Flexible community for all
Van Buren Community Center
The VBC revitalized the existing Township Hall with a dynamic addition and renovation, creating a hub for wellness, recreation, and community gathering. Designed for flexibility, the center includes a gym, black box theater, senior spaces, and fitness areas. Thoughtful planning and cost-conscious solutions ensure long-term sustainability while enhancing the community’s accessibility and engagement.
vision
Guided by community and stakeholder input, the Van Buren Community Center was designed to serve all ages, interests, and abilities. The design embraces flexibility, ensuring that everything—from the black box theater to the fitness spaces—adapts to evolving community needs. Thoughtful branding and natural light reinforce a welcoming, energetic atmosphere for all who enter.
detail
Balancing modern upgrades with the existing structure, the design features modular construction, energy-efficient materials, and intuitive wayfinding. Highlights include a gymnasium with an elevated track, fitness rooms, multi-purpose spaces, and a modernized workplace. Exterior upgrades add secure parking and landscaped outdoor areas for events and exercise. Sustainability was key, with high-efficiency insulation, LED lighting, and repurposed materials reducing environmental impact.
secret
Flexibility is at the heart of the VBC. The lobby seamlessly transforms into a pre-function space for the black box theater, enhancing event flow. The teen space, designed for youth in the afternoons and summers, doubles as a coworking hub or casual gathering spot for seniors and community members during off-hours. Even the rentable rooms adapt—hosting everything from sewing classes to meetings and celebrations—ensuring the center evolves with the community’s needs.
