Ridge Creek Independent Living at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo seamlessly blends pieces of the town’s fascinating history with modern design. The space combines local photography, abstract prints, sculptural elements, framed vintage objects, and gilded interior accents to engage viewers and create an elegant and warm atmosphere.

In the lobby, a delightful display of gold metal pages flutters across the wall and includes snippets of sheet music from the 1944 hit song “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo” by Glenn Miller Orchestra. Black and white photographs with color embellishments celebrate the origins of Kalamazoo’s iconic Gibson Guitar and Checker Taxi, and an incredible laser-cut wooden map sculpture provides an intricate overview of the city.

Specific locations like elevator lobbies use focal arrangements as distinct creative landmarks to support improved wayfinding and navigation. One area spotlights a collection of hand-blown glass orbs with metallic accents, while another showcases an abstract paper sculpture framed in an acrylic shadow box. This particular piece is a subtle nod to Kalamazoo’s nickname, “The Paper City,” which stems from the city’s significant impact on the country’s paper industry.

Vintage postcards are framed with weighted mats to make the snapshots pop against the neutral background. Antique hardware, such as door knockers and drawer pulls, are beautifully arranged with historical architectural photography by early Kalamazoo photographer Wallace S. White. Dimensional gallery arrangements in the elevator lobbies highlight Western Michigan University memorabilia and yearbook covers, encouraging residents to reflect on cherished memories from their past experiences.