The client: Grand Blanc Township, Mich.
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan is a place people have called home for generations. Founded in 1833 as Genessee County’s first unit of government, this historic community’s motto is “Planned, Progressive, and Prestigious.” That’s why, when the township realized that the facility housing the Department of Public Works (DPW) and Fire Station #1 was nearing the end of its useful life, it was time to build a new home for these two critical community services. The township knew a project of this scale and importance would require careful planning from the very beginning.
Owner’s representative meets a variety of needs
Recognizing the value that an owner’s representative could provide in the planning and construction of a new facility, the township engaged Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR). As owner’s representative, PMR worked with key township personnel to develop the space and program, prioritizing needs, creating the project scope, and coordinating the bidding and contract negotiation process for architectural and construction services.
Keeping the project moving forward
With PMR on board to help manage the township’s risk and make sure every part of the project fit within the pre-established scope, budget, and timeline, the township could confidently begin construction on a new facility. Completed in spring 2026, Grand Blanc Township’s DPW and Fire Station #1 complex is 60,000 square feet and includes a shared public lobby with counters for each agency and a shared community room with a large screen projector and ample seating. The rest of the facility has both indoor and outdoor spaces tailored to each agency, such as DPW’s outdoor storage for snow-melting road salt and the fire station’s decontamination station. The previous Fire Station #1 did not have a decontamination station, an important feature of the new facility that will help prevent harmful particles and chemicals from getting into other areas or the building’s HVAC system.
Providing peace of mind from start to finish
With Plante Moran Realpoint’s help, Grand Blanc Township’s fire department and DPW now have the right space and resources they need to help keep the community — and themselves — safe and healthy for years to come.
