Courtesy art This is a rendering of the proposed headquarters for the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union.

ALPENA – The Alpena Township Planning Commission voted Monday to approve a site plan for a proposed headquarters facility for the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union (AAACU) at 1700 M-32 West.

The project includes a major investment at the site of the former Alpena Diesel Service building and replacing it with a modern three-story facility.

The 4-1 approval came after review of detailed plans showing compliance with B-2 district standards for financial institutions and office uses. Commissioner Tom Hilberg cast the sole “no” vote, citing concerns with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) traffic impact study and requesting additional information before approval.

Sara Lepich, architect for The Redmond Company, presented details of the project to the commission.

“This is a new headquarters project for AAACU, it will be a three-story building. The first floor would include the credit union branch portion, as well as investment services, a coffee shop, and a conference center with seating for approximately 140 people,” Lepich said.

The proposed facility features contemporary architectural elements, including extensive landscaping with 16 trees proposed, which would meet enhanced requirements, 195 parking spaces, plus capacity for 71 additional future spaces. The commission also signed off on the proposed stormwater management systems, as well as lighting, signage, utilities, drainage, emergency access, and preservation of natural features.

A portion of the parcel includes existing wetlands, but site plans indicate they will remain unaffected.

The new headquarters will mark a significant upgrade for AAACU, which has served the Alpena and Alcona County area since 1953 and maintains multiple branches across the region. Replacing an older commercial site with a professionally designed, landscaped facility along the M-32 corridor is expected to enhance the visual appeal of the area while providing expanded services.

Alpena Township Supervisor Abbi Kaszubowski highlighted the broader significance of attracting a stable financial institution headquarters to the community.

“When a credit union chooses to locate its headquarters in a township, the impact extends well beyond the building itself,” Kaszubowski said. “The headquarters creates direct employment opportunities, from executive and administrative positions to technology, operations, and support staff.”

“Those employees spend money locally, supporting restaurants, retailers, and service providers,” Kaszubowski added.

She also noted the potential ripple effects on economic development.

“The headquarters can also become a catalyst for broader redevelopment. Financial institutions often invest in community partnerships, financial education programs, housing initiatives, and small business lending,” Kaszubowski said. “By improving access to capital, a credit union helps residents buy homes, start businesses, and build wealth locally.”

Planning Commission approval represents a key regulatory milestone, but the project’s success will depend on timely coordination among the applicant, township staff, MDOT, and contractors.

Further details on permitting progress and any public updates from AAACU are anticipated in the coming weeks.