Benton Township, Mi—The American Electric Power Foundation is granting $50,000 to Lake Michigan College and the Mendel Center.

The money will go towards renovations of LMC’s Grand Upton Hall at the Mendel Center. Upton Hall is the largest indoor venue in the region and hosts 50,000 visitors a year.

These new renovations will be the first comprehensive upgrade since the center opened in the 1970s. It will include a new design, improve the functionality of the space and new lighting.

“The LMC Mendel Center’s Grand Upton Hall has been a longtime resource for the people of Southwest Michigan, showing excellence in providing exactly these things. We are pleased to continue to support Lake Michigan College in their efforts to create even better opportunities and experiences for the community going forward,” said Joel Gebbie, American Electric Power’s Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer.

The AEP Foundation is funding through AEP, which owns Indiana Michigan Power. It provides resources for charities in communities served by their power companies.

“We are very grateful for the continued support from AEP that helps us to provide excellent service to our students and community,” said Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, Lake Michigan College president.

Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2019. So far, LMC has raised $800,000 for the project.