TRAVERSE CITY - Traverse City commissioners are evaluating two competing proposals for the future of the historic Carnegie Building, with a final decision now scheduled for April 6. The Crooked Tree Arts Center and the Traverse Area District Library have both submitted plans for the space, which currently houses the arts center.
The city originally intended to make a decision on March 16 but postponed the date to allow for further review of the two distinct visions for the community space. While the arts center is seeking to remain in the facility it has occupied for more than 10 years, the library proposes transforming the building into a hub for local history and research to address space shortages at its main branch.
The Crooked Tree Arts Center has operated out of the Carnegie Building for more than a decade. Kristi Wodek, managing director of the Crooked Tree Arts Center, said the current uncertainty regarding the building’s lease has forced the organization to suspend some of its long-term programming. The nonprofit typically operates on a planning cycle of nine to 12 months. “It does hinder our planning, our programming,” Wodek said. “Naturally, there’s a little bit of insecurity. We have three full-time staff, one part-time, and we have probably 30 teachers that are on roster right now.”
The arts center has designed its classes and events specifically to fit the layout of the Carnegie Building. Wodek noted that finding a comparable location to replicate their current setup would be unrealistic for the organization. “In the short term, we would look different for a while,” Wodek said. “I don’t know what building out there we could replicate exactly how we have it. I think that’s unrealistic.”
The Traverse Area District Library proposal emphasizes the preservation of local history. Library leaders noted that while their Woodmere branch holds paper records and 2D materials, the Carnegie Building currently houses 3D historical items. The library’s plan involves making these physical historical objects more accessible to the community in a centralized location.
Library officials also cited space constraints at their current Woodmere location as a primary reason for their interest in the Carnegie Building. The library views the historic site as a long-term solution to accommodate their growing collections and public services. Proposals for the space include the addition of meeting rooms and gathering spaces for public use.
Under the library’s vision, the building would offer dedicated rooms where residents could preserve their own family histories, such as by recording interviews with parents or grandparents. The plan also includes regular exhibits, educational classes and programming similar to the library’s other branches. Leaders described a successful future for the building as one where students visit for exhibits and residents use the space to research history or write books.
Traverse City commissioners will continue to review both proposals in the coming weeks. A final decision on which organization will occupy the Carnegie Building is scheduled for April 6.