Building a Welcoming Hub for Redford’s Community Wellness
The Charter Township of Redford, Michigan, envisioned a modern, inclusive recreation and wellness center that could serve as a true gathering space for residents. For years, the community lacked a central hub for fitness, aquatics, and recreation programs. Township leaders wanted more than a building and sought an environment that could strengthen neighborhood connections, support healthy living, and serve residents of all ages.
HED partnered with the town of Redford to transform that vision into a facility shaped by both ambition and pragmatism. The township’s working-class community needed a center that balanced pride with affordability. Grant funds would cover construction, but ongoing operations would rely on a membership model, placing pressure on the design to maximize value. Every dollar had to stretch as far as possible, delivering durable systems and flexible spaces that could adapt to evolving needs without adding unnecessary cost.
From the beginning, site constraints demanded creativity. The project’s footprint stretched long and narrow across former parkland, crisscrossed by utility easements and minor soil contamination. Rather than viewing those challenges as limits, the team used them as catalysts for design. Contaminated soils were encapsulated on-site and reshaped into an outdoor amphitheater with berms planted in native grasses, turning a liability into a gathering space. Glazed areas along the second floor now showcase the energy inside to passersby, their evening glow signaling a welcoming presence on the street.
Inside, the building prioritizes flexibility. A full gymnasium with basketball courts, a walking track, youth play areas, and multipurpose rooms can be divided and reconfigured for different programs. Storage is placed strategically, allowing staff to pivot between activities with ease. Even the locker and toilet facilities were rethought into distributed areas to better serve families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Wellness shaped decision-making at every turn. Daylight streams into fitness and community spaces, while acoustic treatments help balance noise between active and quiet areas. Materials were selected for durability and health, providing a safe, comfortable environment without excess. Mechanical systems were carefully tuned to meet the distinct needs of wet and dry areas while staying within budget. Exposed structural elements add visual character while keeping the construction lean.
Redford now has a center that stands as a point of pride, balancing affordability with ambition. By maximizing program space, emphasizing adaptability, and rooting every decision in wellness, the new recreation and wellness center positions the township for a healthier, more connected future.
