01/15/2007

Future of history is in the works

Group wants help with ideas for historic barns

By Vanessa McCray

vmccray@record-eagle.com

Record-Eagle file photo
The first of several visioning sessions will be held this week to seek public input on the future use of the historic barns at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City.

TRAVERSE CITY — Historic they may be, but the barns at the Grand Traverse Commons are not yet ready for their future.

The joint Traverse City and Garfield Township recreational authority this month will begin to solicit public input on how to use the two barns and about 55 acres of surrounding property acquired after voters approved a millage and bond issue in 2004.

"The objective is to get as much input as possible to come up with the best plan possible,” said Michael Groleau of the authority board.

The first of four "visioning sessions” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Traverse City West Junior High. Other meetings are scheduled for Feb. 15, March 15 and, if needed, April 19.

The authority hired a team of engineers, architects and consultants to lead the effort, which starts with gathering community ideas about what the area should become. The authority this spring could consider a final plan, possibly featuring multiple uses for the site.

The barns require improvements such as emergency exits, lighting and handicap access to meet building code standards, officials said. Until then, they cannot host functions.

The cost to make changes would be at least $100,000 and could be significantly more depending on the use, said Eric Mansuy of Clark Walter Sirrine Architects.

"Once we get a good direction from the community we can nail down these costs a lot better,” he said.

The authority board set some criteria for proposals for the property. Uses must be public, "economically self-sufficient,” follow historic standards and provide water and sewer service.