Brimming with creativity and a lively spirit, Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a city that harmoniously blends urban vitality with a warm,
community-driven atmosphere. Home to thinkers, doers, and dreamers, Kalamazoo is a place where innovation meets opportunity, creating a vibrant hub that's continually growing.
Imagine strolling through bustling farmers’ markets, surrounded by the scent of fresh produce and artisan creations, or taking in the city’s rich cultural tapestry highlighted by its engaging arts scene. With institutions like the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, residents and visitors alike are spoiled with world-class performances and exhibitions.
Education thrives here too, thanks to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, fostering an environment brimming with youthful energy and diverse perspectives. The renowned Kalamazoo Promise further fuels the city's educational ethos, promising a bright future for every local student.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the city's lush parks and trails, perfect for both leisurely strolls and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Meanwhile, the craft beer aficionados find solace in craft breweries like Bell’s Brewery, offering a communal place to savor finely brewed flavors.
Kalamazoo is not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive, to explore, and to create lifelong memories. Whether you’re looking to innovate, unwind, or come together with a welcoming...
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo: A Thriving Hub of Culture and Innovation
Brimming with creativity and a lively spirit, Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a city that harmoniously blends urban vitality with a warm, community-driven atmosphere. Home to thinkers, doers, and dreamers, Kalamazoo is a place where innovation meets opportunity, creating a vibrant hub that's continually growing.
Imagine strolling through bustling farmers’ markets, surrounded by the scent of fresh produce and artisan creations, or taking in the city’s rich cultural tapestry highlighted by its engaging arts scene. With institutions like the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, residents and visitors alike are spoiled with world-class performances and exhibitions.
Education thrives here too, thanks to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, fostering an environment brimming with youthful energy and diverse perspectives. The renowned Kalamazoo Promise further fuels the city's educational ethos, promising a bright future for every local student.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the city's lush parks and trails, perfect for both leisurely strolls and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Meanwhile, the craft beer aficionados find solace in craft breweries like Bell’s Brewery, offering a communal place to savor finely brewed flavors.
Kalamazoo is not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive, to explore, and to create lifelong memories. Whether you’re looking to innovate, unwind, or come together with a welcoming community, Kalamazoo warmly awaits.
Eagle Lake
Nestled on the serene southeastern edge of Kalamazoo, Eagle Lake is a neighborhood where shimmering waters meet friendly faces—a place that’s both a retreat and a vibrant community. It’s where you can wake up to the soft call of songbirds, take your morning coffee on a lakeside porch, and wave to neighbors paddling by on kayaks, all before starting your day.
Eagle Lake’s natural beauty is its crown jewel, with the expansive, spring-fed lake at its center offering year-round enjoyment. In warmer months, boats dot the sparkling surface, fishing lines cast for bluegill or bass, and children laugh along the sandy shore. When autumn paints the trees with fiery hues, residents stroll along tree-lined lanes and host lakeside bonfires—perfect for making s’mores and lasting memories. Even in winter, Eagle Lake doesn’t lose its magic; the neighborhood transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for skating, ice fishing, or simply admiring the frosty landscape through picture windows.
What truly sets Eagle Lake
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Neighborhoods of Kalamazoo
Eagle Lake
apart, though, is its sense of community. Residents look out for one another, organizing events like potluck picnics, holiday parades, and summer block parties. There’s a genuine camaraderie here, where newcomers are greeted with warm smiles and local tips on the best hiking trails or farmers’ markets. Families, retirees, and young professionals alike find a welcoming atmosphere where lifelong friendships are easily forged.
Excellent schools, quick access to downtown Kalamazoo, and abundant parks and trails add to Eagle Lake’s appeal. Whether you crave outdoor adventure, quiet contemplation, or just a friendly...
Nestled on the serene southeastern edge of Kalamazoo, Eagle Lake is a neighborhood where shimmering waters meet friendly faces—a place that’s both a retreat and a vibrant community. It’s where you can wake up to the soft call of songbirds, take your morning coffee on a lakeside porch, and wave to neighbors paddling by on kayaks, all before starting your day.
Eagle Lake’s natural beauty is its crown jewel, with the expansive, spring-fed lake at its center offering year-round enjoyment. In warmer months, boats dot the sparkling surface, fishing lines cast for bluegill or bass, and children laugh along the sandy shore. When autumn paints the trees with fiery hues, residents stroll along tree-lined lanes and host lakeside bonfires—perfect for making s’mores and lasting memories. Even in winter, Eagle Lake doesn’t lose its magic; the neighborhood transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for skating, ice fishing, or simply admiring the frosty landscape through picture windows.
What truly sets Eagle Lake apart, though, is its sense of community. Residents look out for one another, organizing events like potluck picnics, holiday parades, and summer block parties. There’s a genuine camaraderie here, where newcomers are greeted with warm smiles and local tips on the best hiking trails or farmers’ markets. Families, retirees, and young professionals alike find a welcoming atmosphere where lifelong friendships are easily forged.
Excellent schools, quick access to downtown Kalamazoo, and abundant parks and trails add to Eagle Lake’s appeal. Whether you crave outdoor adventure, quiet contemplation, or just a friendly neighborhood with a small-town feel, Eagle Lake checks all the boxes. If you’re seeking a place where each day feels like a getaway—and every neighbor could soon be a friend—this lakeside haven might just be your next home.
Hello Kalamazoo, Michigan • Summer Issue |7
Eagle Lake is Kalamazoo’s lakeside sanctuary, blending scenic beauty with a genuine sense of community. Residents enjoy boating, lakeside strolls, and year-round neighborhood events—all while building strong connections. Excellent schools and amenities complete the picture. Curious what makes this hidden gem so special? Discover why Eagle Lake is more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle worth embracing.
Hometown Heroes selebrates the brave men and women from Kalamazoo who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
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Charles A Thompson - U.S. CIVIL WAR - Second Lieutenant - U.S. ARMY
Hello Kalamazoo, Michigan • Summer Issue |11
Hometown Heroes
Charles A Thompson - U.S. CIVIL WAR - Second Lieutenant - U.S. ARMY
What Most People Get Wrong About Basement Waterproofing
Homeowners often misunderstand the real threat moisture poses to basements. The most visible signs, such as cracks in concrete or standing water after a storm, are not the full picture. Many believe these indicators are the beginning of a problem, when in fact they may result from long-standing moisture
intrusion.
What escapes notice are the smaller fractures in foundation walls or floors — thin enough to appear harmless but wide enough for water vapor and groundwater to pass through. These fine cracks, sometimes no wider than a sewing needle, allow consistent dampness into the basement
12 | HelloKalamazoo, Michigan • Summer Issue
What Most People Get Wrong About Basement Waterproofing
Homeowners often misunderstand the real threat moisture poses to basements. The most visible signs, such as cracks in concrete or standing water after a storm, are not the full picture. Many believe these indicators are the beginning of a problem, when in fact they may result from long-standing moisture intrusion.
What escapes notice are the smaller fractures in foundation walls or floors — thin enough to appear harmless but wide enough for water vapor and groundwater to pass through. These fine cracks, sometimes no wider than a sewing needle, allow consistent dampness into the basement environment. Over time, that moisture feeds mold growth, degrades wood framing, and reduces the integrity of masonry.
A common misconception is that basement waterproofing begins and ends with interior fixes. Sealants, epoxy injections, or even high-capacity sump pumps can provide short-term relief. However, these measures treat symptoms rather than sources. Moisture that has already breached the structure is more difficult to control and more expensive to remediate.
By contrast, a robust waterproofing strategy begins on the outside of the foundation. Excavation allows the application of waterproof barriers directly to exterior walls. This exterior sealing is often accompanied by a network of drainage systems — French drains, gravel trenches, and perforated piping — that redirect groundwater before it accumulates against the structure. In this way, pressure on the foundation is reduced, and entry points are sealed before water can make contact.
The concept of waterproofing as a one-time installation is another misstep. Ongoing attention to site grading, gutter performance, and soil saturation levels plays a key role in protecting the foundation. When surface water is allowed to pool near basement walls, even the best membranes will eventually fail. Regular inspection of the exterior drainage infrastructure is just as vital as the initial installation.
Basement waterproofing works best when it redirects water before it ever reaches the foundation, not after moisture has entered the structure.
Long-term success relies on a strategy that combines external sealing, efficient drainage, and maintenance of above-ground systems. When executed properly, this approach can protect not just the basement, but the air quality, structure, and overall durability of the home above it.
Charlie Hill
short-term relief. However, these measures treat symptoms rather than sources. Moisture that has already breached the structure is more difficult to control and more expensive to remediate.
By contrast, a robust waterproofing strategy begins on the outside of the foundation. Excavation allows the application of waterproof barriers directly to exterior walls. This exterior sealing is often accompanied by a network of drainage systems — French drains, gravel trenches, and perforated piping — that redirect groundwater before it accumulates against the structure. In this way, pressure on the...
environment. Over time, that moisture feeds mold growth, degrades wood framing, and reduces the integrity of masonry.
A common misconception is that basement waterproofing begins and ends with interior fixes. Sealants, epoxy injections, or even high-capacity sump pumps can provide
Basement waterproofing works best when it redirects water before it ever reaches the foundation, not after moisture has entered the ...
About the Author
Charlie Hill is the founder and Managing Member of Great Lakes Waterproofing Solutions, established in 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With a rich background in residential construction—having built over 150 homes—he now leads the company’s innovative, family-driven approach to safeguarding properties through cutting-edge waterproofing techniques across the Great Lakes region
Proudly Partnering with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors
At HelloNation, we are honored to serve as America’s Video Magazine, bringing to life the stories of over 40,000 towns and cities across the country. Our mission is to celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and opportunities in every community, creating a digital platform that informs, inspires, and connects residents, businesses, and newcomers alike.
We are deeply proud to have the support and endorsement of two of the
nation’s most respected organizations: the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Through their partnership, the NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors affirm their confidence in HelloNation’s vision and our shared belief in the power of storytelling to highlight the unique character of each community.
Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
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These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
