New 100,000-Square-Foot Facility Expected to Open Before 2028 Presidential Election
*KALAMAZOO TWP., MI* — Kalamazoo Township is set to break ground on a massive new community campus this summer, a $45 million development that will replace the aging 1977 township hall and bring modern facilities to serve residents and police operations.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project at 3006 Douglas Avenue, near West Mosel Avenue, will happen this summer with construction expected to complete by summer 2028 — just before the upcoming presidential election.
"I think it's beautiful and fitting for this township, and we need more people to fill those seats," said Township Supervisor David Combs during the March 23 board meeting when trustees reviewed architectural renderings.
The current facility at 1720 Riverview Drive, which has served the township for nearly 50 years, is showing its age. Township Superintendent Tracie Moored has cited multiple structural and functional problems with the building.
"In addition to cramped, outdated office and meeting spaces, its plumbing, HVAC system and structural integrity are giving out," Moored stated during previous board discussions.
The township purchased the replacement property near Mosel Avenue for $1 million in 2024, and the board is considering selling its current home to help fund the new project.
Modern Design Features Public Meeting Space and Police Operations
The new 100,000-square-foot Community Campus will feature a thoughtful design that separates public administrative functions from police operations while creating a more welcoming environment for residents.
The front half of the facility will house the township offices and board chambers. The board room will accommodate seating for 108 people during public meetings and community events. Every municipality has certain issues that attract large crowds from time to time, according to construction manager Andrew Schipper of AVB.
"I don't want to create is a situation where we have 100 or 200 seats in a boardroom that are never used," Combs explained.
The facility will include modern presentation technology, updated office space, and a circle driveway leading to a rustic wood and stone entrance that will welcome residents and township staff.
Police Station Features
The police station will be located on the second floor in the rear of the building, separate from but connected to the administrative offices. The public safety portion of the facility includes several key features designed to support police operations and community policing.
"The anticipated summer 2028 opening date falls just before a presidential election, Clerk Lisa Mackie said. Should there be delays, it could impact election workers' home base," Schipper noted.
Police-Specific Amenities
The police station will feature an elevator designed for moving evidence between floors, dedicated garages for vehicle maintenance, and an exercise area with updated locker rooms for officers. These features represent a significant upgrade from the cramped conditions of the current facility.
Sustainable Design and Construction
The construction team has integrated several sustainable features into the preliminary designs, according to township documents. The project will utilize drought-tolerant landscaping and recycled materials sourced locally to minimize environmental impact.
"Developers have built several sustainable features into the preliminary designs, per township documents, including drought-tolerant landscaping and the use of local, recycled materials in the construction," noted Audrey Whitaker, who covered the story for MLive.
Construction costs will be covered by capital funds, according to a 2024 press release from the township. The project represents one of the largest municipal investments in the area and will create jobs during the two-year construction period.
Community Space and Event Capabilities
The design team has made the board room highly flexible to accommodate different types of gatherings. Seating can be moved around the space to accommodate any size crowd or community event, making it a true multi-purpose venue.
The facility will also feature television screens and a large projector screen for presentations and community meetings. The 108-seat capacity allows for substantial public attendance while maintaining an intimate setting for productive discussions.
Timeline and Election Impact
The summer 2028 opening date is strategically timed to serve as a permanent home for election workers ahead of the presidential election. Township Clerk Lisa Mackie raised concerns about potential delays that could impact election operations.
"Should there be delays, it could impact election workers' home base," Mackie explained during the board meeting.
The construction team has planned contingencies to avoid last-minute changes, with the exact groundbreaking date to be announced in the coming weeks.