Waterford Township residents can get a first look at plans for the new community center on Thursday.

Township trustees have a special meeting so the project architect, Neumann/Smith of Southfield, can present design schematics.

People can share their thought about the design during the meeting’s public comment period. Each speaker will have a three-minute time limit.

More than two years ago, township officials determined it would cost too much to renovate the parks and recreation building at 5640 Williams Lake Road. They started looking for other options.

On May 28, 2024, trustees agreed to buy 53.1 acres of Oakland Community College’s Highland campus, 7350 Cooley Lake Road, for $2.8 million.

Voters later approved a 21-year, $36,410,000 bond on Nov. 5, 2024 to pay for the property purchase and renovations.

College and township officials signed the purchase agreement late last year. The township took legal possession of the property on Thursday.The renovations are meant to create a multi-generational, multi-purpose community hub that will be used for decades. The new property will eventually be home to the township’s senior center, currently at 3621 Pontiac Lake Road.

OCC’s medical classes will continue through Oct. 1, 2027, under a lease agreement between the township and college. The college will not have to pay for the lease and will be able to rent space from the township if needed.

The special board meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at the township hall auditorium, 5200 Civic Center Drive.