Milton Township officials broke ground Monday on construction of a new $1.7 million town hall.

The 6,850-square foot hall will include offices for each board member, conference rooms and seating for 200 people.

Supervisor Robert Benjamin said the hall would be big enough to hold elections, public hearings and meetings for the growing township. It will also be available to rent for gatherings, business meetings, receptions and more.

Benjamin said the building could last 50 years or more. A tentative completion date is set at Aug. 1, 2014.

The township hall will also serve as a disaster site location for Milton Township and the surrounding communities.

The plans also include building a new playground area in the existing township park next to the new building.

The township is using reserve finances, corporate grants and bank financing to pay for the project without using taxes or bonds.

The current township hall is open Monday through Friday.

Frederick Construction was awarded the contract last week. Construction will start shortly.

Robert Zilak, Cass County Commissioner, praised the ability of the township and county coming together to make the project a reality.

Milton Township residents and officials, officials from Cass County, Edwardsburg Public Schools transportation department and the American Red Cross all assisted in providing input for the building’s design.