TRAVERSE CITY — Discussions are underway to plot out the next act for a historic building right on the edge of West Grand Traverse Bay.
The Foster Building was built during the great depression and has served as a museum, a zoo and a community theater called “Bijou by the Bay.”
But now, city commissioners are trying to imagine something different.
“That’ll be an exciting conversation,” said Benjamin Marentette, interim city manager for Traverse City." And I’m looking forward to the next phase in the life of that building. That’s right in the middle of Clinch Park."
Outlining criteria for proposals will be one of the first major tasks for the recently seated council. That process will begin at a meeting in December.
“One thing that comes to mind that would be exciting in my mind, just generally speaking, is that that space would bring people together of all sorts of backgrounds,” Marentette said. “I think when that happens, there’s magic, and it’s in a park, after all. So parks tend to bring people together from all walks of life.”
9&10 News spoke with community members to get their thoughts on what should fill the space. Many agreed, it should be something unique and inclusive.
“We appreciate anyone who comes down here,” said Allyson Osga, manager at M-22 Gifts, especially small businesses and, you know, new things that aren’t your everyday thing that you see in other tourist towns. "
“I feel like we have a lot of the same thing,” Caroline Geller, a downtown worker, said. “So shops that are a little different bring something different to the town.”
“I would love to see it turn into any kind of event space for the community can gather,” said Abby Weglarz, whose store looks out over the Bijour Building. “Whether it be educational or art, I really look forward to seeing what the city comes up with to do, because it would be great to have something happening in that space.”
Official proposals are expected to be sent out at a Dec. 15 meeting following a Dec. 8 study session.
The proposal window will be kept open for around a month and city commissioners will begin selecting a final option early next year.