“So, this project has been thought of by the college administration and board for the better part of probably eight to ten years, trying to figure out a way we can better support not only the students in Oceana County but also the community itself.”
Vice President for Administrative Services for West Shore Community College Mitchell Foster says the school purchased the former IGA grocery store in downtown Hart in 2024. West Shore is headquartered in Scottville, just east of Ludington.
“Old grocery stores, or grocery stores in general, are very just open, right? You can do whatever you want with them because they’re just a big empty box, and so it really fit with the idea of being creative and flexible with space.”
The building will not only host classes for the college but will feature a food club for low-income residents, coffeehouse, a Michigan Works! outpost, social service provider, the Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency, and public space available for rent.
“It makes it more appealing for our community members to want to come in and be comfortable with coming in because they see all those services being offered as well.”
West Shore opened its first satellite location in Manistee in 2021. The Hart location is expected to open in fall 2026.
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