By Scott Sullivan
Editor
The Saugatuck Township Board was scheduled Wednesday, Aug. 13, to review and perhaps approve a $1.575-million township hall redesign.
If so, contractor Progressive AE will prepare construction documents for public bidding in September and work could start as early as spring 2026.
The effort, bolstered by a $185,000 Michigan Economic Development Corp. Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant, is budgeted through township capital improvement funds.
“This project,” said township manager Daniel DeFranco, “is a demonstration of pedestrian-oriented development and aims to enhance the township’s visibility and role within the community along the Blue Star Highway corridor.”
The 3461 Blue Star site now “features characteristics more aligned with suburban-style zoning, such as parking in front of the building, large setbacks and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks” he said.
‘These design elements do not prioritize pedestrian movement or public engagement. The proposed upgrades, overseen by an advisory committee of community professionals, are a first step in transforming this space into an accessible, pedestrian-friendly area that reflects the Township’s unique character and values.”
Key upgrades include:
• Improved accessibility, with a clearly defined entrance.
• Resurfacing the building façade.
• Installing new lighting and township entrance sign.
• Building a new covered walkway to protect residents during busy election days and provide comfort for those enjoying the pedestrian plaza.
• Relocating the parking lot to behind the building.
• Redesigning the front parking lot into a pedestrian plaza
• Adding a rain garden, drought-resistant plantings, and new trees to create a more sustainable environment.
The township consulted with the Lakeshore Disability Network during the design process to ensure t site upgrades meet the needs of all residents.
“This effort,” said DeFranco, “aligns with the township’s broader vision to reshape the Blue Star Highway into a vibrant, walkable corridor that encourages mixed-use development, residential growth and improved non-motorized infrastructure.
“Future improvements will include updates to zoning laws to support attainable housing, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks and crosswalks, and redesigned intersections and streetscapes along the corridor.”
First built as a multi-unit commercial building in 1976, the building began hosting township offices 17 years later. It now also hosts a leased Michigan State Police satellite office.
In 2023, the structure underwent major interior renovations featuring a new main entrance, updated conference room and reception area, plus upgraded audio/visual system to serve at meetings.
Progressive, a Grand Rapids-based architectural and engineering firm, was hired later that year to oversee façade and curb appeal improvements, create a clear and accessible entrance, plus enhance signage, wayfinding, parking and lighting at the public building.
Sustainable design elements, such as solar installations, EV charging stations and green stormwater infrastructure, were incorporated during project as well.
“For decades,” said DeFranco, “the hall has been located along our area’s busiest thoroughfare, Blue Star Highway.
“However, despite passing it daily, many residents remain unaware of its existence due to lack of visibility.
“We want to leverage the hall’s central location and create a modern and welcoming façade with a site design that contributes to the township’s goal of creating a walkable, neighborhood corridor and showcases the (township’s commitment to sustainable development,” he said.
