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    Albion Is Changing — Here’s the Story in Progress

    Albion’s future planning begins where the city itself was born — at the forks of the river. Long before dams altered its course, this confluence drew people together and gave rise to a community. Reconnecting with that natural foundation is at the heart of today’s vision. Planned river and dam improvements aim to restore natural flow, enhance recreation, and once again make the water a central part of Albion’s identity.

    Beyond the river’s edge, other projects are shaping the city’s next chapter. The historic Washington Gardner School is being reimagined as attainable housing, reflecting a broader effort to create more places to live within walking distance of downtown. Infrastructure improvements — from repairing key roadways to restoring Albion’s iconic brick streets — are laying the groundwork for growth. These local efforts come at a pivotal time: a massive new battery plant under construction nearby is expected to bring new jobs and residents, increasing demand for housing, transportation, and community spaces.

    Scroll down to explore how Albion is evolving — from environmental restoration and housing projects to demolition, redevelopment, and new construction that will define the city’s next era.

    Huntington Bank Albion Branch closes

    Huntington Bank Albion Branch closes
    The building at 207 S. Superior Street was the location of Huntington Bank, Albion branch that closed on January 8, 2019. Huntington Bank closed 31 locations in Michigan and Ohio due to the changing economy of online banking, ATM's, and mobile banking apps. This location and structure was not always a bank, and the bank was not always located here. *** The local bank dates back to 1893, with the ... Read More

    Evening photo showing Bohm Theatre and new bricks

    Evening photo showing Bohm Theatre and new bricks
    Albion's brick streets shine with the marque of the newly renovated Bohm Theatre and the newly rebricked Superior Street.  This photo was taken on December 12, 2018, when the Capital City Brass band performed at the Bohm.  The show was sponsored by Jim Stuart, who is a member of the band, and the owner of Stirling Books and Brew. This photo was taken by Jackie Masternak and used with her ... Read More

    Bournelis Park, Corner of Superior and Cass Streets

    Bournelis Park, Corner of Superior and Cass Streets
    Bournelis Park, on the right of this photo, is located where Cass Street crosses Superior Street in Albion Michigan. This corner could be called the "center of Albion."  West Cass Street runs to the left, and East Cass Street runs to the right.  North Superior Street runs to the top of the photo, and South Superior Street is below, out of sight. You can see Kalamazoo River on the right, near Bournelis Park, ... Read More

    A Community Celebration hosted by ARC

    A Community Celebration hosted by ARC
    As published in The Recorder Big Albion Plan to Revitalize Downtown Brought to the Public A few dozen people gathered in the old Sanders Building for a “Community Celebration” that was more like an unveiling party.  It was a coming together of people who have been working quietly for a few years to acquire resources and Albion real estate, with another group of people who were curious to find out ... Read More

    Festival of the Forks 2018 – the Food

    Festival of the Forks 2018 - the Food
    The Farmer's market had plenty of cookies, fudge, baked goods, and food items. There was plenty of fresh produce also at Stoffer Plaza. The colors of the harvest were part of the joy of the Festival. The turn out for the Festival of the Forks 2018 in Albion was large compared to recent years.  People wanted to see the new brick streets (that took TWO YEARS to finish, they wanted ... Read More

    The Morning Parade – Festival 2018

    The Morning Parade - Festival 2018
    The morning of Saturday, September 22, 2018 was clear and cool, a welcome change from the previous weekend that was warm and sticky.  The turn out for the Festival was phenomenal, with the added attraction of reunions for  Albion High School, a movie at the Bohm Theatre that had a story based in Marshall (the House with a  Clock in the its Walls), and freshly redone brick streets. You can ... Read More

    Completed Bricks in Albion September 2018

    Completed Bricks in Albion September 2018
    Superior Street in Albion Michigan is looking good after a brick replacement process that lasted through the summers of 2017 and 2018.  The bricks and new businesses will be ready for the Festival of the Forks, the weekend of September 22, 2018 ... Read More

    Albion Malleable Brewing Aerial View – August 2018

    Albion Malleable Brewing Aerial View - August 2018
    Work is progressing on the Superior Street (second) rebricking project that spans from 2017-2018.  The construction has not stopped visitors from coming to Albion to enjoy the food and beverages at Albion Malleable Brewing Company on the left of this photo by aerial photographer Kent Davis.  On the right is Homestead Savings Bank.  In the distance on the left Parks Pharmacy can be seen, the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in ... Read More

    Ribbon cutting Albion Malleable Brewing Co. Albion

    Ribbon cutting Albion Malleable Brewing Co. Albion
    Albion Malleable Brewing Company official ribbon cutting on Monday May 21, 2018. Trivia Question - What company started the fast-growing Micro brewery trend and when did that happen? Answer - Acknowledged as the flagship beer brewed by the first United States microbrewery of the modern era, New Albion is the original craft beer. Learn more at http://newalbionbrewing.com/ Here is a map of mid-Michigan breweries that will be updated soon to ... Read More

    Fete de la Musique Invite 2018 Albion

    Fete de la Musique Invite 2018 Albion
    Musicians and music lovers  came downtown Albion Michigan on Thursday, June 21, 2018, for the Fête de la Musique, also known as “World Music Day.” Musicians are encouraged to come on the first day of summer to share their musical gifts for free, and there is no admission. In some cities, the announcement of the concept turned the celebration into something of a musical flash crowd. The first day of summer ... Read More

    Brewery Open House Spring 2018

    Brewery Open House Spring 2018
    Albion Malleable Brewing Co. was one of the businesses in the 400 block of S. Superior Street to open its doors for the open house on April 17, 2018.  Community members enjoyed getting a preview of the new developments coming to downtown Albion. [supsystic-gallery id=7] ... Read More

    Courtyard by Marriott – Albion – Tour – April 2018

    Courtyard by Marriott - Albion - Tour - April 2018
    The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Albion Michigan opened in March 2018. The 75-room hotel is located at 200 S. Superior Street and managed by the Veridea Group from Marquette, Michigan.  Courtyard Albion offers convenient lodging for visitors to Albion and nearby, whether they are coming to enjoy Blues at the Bohm, Albion College events, the Albion Malleable Brewing Company, to take the classic Purple Gang Tour and visit to ... Read More
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    Clearing the Way for Albion’s Next Chapter

    The Courtyard by Marriott hotel opened in 2018 and is one of the biggest changes in Albion’s downtown. The project cost was reported between $8.4 million and $12 million. Funding came from the state, the local Brownfield authority, Albion College, and private investors. Dr. Samuel “Sam” Shaheen ’88 helped lead the project. He is a physician, business owner, and strong supporter of Albion College, including a major gift to its science center in 2023. Shaheen is also a founding member of Albion Reinvestment Corporation. The group’s mission is “to combat community deterioration in the downtown business district of the City of Albion and surrounding areas by using all effective means.”

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    The Courtyard by Marriott: A Cornerstone of Albion’s Renewal

    The Courtyard by Marriott hotel opened in 2018 and is one of the biggest changes in Albion’s downtown. The project cost was reported between $8.4 million and $12 million. Funding came from the state, the local Brownfield authority, Albion College, and private investors.

    Dr. Samuel “Sam” Shaheen ’88 helped lead the project. He is a physician, business owner, and strong supporter of Albion College, including a major gift to its science center in 2023. Shaheen is also a founding member of Albion Reinvestment Corporation.

    The group’s mission is “to combat community deterioration in the downtown business district of the City of Albion and surrounding areas by using all effective means.”

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