KALAMAZOO, MI ( WKZO AM/FM) -Open Roads Bike Program has launched a $750,000 capital campaign to support the purchase, renovation, and transition into its home at 914 E. Vine Street in Kalamazoo’s Edison Neighborhood.
The organization says the campaign will transform a long-vacant 10,000-square-foot building into a vibrant community bike hub and youth development center serving more than 1,100 young people each year.
After outgrowing its former rented space on Riverview Drive, Open Roads purchased the new, permanent home in 2025 with a loan from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and its Impact Investment Team. Initial operations at the Vine Street location began in July 2025, but they say renovations and upgrades to facilitate the transition are needed.
“This campaign is about much more than a building,” said Isaac Green, Executive Director of Open Roads. “It’s about creating a permanent home for youth empowerment in Kalamazoo. Every contribution helps provide bikes, mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for young people to discover their strengths and direction.”
The Vine Street location includes room for dedicated classroom and shop space, secure storage for bikes and tools, expanded retail and open-shop hours, and increased visibility within the community.
The campaign’s goal of $750,000 includes funds for building purchase, renovations, and equipment.
“Open Roads has always been about forward motion — for young people and for our community,” said Ethan Alexander, Campaign Chair. “This new space gives us the room and stability to deepen our impact for generations to come.
Founded in 2009, Open Roads uses the power of bicycles to mentor and guide Kalamazoo youth, teaching hands-on job skills, social-emotional learning, leadership development, and workforce readiness.
Over the past decade, Open Roads has given away more than 7,500 bikes, provided over 5,000 free bike repairs, trained more than 30 youth apprentices, and sold more than 1,000 affordable refurbished bikes to community members.
To learn more about Open Roads Bike Program and and the capital campaign, visit www.openroadsbike.org
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