Saugatuck Twp. celebrates new township hall canopy, plaza

SAUGATUCK TWP. — Saugatuck Township officially marked a major civic milestone on Monday morning, celebrating the completion of its Township Hall Canopy and Plaza Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3461 Blue Star Highway.

Community members, local leaders, and project partners gathered at 10 a.m. to unveil the transformed site, which converted the previous layout into a more accessible, functional and welcoming public destination.

The completed project features a distinctive architectural canopy wrapping around the existing Township Hall building, alongside a pedestrian plaza constructed on the site of a former parking lot. Additional site improvements included updated parking, modern signage, and enhanced landscaping.

Together, the upgrades establish a strong civic presence along the Blue Star Highway corridor while supporting the township’s long-term vision for a more walkable and pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare.

Financial support for the project included a $185,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Revitalization and Placemaking program, which targets investments in permanent public-space infrastructure across the state.

During the ceremony, remarks were delivered by Township Manager Daniel DeFranco, Township Supervisor Abby Bigford, Lakeshore Advantage Strategic Initiatives Senior Manager Lindsay Maunz, and project design committee member Jackie Ground. Members of the Township Board and the project design committee joined the speakers to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Following the formal presentation, attendees toured the new outdoor spaces. These exterior enhancements build upon a comprehensive interior renovation completed in 2023, which modernized the building’s workspace functionality, safety, technology and accessibility.

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