holds a special place in the city’s heart. It’s a living example of the power of community and the richness that comes from embracing all who call it home.
Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Northside
The story of the Northside is still being written—by teachers at Lincoln Elementary, the congregation at Mt. Zion, and families sitting on their front steps as dusk falls over North Street. With every new chapter, the neighborhood’s spirit grows stronger.
Come visit, and you’ll see: Northside’s history isn’t just preserved in museums or books. It’s alive, shared every day in proud handshakes, shared meals, and dreams for a bright tomorrow.