Community Development

Imagining and building collaborative flourishing in our rural city.

The Huss Project

The Huss Project represents the collaborative community development work of the non-profit, Three Rivers-based organization *culture is not optional, which is taking place at a historic elementary school property in Three Rivers, Michigan.  To date, the project has hosted such programs as a community garden, art installations, community festivals, storytelling nights and service-learning groups—all in and around a building that currently has no running water (except an outside tap for the garden) or functional heating system!


*culture is not optional (*cino) purchased Huss School in 2009 with a vision for a multi-tenant non-profit center and residential space for an intentional community and off-campus program for college students.  *cino’s mission and core values are helping guide the way forward at the Huss Project as we seek to do an extensive renovation of the building and grow community partnerships in the space.  We invite you to explore the many resources on this site and to add your voice to the community of Huss Project supporters who are helping to foster new life at the corner of 8th Street and Broadway in Three Rivers!