Friendship Village Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Friendship Village Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, Mich., is undergoing a campus renovation to enhance resident life, foster connection, and support wellness across all levels of care.
Working with architecture firm Pope Design Group (St. Paul, Minn.) and interior design firm Spellman Brady & Company (St. Louis), Owner LCS (Des Moines, Iowa) is renovating the commons building and expanding the community’s skilled nursing and independent living offering.
The project is expected to be completed in July 2027.
Campus refresh at Friendship Village Kalamazoo
Inspired by Michigan’s natural lakes, rock formations, and landscapes, the design uses warm wood-tone flooring and ceiling beams, natural-look stone wall tiles, custom metal dividers, and layered textures on furniture to bring the palette to life. These elements work together to create a calm, sophisticated, and down-to-earth aesthetic.
As part of the project, the 15,000-square-foot renovation of the commons building features a bistro with a display kitchen, coffee bar, grab-and-go station, casual dining, bar, gift shop, and formal dining venue with a second display kitchen. The additions offer residents a variety of dining and gathering experiences in a hospitality-inspired setting, which is reflected in both atmosphere and operations. For example, residents are welcomed at host stands, can make reservations, and enjoy flexible come-and-go dining hours rather than a single scheduled mealtime.
Additionally, a variety of seating types, including chairs, lounge seating, and banquettes, mirrors modern restaurant environments. Across the campus, multiple dining options offer menus tailored to each venue’s unique ambiance, creating a true restaurant-style experience every day.
Expanding residential units at Friendship Village Kalamazoo
The new 76-unit independent living building, The Atlee, introduces notable architectural and interior design features that elevate the 164,000-square-foot residential environment. Residents and guests arrive in a warm, lounge-style entry that frames views into a bar and bistro dining venue—adding another convenient dining option on campus.
The space is anchored by a feature stone fireplace, custom room dividers that double as discreet walker storage, and a mixed-metal cage structure that creates a striking focal point above the bar.
Light-filled resident apartments feature contemporary finishes, including luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living areas, carpet in bedrooms, stained or painted cabinetry, quartz kitchen and vanity counters, and back-lit bathroom mirrors. Residents also have flexibility with finish selections, plus several upgrade opportunities.
Additionally, the independent living building houses a boutique dining venue, fitness room, and expansive common areas with gathering spaces and a fireplace.
Skilled nursing addition with residential units and dining
A new 30,000-square-foot addition to the skilled nursing building adds 40 beds and introduces two enhanced dining venues to support rehabilitation and long-term care residents.
One venue offers a casual atmosphere with banquette seating and a walk-up bistro counter. The other provides a more traditional seated dining experience with an open activity kitchen that feels homelike and encourages resident engagement.
Both spaces overlook the outdoor courtyard and feature vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows that bring in abundant natural light. Additional amenities include a large activity room and outdoor courtyard featuring seating areas, a firepit, and gardening activities.
Friendship Village Kalamazoo project details
Project: Friendship Village Kalamazoo
Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Target completion date: July 2027
Owner: LCS
Total building area: 209,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: Not disclosed
Cost/sq. ft.: Not disclosed
Architecture firm: Pope Design Group
Interior design: Spellman Brady & Company
General contractor: EV Construction
Civil Engineers: Driesenga & Associates, Inc.
Structural engineer: ERA Engineering
Project details are provided by the design team and are not vetted by Environments for Aging.
