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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
VICTORY TOWNSHIP, Mason County — The West Shore Community College Board of Trustees will consider the purchase of the former Gale’s IGA building, 710 S. State St., Hart, when it meets Monday, Aug. 19.
“West Shore Community College has long recognized the importance of establishing a presence in Oceana County to better serve our community and expand our reach,” wrote WSCC President Scott Ward in a memorandum to the board. “For several years, there have been ongoing discussions about finding a suitable location within Oceana County that could house not only WSCC’s educational programs but also serve as a hub for potential community partners. With the success of our Manistee Center, I am confident the same model will work in Oceana County.”
Ward said several options were considered but the former Gale’s IGA building became a prime candidate.
“The building is centrally located within Oceana County, making it accessible to a broad segment of the population we aim to serve,” Ward wrote. “The facility’s substantial square footage provides ample space to accommodate multiple uses, including classrooms, meeting spaces and offices for partner organizations.” He also stated the potential for revitalizing the former IGA site into a community center aligns with WSCC’s mission to support local development and provide accessible education and resources.
“Several sites have been evaluated over the last several years, but no other site has fit the criteria of location and size necessary for the college and partner organizations,” Ward stated.
Ward said WSCC engaged in detailed discussions with various stakeholders, including community members, potential partners, and local government officials.
“These discussions consistently highlighted the need for a multi-use facility in Oceana County,” he said. “Additionally, a workforce development study, which was partly funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, finalized in 2023, highlighted the need for workforce training in Oceana County.”
WSCC has secured various funding sources for the project including $1.3 million in State of Michigan funding ($1 million from a Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development Michigan Community Center grant) and $300,000 through an appropriation in the State of Michigan’s budget under infrastructure, technology, equipment, maintenance and safety). Additionally, the City of Hart’s Tax Increment Financing Authority has committed $150,000.
Ward said after a purchase agreement was established with the property owner in May, the college administration contracted for a phase 1 environmental site assessment and a land title survey. The environmental assessment revealed no evidence of known or suspected environmental conditions. The land survey noted “several immaterial encroachments of this parcel into public easements,” Ward said. “College administration is working within the City of Hart for clarity on these encroachments.”
Ward is recommending the Board of Trustees approve the use of $500,000 from the college’s secured funding to purchase the property.
“This purchase will represent a significant milestone in WSCC’s efforts to establish a permanent presence in Oceana County, paving the way for future renovations and the eventual opening of a community center that serves both educational and broader community needs,” he wrote.
Ward said if the trustees were to approve the purchase, the next step will be to initiate the process of finalizing the transaction and begin planning for the renovation of the building.
“This will include seeking additional funding, engaging with potential partners regarding facility needs and lease terms, and developing a detailed timeline for the project’s completion. All future considerations such as construction approvals and leases will be brought back for Board of Trustees consideration.”
Ward said potential partners may include Michigan Works, West Shore Educational Service District and Hart Public Schools.
“College administration has also been contracting by several other governmental, education and social services agencies regarding interest in tenancy in this location. I am positive among all the entities the college administration has been in contact with, occupancy of the building will not be a concern. As the college modeled with the Manistee Center, the intent of this project is to create a self-sustaining operation through leases and operational efficiencies of multiple agencies.”
The WSCC Board of Trustees will meet for its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. in the John M. Eaton Board Room in the college’s Administration & Conference Building on the main campus.
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