Building 50 and the Commons

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Traverse City residents have been heatedly discussing the status of historic Building 50 on the grounds of the old state hospital for more than a decade. Since construction on the Northern Michigan Asylum began in 1881, the hospital campus has been an integral part of the community.
Since the hospital closed two decades ago, many of the buildings have remained vacant. Also since then, segments of the community variously have sought to restore the historic buildings or tear them down and replace them with more modern structures. At the center of the debate has been the question of what to do with the 450-acre campus, recently renamed the GT Commons, nestled on the west side of town.

GT COMMONS REDEVELOPMENT: Building 50 work begins - November 16, 2003

Building 50 committee dissolving - March 13, 2003

Commissioners OK renaissance zone - August 10, 2002

Minervini closes on Bldg. 50 - May 7, 2002

Minervini to be new Building 50 owner - March 21, 2002

Board tables Building 50 review - May 8, 2001

Commons board OKs Minervini proposal - Apr. 27, 2001

Commons will turn focus to open spaces - Apr. 23, 2001

Three buildings sold at GT Commons - Apr. 2, 2001

Non-profit group seeks Building 50 - Mar. 21, 2001

City commission rejects GT Commons proposal - Feb. 27, 2001

Book shares personal memories, history of state hospital - Feb. 18, 2001

Snowshoe stroll raises $1,826 for Building 50 committee - Feb. 14, 2001
County needs answer on Commons idea - Feb. 5, 2001