Zone 32: An ELITE Model of a Complete Neighborhood
In the heart of Kalamazoo’s Northside, a once-vacant Brownfield site has been transformed into something extraordinary. Zone 32, a $4.7 million redevelopment on 1.4 acres, is more than a construction project—it’s a living example of what Bogan Developments calls a complete neighborhood.
What Is a Complete Neighborhood?
A complete neighborhood is more than housing—it’s a place where people can truly live, work, and play.
As Jamauri Bogan, CEO of Bogan Developments, explains:
“A complete neighborhood is walkable, has access to groceries, a place to get your haircut, housing, and neighborhood amenities—paired with improved infrastructure where people can live, work, and play. It’s about bringing jobs, education, and the amenities that have been missing or lost.”
This vision means creating spaces that combine homes, essential services, economic opportunities, and public spaces—forming the foundation for a thriving community.
Zone 32: The Vision Realized
Zone 32 delivers on every aspect of that definition. Located at 313 E. Frank Street, it brings together:
Affordable Housing: High-quality homes designed to meet the needs of families in the 49007 zip code.
Early Childhood Education: The YMCA Early Learning Center serves 30 children daily, focusing on literacy, physical development, and kindergarten readiness.
Economic Growth: Jobs created during construction and ongoing employment opportunities for local residents.
Zone 32 isn’t just a development—it’s a commitment to elevating the Northside and restoring amenities that make a neighborhood whole.
The ELITE Standard in Action
For Bogan Developments, building a complete neighborhood isn’t enough. Every project must meet what Bogan calls the ELITE standard.
“ELITE is a standard we believe one must possess to do things extraordinary,” Bogan says. “There are five kinds of people in this world—bad, average, good, great, and then there’s elite. We always want to operate at that level.”
In housing, that means no shortcuts—whether a home is market rate or affordable, the quality, design intent, and passion behind the work remain the same. It’s about giving communities that have historically lacked investment the very best, from building materials to community services.
That philosophy is evident in the choice of the Early Learning Center’s operator.
“We don’t just bring a child care center,” Bogan explains. “We bring a YMCA child care center—the best provider of child care that we can find for this development.”
Leadership Through Teamwork
Bogan’s background isn’t in construction—it’s in financial planning and development. But his approach draws from his years as a football player:
“In order to win the game or get the first down, there have to be 10 other guys on the field to be successful. I find people who are good at what they do, ensure they operate at their most elite selves, and together we complement what we have going.”
It’s this focus on collaboration—bringing the right experts together—that has helped Zone 32 become a shining example of what’s possible when vision, quality, and community needs align.
Looking Ahead
Zone 32 shows what happens when the concept of a complete neighborhood is built to ELITE standards. It’s a place where residents can access housing, education, jobs, and amenities within their own community—a model Bogan Developments intends to replicate and refine in future projects.
In the Northside, Zone 32 isn’t just a development—it’s proof that when you invest in people and place, you create more than buildings. You create opportunity.
