A Central "Hub" of Community Life in the Village

The Envision Ada Plan for redevelopment of the Ada Village area identified a lack of civic space and the need for a central "hub" of community life in the Village. To meet this need, Ada Township is undertaking the development of the Amy Van Andel Library and Community Center that will be located on the south side of Headley Street, adjacent to The Community Church. The library component of the facility will be a new branch of the Kent District Library (KDL) system. Ada's new library and community center will include a library of the future, containing not only traditional hard-copy books and periodicals, but also access to digital media and unique spaces and facilities for programs and experiential learning opportunities for persons of all ages. The building will also include a variety of flexible multi-purpose spaces for a variety of community meetings, including small study rooms, conference rooms and meeting rooms for groups ranging from 2 persons to 160 persons.

The design of the new facility is being led by the architectural team of Progressive AE of Grand Rapids and OPN Architects from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The design process is being guided by a Building Committee comprised of Township officials, KDL representatives and Township residents.

Design of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, with construction beginning in Spring 2019. Opening of the building to the public is planned in the first quarter of 2020.

Ada Township and the Ada Township DDA have $2.8 million in public funds allocated to the project. The balance of the project cost is targeted to come from private contributions to the "Our Next Chapter-Ada" capital campaign fund. Led by a generous gift from Steve and Amy Van Andel and significant gifts from other major donors, the capital campaign is nearing its campaign goal of over $7 million.

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