TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Commissioners are moving forward in the new year, offering up space in two historic downtown buildings.
At Monday night’s city commissioners meeting, officials voted to begin accepting requests for proposals to use space in the Carnegie Building and the Con Foster Building.
The decision kicks off a month-long period where interested parties can submit offers to the city.
Officials are considering whether to lease out space in the Carnegie Building on Sixth Street and Con Foster Building on Grandview Parkway.
They also say they’re in search of organizations or businesses that can bring new services and experiences while preserving their historic character.
At a Jan. 5 commission meeting, city officials said they valued the buildings at a rate of $25 per square foot.
Out of the Carnegie Building’s 11,500 square feet, 8,000 square feet of the will be available, which would go for a rate of $200,000 a year.
Officials say that the Carnegie Building is in need of significant upgrades, including the HVAC system and windows.
“We’re going to look at grants, as was talked about previously — some of those historic preservation grants that are coming up,” said Deborah Allen, deputy city manager of Traverse City. “And we’ll look at other opportunities as well for those grants to support things specific to the historic components.”
Officials estimated service and upkeep costs for the Carnegie Building at close to $100,000 a year.
The Con Foster Building, also known as Bijou by the Bay, is 2,800 square feet. That means the entire space could be leased for $70,000 a year.
The building also requires about $22,000 a year in services and upkeep.
The commission approved moving forward with the process and will take offers in what’s known as a request for proposals, or RFP.
The move allows the properties to be used and could help ensure the buildings remain actively used, well-maintained, and accessible to residents and visitors.
Bids are due before Wednesday, Feb. 4. More information can be found with the city commission.