The Allendale Community Center is a vision which has been discussed for over a decade. Now, this vision comes to fruition in the preservation and repurposing of a significant, historic community landmark in Allendale’s downtown - the former C. V. Bing High School, which served African American students during the time of segregation - filling a tremendous need and desire within the community for recreational facilities, educational programming, healthcare, and event space. The existing property includes over 75,000sf of vacant buildings across a 20-acre campus.

The goal of the project is to keep the architectural design and character of these buildings intact while repurposing space to give new life to the overall campus in service of the community. The new program includes space for Parks & Recreation, utilizing the restored gym in addition to outdoor spaces, and providing community gardens and a multi-functional community pavilion as part of the new recreation park.

A Community Center with an on-site catering kitchen provides a venue for events, while classroom spaces in the complex address childcare and early childhood development, youth leadership development, a business innovation center, and health-related STEM workforce development and job training. Also included are spaces for onsite healthcare providers, including a pharmacy, and short-term housing for visiting students, staff, and faculty. The community impact of this effort is substantial, with financial support from the State and other regional stakeholders increasing its reach. The development will provide employment opportunities as well as encourage additional revitalization in the downtown area.