New 100,000-Square-Foot Facility Set to Replace Nearly 50-Year-Old Township Hall

*KALAMAZOO TWP., MI* — Kalamazoo Township is preparing to break ground on a transformative new community campus that will house both administrative offices and the township's police department in a single, modern 100,000-square-foot facility.

The $45 million project will be built on property the township purchased in 2024 near Mosel Avenue for $1 million, and is expected to open in summer 2028 at 3006 Douglas Ave.

"I think it's beautiful and fitting for this township, and we need more people to fill those seats," said Supervisor David Combs.

Current Township Hall in Disrepair

The decision to build new comes after years of frustration with the existing facility. Superintendent Tracie Moored has repeatedly highlighted severe problems with the nearly 50-year-old building constructed in 1977.

The aging hall, located at 1720 Riverview Drive about three miles from the new site, was designed for a much smaller township staff and police force. Over the decades, the facility has developed critical issues:

  • Cramped, outdated office spaces
  • Inadequate meeting areas
  • Failing plumbing systems
  • Outdated HVAC infrastructure
  • Compromising structural integrity

"In addition to cramped, outdated office and meeting spaces, its plumbing, HVAC system and structural integrity are giving out," Moored stated.

Comprehensive Public Safety and Administrative Design

The new community campus will consolidate both the township's administrative functions and police headquarters under one roof, eliminating the need to sell the current hall.

Public Safety Features

The police department side of the building includes specialized facilities for modern law enforcement operations:

  • Elevator for evidence transport
  • Vehicle maintenance garages
  • Updated exercise area with modern locker rooms

Administrative Features

The administrative portion is designed to better serve the community with:

  • Circle driveway leading to a rustic wood and stone entrance
  • Board room with seating for 108 people
  • Updated presentation technology
  • Modern office spaces
  • Flexible seating arrangements that can accommodate varying crowd sizes

"I don't want to create is a situation where we have 100 or 200 seats in a boardroom that are never used," Combs emphasized.

Construction Manager Addresses Community Concerns

Andrew Schipper, construction manager from AVB, acknowledged that every municipality experiences issues that attract large crowds. The design incorporates flexibility to handle these situations.

"Every municipality has certain issues that attract large crowds from time to to," Schipper noted.

The board room's movable seating allows the space to adapt to anything from intimate board meetings to large community gatherings.

Election Timing and Construction Timeline

Clerk Lisa Mackie highlighted the strategic timing of the project, noting that the anticipated summer 2028 opening falls just before a presidential election.

"Should there be delays, it could impact election workers' home base," Mackie warned.

The construction team plans to announce an exact groundbreaking date in the future, with Schipper confirming that contingencies will be planned to avoid last-minute changes that could affect election operations.

Sustainable Building Features

The project incorporates environmental considerations into its preliminary designs, including:

  • Drought-tolerant landscaping
  • Use of local recycled materials in construction

These features align with growing community interest in sustainable development practices.

What Happens to the Current Hall

Township officials are considering selling the existing hall at 1720 Riverview Drive, which has served the community for nearly five decades. The proceeds would help offset the costs of the new construction project.

The new facility will feature two separate entrances flanking the board room, providing distinct access points for the township administrative offices and police station.

Project Timeline and Funding

According to 2024 press releases, the project costs will be covered by capital funds already allocated by the township. The construction team will work toward the summer 2028 target, with the goal of having the facility ready before the next presidential election.

The two-year construction period will bring significant modernization to Kalamazoo Township's civic infrastructure, providing a functional, modern space for both government operations and public safety services.

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