Sturgis Electrical Facility

About

Location: Kalamazoo, MI, 49006 (Map)
Size: 40,000 SF
Architect: Ghafari Assocaites

The City of Sturgis is investing in the future of its electric utility operations with the construction of a new Electric Department Facility located at the intersection of Bogen Road and South Lakeview Street. Designed to consolidate administrative offices, field operations, vehicle storage, and material management into a single modern campus, the approximately 40,000-square-foot facility will support the City’s growing infrastructure needs while improving operational efficiency, safety, and long-term service reliability for the community. The project is currently in pre-construction, with occupancy anticipated in 2027.

The new facility is designed to serve as a comprehensive operations hub for the Electric Department, housing office and collaboration spaces, warehouse and inventory storage, vehicle and equipment storage, cold storage, wash bays, training and meeting rooms, and staff support areas. Specialized components include high-density storage and racking systems, dedicated utility equipment storage, PCB containment and storage areas, secure tool rooms, and integrated technology and data infrastructure to support daily utility operations and emergency response coordination. Exterior site improvements will include secured access drives, covered material storage, outdoor training and mutual aid areas, transformer storage, perimeter security fencing, and expanded parking accommodations for staff and visitors.

The building design combines durable industrial functionality with a modern civic appearance through the use of precast concrete composite wall panels, pre-engineered metal building systems, standing seam metal roofing, and expansive glazing at key public-facing areas. The layout prioritizes operational flow between office staff, field crews, warehouse functions, and fleet operations while creating a safe, organized, and efficient working environment. Interior spaces are planned to support collaboration, employee wellness, training, and day-to-day utility coordination, helping the City attract and retain skilled staff while supporting evolving service demands.

The project also emphasizes long-term durability, flexibility, and resiliency. Site planning accommodates future operational growth, material staging, and mutual aid coordination during emergency restoration events. Energy-efficient building systems, integrated technology infrastructure, and durable construction materials are intended to support reliable operations and reduced long-term maintenance costs. Once complete, the new Electric Department Facility will provide the City of Sturgis with a modern, centralized utility operations center designed to support dependable electric service and community needs for decades to come.

In the News:

Design and budget approved for Sturgis Electric Center