This story is part of Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative’s coverage of equitable community development . SWMJC is a group of 12 regional organizations dedicated to strengthening local journalism. Visit swmichjournalism.
com to learn more. KALAMAZOO, MI -- The old 1890s brick buildings on Fulford Street in the Edison neighborhood could’ve remained crumbling husks of Kalamazoo’s dead industrial past. But Krystal and Jeb Gast turned them into a makers hub over the past 10 years.
Now, the small community called Jerico is home to creators of all sorts — from craftspeople who make art for your wall, to the kind of art that can heat your house. Jerico has also become known for its events, like the Jerico Faire , a celebration of local artists, craftspeople and makers, happening this year Nov. 29.
Jerico is home to a number of businesses, like Earth Body Pottery , Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis and the Clover Room , to name a few. There are also Jerico shops that do industrial fabrication and design, and those that install HVAC systems. They would argue there’s an art to what they do, too.
A look at the Jerico building, 1501 Fulford St. in Kalamazoo. Fran Dwight Bucks, car parts, grills and furnaces Jerico functions as a business incubator and makers hub.
In hub fashion, they all seem to be up in each other’s business — in a good way. For example, if one shop needs a buck, another shop is ready to make them a buck. A buck, in this case, is a wood form used to make, sa.
