Oakland/Winchell, MI

Kalamazoo

Parkwyn Village is a neighborhood of Kalamazoo, Michigan that was founded in the 1940s by a group of young scientists, employed at the Upjohn Company, who had a vision for a "congenial housing community." They purchased a 47-acre tract of land in 1946. By the fall of that year, they prevailed upon world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, to layout the community and design affordable houses they could build themselves.

The homeowners pooled their resources so that they could buy materials in bulk, make their own concrete blocks, and do some of the work of building the homes.  Wright's site plan would accommodate 40 lots of approximately 1-acre in size. 


Wright's Usonian style  homes were designed to be modular with a large living room and fireplace, a convenient kitchen, indirect lighting, heated concrete floors and built-in furniture and closets. The walls would be constructed of inexpensive concrete blocks accented with mahogany trim and an extensive wall of windows overlooking a naturally landscaped yard. Designed to control costs, they would have no attic, basement, visible roof, garage, gutters or downspouts. While only four of Parkwyn's homes are pure Wright designs, his concepts influenced the majority of homes in the neighborhood.
Parkwyn Village is a neighborhood of Kalamazoo, Michigan that was founded in the 1940s by a group of young scientists, employed at the Upjohn Company, who had a vision for a "congenial housing community." They purchased a 47-acre tract of land in 1946. By the fall of that year, they prevailed upon world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, to layout the community and design affordable houses they could build themselves.

The homeowners pooled their resources so that they could buy materials in bulk, make their own concrete blocks, and do some of the work of building the homes.  Wright's site plan would accommodate 40 lots of approximately 1-acre in size. 


Wright's Usonian style  homes were designed to be modular with a large living room and fireplace, a convenient kitchen, indirect lighting, heated concrete floors and built-in furniture and closets. The walls would be constructed of inexpensive concrete blocks accented with mahogany trim and an extensive wall of windows overlooking a naturally landscaped yard. Designed to control costs, they would have no attic, basement, visible roof, garage, gutters or downspouts. While only four of Parkwyn's homes are pure Wright designs, his concepts influenced the majority of homes in the neighborhood.
One of the Lake in MI
The home was the first of the four built in Parkwyn Village and is constructed of concrete blocks, with interior trim of red Tidewater cypress.  The plan had several irregular protrusions that give it a pinwheel effect.  A playroom with basement was added in 1960 by John Howe of Taliesin Associated Architects.

The homes are all individually owned and not open to the public. Driving around the neighborhood to check them out was pretty interesting.
"Once in a blue moon" refers to those rare times when there are two full moons in one month. August 2012's second full moon was on the 31st. The rare Blue Moon shined bright for the first time since 2009. The next Blue Moon won't happen until July 2015. Also the moon isn't actually blue in color... #puremichigan #kalamazoo #moon #bluemoon

Popular places to visit


Oakland/Winchell Hotel Deals

Staywell Inn

Staywell Inn

2 out of 5
3800 East Cork Street Kalamazoo MI
The price is ₩73,147 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
₩73,147
₩84,121 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wings Event Center and Milham Park Golf Club are located ...
4.8/10 (112 reviews)
I messed up on my booking date and the staff looked out for me and still put me in a room when i booked a room for the following day instead of the day of

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

Staywell Inn
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

3.5 out of 5
100 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI
The price is ₩318,328 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
₩318,328
₩366,077 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
The room was great, the staff was friendly, attentive and helpful. Top notch customer service

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center
Courtyard Kalamazoo Portage

Courtyard Kalamazoo Portage

3 out of 5
400 Trade Centre Way Portage MI
The price is ₩160,444 per night from Feb 20 to Feb 21
₩160,444
₩184,510 total
Feb 20 - Feb 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (741 reviews)
Room was great

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026

Courtyard Kalamazoo Portage
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown

Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown

3 out of 5
303 North Rose Street Kalamazoo MI
The price is ₩190,777 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
₩190,777
₩219,393 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (643 reviews)
Great prices, a newer facility, comfortable beds and large bathrooms. Breakfast is just okay, there isn't a huge variety of offerings, but everything else is great.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
2747 S 11th Street Kalamazoo MI
The price is ₩120,800 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
₩120,800
₩138,919 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
A great stay overall

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center
Red Roof Inn Kalamazoo West - Western Michigan U

Red Roof Inn Kalamazoo West - Western Michigan U

2 out of 5
5425 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI
The price is ₩82,952 per night from Feb 12 to Feb 13
₩82,952
₩95,394 total
Feb 12 - Feb 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kalamazoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
5.8/10 (1,002 reviews)
Clean. Nice staff

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Red Roof Inn Kalamazoo West - Western Michigan U
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Oakland/Winchell

Aerial View of Symmetrical Urban Park and Pathways in Kalamazoo

Western Michigan University - KRPH

While visiting Western Michigan University - KRPH, you might make a stop by sights like James W. Miller Auditorium and Waldo Stadium.

Western Michigan University - KRPH
Aerial View of Bronson Park and Historic Downtown Kalamazoo

West Main HIll

4/5(8 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in West Main HIll, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waldo Stadium and James W. Miller Auditorium.

West Main HIll
Aerial View of Kalamazoo Park Bridge and Ducks in Motion

Vine

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

Vine might not have many top sights, but Waldo Stadium and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Vine
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Stuart

3.5/5(14 area reviews)

Though Stuart might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

Stuart
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West Douglas

While there might not be top attractions in West Douglas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waldo Stadium and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

West Douglas
Aerial View of Kalamazoo Park and Downtown Skyline

Kalamazoo Central Business District

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Kalamazoo Central Business District, Farmers Alley Theatre and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Kalamazoo Central Business District


Oakland/Winchell, MI