Allegan breaks ground on riverfront plaza

Allegan breaks ground on riverfront plaza

A shot of downtown Allegan along the Kalamazoo River. Courtesy Abonmarche

Allegan has begun the final phase of a major riverfront redevelopment project.

The final phase by the City of Allegan is called Perrigo Riverfront Plaza, and it will feature a splash pad, a large fire pit, new landscaping, a shade structure and picnic area.

The plaza should be finished this fall, when there will be a ribbon-cutting and community celebration.

Joel Dye, Allegan city manager, said the name pays tribute to Perrigo’s role as a partner on the phase, as well as the drug maker's previous investments in Allegan’s revitalization efforts.

“The company and its employees have long been a champion of Allegan’s efforts to build a thriving community,” Dye said. “The financial support of Perrigo has allowed the city to increase the scope of the project beyond what was initially planned.”

Perrigo Riverfront Plaza will come in at $680,000, not including an estimated $200,000 to add riverfront restrooms and a concession area.

Perrigo has provided $130,000 toward the final phase, and the money will go to all improvements to the far western edge of the splash pad, Dye said.

“Perrigo has been privileged to serve a vital role in the Allegan area since its founding in 1887. Since then, our company has grown alongside this community and many of our employees who call Allegan home. Partnering on this project is our way of giving back to the residents and families who live here,” said Tom Farrington, EVP and CIO for Perrigo and president of the Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation

Apex Construction out of Dorr is the contractor on the project. 

A team from the Benton Harbor office of Abonmarche is providing engineering services.

The riverfront redevelopment area begins behind the Allegan District Library and extends to the 2nd Street Iron Bridge along the Kalamazoo River.

Previous phases of the riverfront redevelopment project have included a performance stage, seating areas, park improvements, a canoe/kayak launch and a zip line over the Kalamazoo River.