CLICK TO HEAR CALEB GORDON’S INTERVIEW WITH SUPERVISOR MIKE SIMULA
The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted Champion Township in celebrating the grand opening of the new Township Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 18. The new facility is located at 1071 Highway US 41 in Champion. An open house followed the ceremony, allowing the public an opportunity to tour the space.
The new Township Hall replaces Champion Township’s previous office, a small, aging building that once operated as a restaurant. That space, composed of just two open rooms, was not ideal for office or meeting use and had deteriorated significantly. Facing the choice of investing in costly repairs or seeking a better solution, township officials identified another township-owned building, a former DNR field office and later home to the Champion Lions Club, as a strong candidate for renovation. The structure was larger and more sound, offering a solid foundation for transformation into a more functional municipal facility.
In late 2023, the Township Board officially decided to move forward with renovating the former Lions Club building. Plans were developed, financing was secured, and a general contractor was selected. Construction began in late summer of 2024 and continued through the fall, winter, and spring of 2025.
“We’re proud to introduce a more functional and welcoming space for the community,” said Township Supervisor Mike Simula. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life and are excited to begin operations in our new hall.”
The renovated hall now features individual offices for the Township Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer, a larger meeting room, a small kitchenette, and fully accessible restrooms. The building is equipped with air conditioning and will include a backup generator to ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages.
The architectural plans were developed by Jim Nankervis, and the renovation was completed by HandiPro, LLC. Grant funding to support the project was secured from the West End Health Foundation.
For more information about the Champion Township Hall, please contact Mike Simula, Township Supervisor, at supervisor@championmichigan.org.
Pictured left to right: Lauren Rotundo, LSCP Small Business Promotions Specialist; Jodi Oullette, Office of Representative Jack Bergman; Tanya Gatewood, Champion Township Clerk; Sam Gatewood, Planning Commission Member; Mike Simula, Champion Township Supervisor; Jim Belpedio, Trustee; Betty Brotherton, Trustee; Ben Carlson, HandiPro; Rachel Raak, LSCP Community Economic and Development Coordinator.
Comments