KALAMAZOO, MI — The CSM Group-Barton Malow team formalized a construction safety partnership with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) for the Kalamazoo Event Center project. This initiative reflects a broader update to MIOSHA’s partnership program, designed to streamline safety and health support for large-scale construction efforts.

The Kalamazoo Event Center is one of several construction sites in Michigan — and the only project in southwest Michigan — where contractors, workers, and MIOSHA are collaborating to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. These voluntary agreements emphasize leadership involvement, proactive hazard identification, safety training, and accountability. Projects with this partnership in place have shown a 48 percent reduction in injury and illness rates compared to the statewide average.

Barton Malow ironworkers recently placed the first steel columns on site, allowing the structure to begin taking shape after foundations were completed earlier this year. Once completed in fall 2027, the center will serve as a hub for sports and entertainment in the region with a versatile main arena, two practice basketball courts, and a practice sheet of ice.

The 456,000-square-foot Kalamazoo Event Center project consists of constructing a new home for the Kalamazoo Wings and for Western Michigan University student athletes. The project consists of an arena, practice facilities, student athlete amenities, locker rooms, multi-purpose center, office space, and a 1,176-space parking deck. Ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics as well as community events and concerts will take place at this venue.