CARNEGIE & CON FOSTER BUILDINGS

COMMISSION CONSIDERS ISSUANCE OF RFPS

At their January 5, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider authorizing the issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the future lease and use of two prominent city-owned properties—the Carnegie Building on Sixth Street and the Con Foster Building, commonly known as the Bijou Theatre, in Clinch Park.

City staff are recommending the Commission approve issuing the RFPs in order to solicit proposals from community, civic, nonprofit, or business organizations interested in activating the buildings with public-facing uses. The proposed RFPs reflect direction provided by the City Commission during its December 8, 2025 study session, emphasizing uses centered on culture, the environment, and the arts.

The Carnegie Building, located at 322 Sixth Street, is a historic former library built in 1905 and expanded in the mid-20th century. The 11,500-square-foot facility is currently leased to the Crooked Tree Art Center, with that lease set to expire in October 2026. City facility assessments have identified approximately $583,000 in restoration needs, including historic window replacement and HVAC upgrades. Issuing an RFP is intended to identify long-term partners who can provide community programming while respecting the building’s historic character and addressing ongoing operational and maintenance needs.

The Con Foster Building, located at 181 East Grandview Parkway in Clinch Park, was renovated as a movie theater in 2013 and operated as the Bijou by the Traverse City Film Festival. The 2,800-square-foot building has been vacant since 2024 and currently costs the City approximately $17,000 annually to operate. Because the building sits on parkland, any future use must align with park preservation goals while providing meaningful public benefit.

Under the proposed RFPs, both properties would be offered through a competitive process, with proposals evaluated on factors including community benefit, financial sustainability, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and alignment with City goals. Restaurants and retail uses would not be permitted. The City would retain ownership of both buildings and negotiate lease terms with selected respondents.

If approved, the RFPs are expected to be issued in early January 2026, with mandatory site tours later that month and proposals due in early February.

2026 PLANNING COMMISSION GOALS

COMMISSION REVIEW

At its January 6, 2026 meeting, the Planning Commission will review and discuss a draft set of goals intended to guide its work for the coming year. The goals reflect a mix of unfinished priorities from 2025, new initiatives added during the past year, and responsibilities driven by the City’s Master Plan, state legislation, redevelopment standards, and emerging community needs.

Commissioners will be asked to use the draft as a starting point for discussion and prioritization, recognizing that annual goals are often adjusted.

Key focus areas for 2026 include improving communication and transparency through joint meetings with the City Commission and enhanced digital tools. Another major priority is completing the Riparian Ordinance, including drafting, public education, hearings, revisions, and final adoption, with the intent of folding it into a broader zoning ordinance rewrite.

A significant portion of the 2026 agenda centers on completing a full rewrite and reorganization of the zoning ordinance. This work includes targeted amendments called for in the Master Plan, such as addressing electric vehicle infrastructure, rezoning portions of West Front Street, and evaluating standards for auto-centric uses, setbacks, and daycare facilities. Broader policy considerations, like potential commercial design standards and streamlined review processes for redevelopment sites, are also part of the discussion.

Additionally, the Commission will review goals related to improving the usability of the zoning ordinance through clearer formatting and consolidated regulations, as well as conducting studies to inform zoning changes. These studies include exploring a new development zone along Fourteenth Street, creating pre-approved housing plan sets, identifying locations for community and economic hubs, and evaluating whether existing zoning districts continue to meet community needs.

The January 6 meeting is intended to refine these proposed goals, confirm priorities, and set the direction for the Planning Commission’s work throughout 2026.

CITY CLERK APPOINTMENT

COMMISSION CONSIDERS APPOINTING LUTZ

At their January 5, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider appointing Sarah Lutz as City Clerk. Lutz has served as Interim City Clerk since Benjamin Marentette assumed the role of Interim City Manager and was later appointed City Manager. She previously served as Deputy City Clerk for the City beginning in 2021.

Additionally, at Lutz’s recommendation, the City Commission will consider appointing Rebecca Adler as Deputy City Clerk. Adler has been with the City Clerk’s Office since 2022 and has served as Interim City Clerk since July 2025.

DEMOLITION & ABATEMENT

120 & 122 WEST STATE STREET

The City Commission will consider approving the demolition and abatement of the properties located at 120 and 122 West State Street as part of a planned expansion of Parking Lot P.

The project was identified in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan after staff evaluated options for the future of the properties, which were acquired using Auto Parking System funds. The proposed work includes asbestos abatement, universal waste disposal, and demolition of both structures. Demolition is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and be completed by the end of April 2026, marking Phase I of the broader Parking Lot P expansion project. Bid documents for the parking lot expansion itself are nearing completion, with the expanded lot targeting completion in July 2026.

Following a competitive bid process, staff are recommeding approval of a contract with Elmer’s Crane and Dozer Inc. in an amount not to exceed $170,000, which includes a 10 percent contingency. The project will be fully funded through the Auto Parking Enterprise Fund, as identified in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.

HICKORY HILLS SEASON UPDATES

OPENING DATE TO BE DETERMINED

Hours and Special Dates

Snowmaking equipment is now functional at Hickory Hills and has been operating to develop a base with the natual snow. An announcement on the opening date for apline is anticipated to be made soon!

During the season, early openings will continue on scheduled TCAPS days off at 11:00 am. New this season, Hickory will now open early at 1:00 pm on scheduled TCAPS half/early release days. Early openings will not take place on snow days.

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Hickory Lodge Hours

The Lodge at Hickory will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, until the opening day of the ski area.

Season Passes

Season passes for Hickory Hills are now on sale. Alpine season passholders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

The City's software offers options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, and money can be added to passholder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!).

Hickory Purchase Portal

When the season opens, day passes will continue to be purchased onsite at the ticket window. Reminder, a variety of rentals are available for both alpine and nordic.

Nordic Updates

Groomers continue to roll the Meadows and Hill side on early mornings. Significant snowmaking is underway on the Hills side, snow-making equipment and large snow piles are present, so please use caution.

Thank you volunteer groomers!

Seasonal Positions

JOIN THE FUN! The City is now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. 

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GINGERBREAD SHOWDOWN WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS PLANNING DEPARTMENT

A new team-building and community showstopper was launched this year with the Gingerbread Showdown. Departments from both the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County created whimsical gingerbread creations for the public to admire and vote on. Congratulations to the City’s Planning Department for taking top honors! Their cottage-inspired design was nothing short of amazing and truly captured the spirit of the season.