Former Tuffy Muffler & Auto Services Site 

Reimagining Tassell Park

This project is now transitioning into the next phase of Reimagining Tassell Park, starting with the Tuffy site location.

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Concept rendering from OHM Advisors of the Tuffy Mufflers corner.

The Cascade community has an exciting project in the works—a transformation of our beloved Tassell Park. Here is a closer look at the vision for revitalizing the heart of Cascade.

Location: 6896 Cascade Rd SE
Estimated Completion: TDB
Funding Source: Cascade Downtown Development Authority (DDA) purchase and a state grant to buy out the remaining property lease from Tuffy Mufflers.

Project Overview

This revitalization effort aims to celebrate the natural beauty of the Thornapple River while enhancing connectivity, recreation, and enrichment opportunities for the community. A key element of the plan involves repurposing the former Tuffy site, which will be converted into a vibrant public space. Highlights include:

  • Improved Safety: The redesigned space will make the busy intersection more pedestrian- and biker-friendly.
  • Community Hub Potential: Plans are under consideration for a multi-purpose building at the Tuffy site, envisioned as a flexible venue for art classes, fitness programs, community meetings, and events.

This project is the first phase of a larger vision for Tassell Park and the surrounding area, which includes the integration of nearby properties into a unified and inviting public space.

Photos & Renderings

For the most comprehensive overview, we encourage you to watch the October 17, 2024, Board of Trustees working meeting, where the team at OHM Advisors provides a detailed walkthrough of the plan.
  • To view the full concept presentation as a PDF, including the concepts for Village Reimagined, please click here.
  • To view a digital rendering walkthrough of this concept, please click here.
 
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Left: Supervisor Grace Lesperance with the Tuffy Muffler crew. Right: Supervisor Lesperance with Township Engineer Aric Thorne. December 2023.

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Demolition began in January 2025 to make way for a public use space.

All renderings from OHM Advisors.

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Public, multi-use building concept at current Tuffy Muffler site.

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Background

The plan for Tassell Park was crafted by the team at OHM Advisors, an architecture and planning firm contracted by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Township. Drawing from the Township's strategic plan and extensive community feedback, OHM developed a concept that celebrates the natural beauty of the area while fostering greater connection, recreation, and enrichment for residents of all ages.

Given its prime location near the Thornapple River and the village area, the former Tuffy site has long been identified as an opportunity to enhance Cascade's public spaces. This project, alongside improvements to Tassell Park and the former doctor’s office site, aims to create a cohesive and inviting public use area for residents and visitors alike.

Cascade Township would like to thank Tuffy owner Jay Farlin, store manager Bobby Ihm, and their employees for 27 years of excellent service to the community at this location.

Next Steps

As plans progress, the Township will continue to keep residents informed through public meetings and updates.