Bell's Eccentric Cafe grows in Kalamazoo to fit in more music fans

A big fish in the local music scene is about to get bigger, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Renovation work has begun at Bell's Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
 
The $2.5 million project is projected to make the cafe, a downtown venue for the live music scene, a more major player by turning a vacant space behind the cafe bar into a performance area with room for more than 300 people, Bell's Brewery Inc. president Larry Bell, says in the story. Bell's is well-known for its widely popular beers.
 
In addition, bathrooms will be upgraded, a new atrium entryway will be added and a new parking lot for about 55 cars will open on Ransom Street.

Bell says in the story construction is expected to continue through summer — a popular time for the cafe. He asks patrons to be patient — the wait will be worth it.

Excerpt:

The back room, which is believed to have been built in the 1880s, is the oldest part of the cafe and requires "tender-loving care."

Once it's complete, Bell said it will have a stage, sound equipment, lighting, bathrooms, a bar and a green room for performers. There will also be some reconfiguring of the outdoor beer garden and patio.

"This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time," Bell said.

Bell said he expects to be able to book more big-name bands and, by combining the new music room with the garden, host concerts for "perhaps 1,000 people."

Read the rest of the story to find out more of Bell's plans.