Van Buren Community Center

To help Van Buren Charter Township in their mission to enhance community offerings for their residents, Neumann/Smith Architecture fully renovated and expanded the Township’s existing community center. Our team designed a 22,400 sf addition, revamped the existing community center, and updated the adjacent senior center to match the newer, updated spaces.   Community and stakeholder feedback drove the programming for this project, which included a new gymnasium with elevated running track, group + open fitness rooms, and improved locker rooms. To accommodate users of all ages, multi-purpose rooms + teen areas were added to the plan, as well as a black box theater. A new lobby and reception areas welcome guests into the space.   The renovation also resulted in a safer and modernized workplace for Township employees. Inside the community center, our team designed new, engaging office spaces. Outside, a reconfigured and expanded parking lot with new security gates, fencing, and keycard entry provides a safe place to park.   The new Van Buren Community Center also leverages the outdoors to bring people together. South of the building, a landscaped plaza allows for outdoor movies, concerts, and other events while a patio west of the building can be used for outdoor exercise classes. A courtyard at the new main entrance to the community center invites the Van Buren community into the modernized space.