“The future of every community lies in capturing the passion, imagination, and resources of its people.” - Ernesto Sirolli
Sofar 2024 has been busy, fun, and rewarding, capturing all the local fundraising galas and events, trading our snuggly warm couch for dressing up and showing up with our official Nikon camera in tow. Diverse organizations of career professionals and caring nonprofits all portray the beating pulse of this vibrant community. Hundreds of attendees, smiling for a coveted inclusion, all agreed that Baylife Magazine is the common thread in our community. So cool.
Our friends and neighbors are amazing to support the lifeblood of our charities’ outreach. Each lavish occasion humbly began at one committee meeting. Long story short, hundreds of hours of volunteer time finally become a reality. Please count this as a thank-you hug to the kind, selfless people that always say YES.
Human kindness combined is common good, which leads us to the Commongrounds Cooperative building on 8th St. What is it, and what’s going on inside it? I had no idea, obviously due to the fact I never walk or frequent the NoBo neighborhood. It was a daily curiosity as I drove by. I’d even sat at the red light, peering in. No clue. I decided it was time to park the car, walk a little, step inside, and enlighten us all.
If you were also clueless, prepare to have your mind blown! It’s a complete bustling city with everything from live jazz music to Montessori toddlers. There are soundproof phone booths and walls of curated art, a giant staircase that seats a village, chic big city dining, and day-pass office space. Let’s not forget a commercial learning kitchen that’s taught food medicine and outdoor seating patios for two (and for a hundred wedding guests) with killer views. Did we mention you can rent a vacation suite, see a live show, move in on the fourth floor, and even become a cooperative owner? Oh, and let’s not forget coffee—good coffee. Life is too short for bad coffee.
The concept of heightened awareness is real. I went from no clue to manic overexposure in two short weeks. My first ten minutes inside I saw long lost familiar faces. I had heard of the Montessori school but didn’t know the location. It’s right here! Many artists that perform on stage I know and love. The next day a friend was going to a show with a photographer (I needed some live shots). Then two charities moved the location of annual events: hello, Commongrounds. On the sunny morning, I returned to shoot sunny exterior pictures, I was welcomed by a smiling man, a fourth floor tenant who recently moved from Escanaba. “I love living here; I went to an awesome show, Funky Uncle.” I smiled and told him that North Bar’s chef Ralph is in that band and I’ve known him for years but never see him play. “He asked me if I know his cousin from here.” He tells me his name. “You know I have met him; we share the same accountant,” I laughed. You can’t make this stuff up! Only in Traverse City. I love our town. Bring on spring.
970 Emerson Road Traverse City, MI 49696 231-941-0014 bayareacontracting.net
“Bay Area Contracting has developed a strong team of professionals who allow us to exceed our customers expectations. Old Mission Windows plays a key role on our team, providing years of experience, knowledge and never-ending desire to create a once in a lifetime experience for our clients. It a true partnership built on trust and respect.”
-Dean Adams, President Bay Area Contracting
BayLife Magazine is an award winning and family owned Traverse City based publication with over 39 years’ experience in the industry. We are proud to represent the people of our community.
PUBLISHERS
Teri and Tom Gorsline
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Tom Gorsline editor@baylifenorth.com COPY EDITOR
Hannah Ryder CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rachelle Robinson, Todd and Brad Reed
Sarah Christensen, Angela Goodall, Nicole Hulet
Hannah Ryder, Teri Gorsline
Tom Gorsline, Todd and Brad Reed Photography
Teaghan Gorsline, Taylor Brown, Max Buzzel, Shawn Roach, CrackerJack Photography, Tyler Leipprandt - Michigan Sky Media, Jason Hulet Photography GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Bethany Gulde ADVERTISING SALES
Teri Gorsline teri@baylifenorth.com BAY BREEZE MEDIA
West Bay Shore
Traverse City, MI 49684 231-715-6088
BAYLIFE Magazine Number 72 is an ‘Award Winning’ bi-monthly publication of BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. Advertising Rates available at baylifenorth.com or calling 231-715-6088. BAYLIFE Magazine is a controlled subscription, direct mailed to 8000 affluent homes located on Old Mission Peninsula, Wayne Hill, Slabtown, Traverse City, Incochee and distributed to locations throughout the Grand Traverse Bay and Northern Michigan. BAYLIFE Magazine is owned exclusively by BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. 2024. All content of this publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher. BAYLIFE Magazine is family owned and is a registered trademark of BAY BREEZE MEDIA, LLC.
You can trust and depend on the 6th generation co-owners, Christy Jonkhoff-Hater and Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers and their dedicated staff to always be there with excellence in funeral service.
Reynolds Jonkhoff
Funeral Home & Cremation Services 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City 231.947.6347 reynolds-jonkhoff.com
2nd Annual Festival Foundation Gala
The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park February 9, 2024
An Evening with the Maestro
The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park
January 27, 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEAGHAN GORSLINE
L to R: Dan and Peg Jonkhoff, Marcus and Rene Jacobson, Karen and Bill Archer, Janis and John Haine
William and Peggy Stych
Carolyn Olson, Donna Moor, Pam Horne, Karla Herbold L to R: Jeff Caviston, Austin Russell, Janice Beyer, Boyd Eager, Judy Brummeler, Norm Velquitte
Kathy Tuckerman, Donna Stein-Harris
Geoffrey Peckham, Patricia Melzor, John Robert Williams
John and Deanna Russell with Teri Hedrich
Ross and Brenda Biederman
Ward Lamphier and Jessie Noe
John and Linda Wheatley
Annual Celebration Gala
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
January 19, 2024
Aubrey Jabour, Phoenix Grace
Marina and Warren Call
Ed and Laura Ness
Margo Damoose, Emily Hollabaugh, Lauren Pauly
Lauren Harris, Mark Heplor and Kimberly Purdy
Marina Call, Teri Gorsline, Amanda Renkiewicz
Nora Balgoyen, Dean Vandermeulen
David and Kelli Mengebier
Lisa Trombley, Senator John Damoose and wife Margo
Libby and Dan Smith
Chris Wendel and Janie McNabb
Brent and Shannon Boncher
John Roth and Wayne Schmidt
Switzerland Dinner to benefit students’ study abroad spring trip
Boathouse Restaurant
January 18, 2024
City Opera House Annual Gala
Shine Like Stars; Broadway on Front City Opera House
February 17, 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEAGHAN GORSLINE
Rebecca Childs, Gary Gatzke , Sakura Takano, Christie and Raymond Minervini
Ellen and David Oakley
Sara White and Gregg Armstrong
l.a.cool ladies, Karley, Aubrey, and Dominique
Teri Hedrick, Dottie Spence, Janis Haine
Krissy Kernan, Svenja Parotat, Carrine Pomaranski
Marlene Stiles and Elizabeth Boomer
Liz Ammond, David and Heidi Rattigan, John Ammond
Kevin and Regina Jaeger
Greta Miseikyte, Teri Gorsline, Katy Bertodatto
Bastien Le-guen and Kaitlyn Shepherd
You held a similar position as CEO of the GreenTree Co-Op Market in Mount Pleasant. What are your first impressions of the Oryana Community so far?
“The care and cultivation of a whole lot of people from employees to board members to customers and vendors. All striving to make a better city, region, world! And food is central to that. It just reiterates for me why I love working in the food co-op sector. Oryana has a special place in building an equitable and resilient food system in our region. And I am honored to be a part of the long-term solutions related to those challenges.”
How are you liking the Traverse City area? “I’ve been busy working, so I have not done much exploring outside of eating dinner and walking my dog. I must say, I do love Poppycocks and Taproot and Peace, Love and Little Donuts. I keep sending my kids home with donuts when they come to visit. Oh, and Penny Lane, the thrift store. There’s great stuff there! In general, I just really appreciate the walkability of Traverse City.”
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? “Maybe time travel, to go back and revel in those precious moments when my children were small and snuggling was a daily occurrence. Or some of those moments I didn’t realize were the last as they were happening and had I known I would have been more present.”
Tell us something that would surprise us about you?
“I have had the same best friends since third grade. We were the original Fab 5 (sorry, U of M basketball). We get together as much as we can and will probably end up living together Golden Girlsstyle at some point.”
Who’s your biggest role model? “I would have to say my sister, Julie. She is a teacher and a lifelong learner/explorer. She’s currently teaching in Kuwait. She’s the reason I went to college and finished, albeit untraditionally. And she’s shown me that mothering or parenting is an act, irrespective of traditional titles. Plus, we have a tradition of making each other laugh at the worst moments.”
Happy Retirement to Steve! Did he give you any advice? “He has given me a lot of advice over the years, as we were peers in the food co-op world and, since January, so picking one piece is hard. A habit of his I’ve picked up on and plan to emulate is when you ask his opinion about something or someone or a situation, he always starts with something positive. I’m not sure if it’s intentional or practiced or just his default, but I appreciate how it sets the tone for whatever comes next in the conversation, and I intend to start incorporating it.”
Younger
Younger Face … with Chemical Peels,
Younger Skin … with Laser Hair Removal
Younger Glow … with Medical Grade Skincare
If you strive to shop local to support our town’s small businesses and your guilty pleasure is a retail therapy trip to Home Goods, instead head to Slabtown, just across from Sleder’s, to discover Artful Interiors. The store’s exterior mirrors a lake house frontage with a wall of windows anchoring the condo buildings first floor. Proud owner Laura Millar is newly transplanted from the deep South and was reunited with the Northern Michigan she adores after 30 years of summers spent on Crystal Lake. “I’m all in,” she laughs. “We bought the space when the floor was just dirt.” After a long-awaited build out, the fun began and she is filling the space with elements that emulate our area’s shoreline surroundings, lifestyle, and tranquility. “I have boxes and boxes yet to unpack. We have a warehouse space that I am hoping to always have stocked.” It’s a modern industrial concrete floor with coastal living sophistication oozing from every inch. She can finally unveil all her treasures: driftwood lamps, “Unsalted” signage, beachy cabinets, jute rope wall mirrors, hemp rope lighting fixtures, hilarious napkins, unique welcome mats, throws, chairs, yachting artwork, and about 5,000 other things big and small. “I may have gone over my budget,” she laughs. “I want everyone to feel welcome and be respectful to all of my neighbors, being new on the block.” You will love her! Laura is still perfecting the space, waiting on shipments, and learning software. She’s hoping for a soft opening soon. In the meantime, peek inside the windows; you will ooh and aah.
714 Randolph St. #101 myartfulinteriors.com
Meanwhile, on the east side of town, the dynamic duo husband and wife Dean and Tricia Adams of Bay Area Contracting and BAC Design build one-of-a-kind dream homes, vacation retreats, and master craftmanship kitchens. Now, they are expanding their interior design portfolio services with furniture, wallpaper fabric, lighting, and more, all housed inside their current showroom. “We’ve created a new space for it,” Tricia tells us. “We make personal bonds with our clients in the building process. They become friends. It just seemed like a natural progression. Plus, we have such a talented team—they are excited.” Showroom hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 231-951-0014 to schedule a consultation.
970 Emerson Rd, TC. bac-tc.com | bacdesigntc.com
The queen of sweet and owner of Sweet Tartlette, Head Pastry Chef Sarah Steele, will be firing up her ovens in a new location soon, bringing sugar, spice and everything nice to 126 S. Union St. Back in 2015, for those who can remember, after Simply Cupcakes closed on East Front St., Sarah brought her experience from working in Chicago’s finest restaurants and bakeries to TC, and Sweet Tartlette was born. She closed her retail doors in late 2021 but continued to let the town eat cake with custom orders and sales at the Sara Hardy Farmers Market. “We plan to offer much of the same product as we did before,” she says, “including macarons, cupcakes, cookies, and decorated celebration and wedding cakes.” This is big news for crazy busy locals. Remember, “stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts”! Coming in May, this will be a new happy place for all.
126 S. Union St. sweettartlette.com
The beloved foodie event, A Taste of Success, is back! Mark your calendars for Friday, April 26th. Snag your tickets online and book the babysitters. Director of Culinary Chef Les Eckert excitedly told us, “GLCI is excited to have the Taste of Success back in person as our current students have not yet experienced this event in an in-person format. Since 2020 our event has been experienced in an extra-large to-go box; now, GLCI is excited to have the community back in-person.” It will be a not-to-be missed night filling the NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. Attendees will feast on a menu featuring international cuisine prepared by the students, as well as a curated selection of local wines and beverages. All proceeds benefit students through scholarships and program support.
nmc.edu
Unquely
Owners Leslie and Josh Gray of Oakwood Proper Burgers are proud to be celebrating three mouthwatering years of serving up bodacious burgers and heavenly hand-cut fries to their friends, neighbors, and the masses of foodie fanatics who’ve discovered their secret ingredient to success.
Juicy burgers on a smokin’ hot grill made fresh from single-source local farm-raised beef, to be exact! “I know my farmer; that’s the WOW in our burgers. I know my baker; our buns are from Common Goods across the street. Our chips are Great Lakes. We wanted to do one thing, and do it well,” says Leslie. Pitching the initial idea to Josh’s grill master brother, Jeff, was also instrumental. “We couldn’t do this without him, and we have the very best staff.”
Oakwood’s small but mighty building oozes mid-century vintage vibes, an ode to its 1952 foundation.
The laid-back ambiance pairs perfectly with the casual dining menu. Insider tip: Not many legendary burger joints can boast a liquor license like Oakwood can. Burger and a beer anyone? A plethora of adult beverages are chilled and waiting inside a grab-and-go fridge. Show up thirsty at Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m. every day and they’re 50% off! But wait there’s more… “We have pop-up breakfasts we try to do once a month. And then we’ll do a slider pop-up on a Monday when we are not typically open. We’ve branded them Oakwood Easy Sliders, and in April we are doing a kitchen take over at The Little Fleet.”
8th Street fare meets Front Street staple. As if that’s not enough to spread their burger buns, they’re branching out to offer private dining events and their version of business delivery lunches. “We love to invest in our community.”
So much so that last year they purchased the empty Ben Franklin building next door, soon to become local brewery Earthen Ales, the second location to be named Tankspace. “It is strictly a brewery, so the food menu will be from Oakwood and Common Goods Bakery.” They hope to be brewing and pouring just in time for when Oakwood’s seventeen indoor seats spill outside and multiply creating the perfect patio. Like cheeseburgers in paradise.
1108 E. Eighth St.
Two
which boasts tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, and miles of wooded hiking trails. Minutes from downtown Traverse City. $2,495,000 (1918572)
“Fresh spring vegetables are all green – Sweet peas, asparagus, fava beans, fiddlehead ferns. Spring also marks the opening of the Halibut fishing season in Alaska.”
Serves 4
Seared Alaskan Halibut with Peas, Asparagus, Basil
2 Tbs Extra virgin olive oil
4 each Alaskan halibut, 3oz portions
Halibut substitutes: Cod, Sea Bass, Striped Bass
Tbs Kosher salt or sea salt
6 oz Sweet peas
8 oz Asparagus spears, trimmed, sliced into 1-inch pieces
4 oz Fava beans (optional)
6 oz Fiddlehead ferns (optional), trimmed
1 c Sweet Pea Basil Sauce
2 Tbs Best quality extra virgin olive oil to finish
4 each Fresh pea or fava bean shoots for garnish – Lakeview Hill Farms
Preparation:
In a medium sauté pan or cast-iron skillet, heat 2 T of olive oil over med-high heat. Lightly season halibut with salt. When oil is hot, carefully sear the halibut, about 2 – 3 minutes on both sides, until crusted golden brown, and just cooked through.
While halibut is cooking, in a large sauté pan, cook sweet peas and asparagus in olive oil, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, seasoning with salt to your taste.
To serve:
Spoon 2 oz of Sweet Pea Basil Sauce onto warm plate or bowl. Spoon sautéed peas and asparagus onto center of the sauce. Place the seared halibut on top of the vegetables, crisp golden side up. Garnish with a light drizzle of olive oil and fresh pea shoots.
Wine Pairing Suggestion from the Team at Black Star Farms: 2022 Black Star Farms Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc Cheers & Buon Appetito!
Sweet Spring Pea & Basil Sauce
3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 each yellow onion, peeled & thinly sliced
1 oz whole basil with stem, leaves removed
1 lb sweet spring peas, fresh or frozen
½ c course kosher salt
1 qt water
Preparation:
In a large sauce pot with lid, cook onions and basil stems in olive oil over low heat. “Sweat” the onions, cooking them without color until completely tender. Remove basil stems, add 1 qt water, bring to a boil, season with salt. Add peas and simmer until completely tender, about 10 minutes. When cooked, remove from heat and chill quickly by placing the pot into an ice bath, stirring continuously until cool. In a blender, puree peas with the reserved basil leaves, and the cooking liquid until silky smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional olive oil, as desired.
Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms
10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
blackstarfarms.com/bistro-polaris/
Freshly made authentic Italian, pairs well with our wine
One Stop Shop - Dinner & Wine Done!
424 W. Front St. Traverse City, MI
(231) 941-7651 @folgarellis
CHEERS with Darric from Folgarelli’s
Happy spring—well, almost. It is fantastic to see the sun a bit more and enjoy some moderate temperatures. As always, we are consistently looking for the diamond in the rough, and I certainly believe we’ve found another in the 2021 Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy, a gorgeous Nebbiolo coming directly from Barolo, Italy.
Fresh and full of flavor with a soft tannic structure, this utterly charming wine offers notes of crushed raspberry, mint, rose petal, and spice. The fruit is from younger vines within the estate’s Barolo vineyards in La Morra. A true Baby Barolo!
This wine pairs up perfectly with charcuterie, bold cheeses, and rack of lamb, as well as red sauce dishes such as beef Braciole. You will love it.
Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
- Anonymous
As we excitedly anticipate upcoming Spring Break vacays. Bring on the shopping and the packing!
VOYAGE
Anine Bing Miles
Sweatshirt $200 l.a.cool, TC shoplacooltc.com
Don’t overlook splurging on your travel wardrobe too. A fabulous new outfit is a must. These local finds prioritize style and comfort, especially if you’re flying from our hometown TVC. You know you’ll run into familiar peeps.
CRUISE
Le Specs No Biggie $69
Ella’s, TC Swingbyellas.com
ROAM
JETSET
Latico Leathers Pippa Crossbody $175
Relish Boutique, TC Relishtc.com
GALLIVANT
Supergoop Daily Dose $46 Bohmey Beauty, TC Bohmeybeauty.com
Caribbean Vintage
Havana $64 Haven, TC Havenclothingtc.com
TRIP
Ugg Goldenstar Driftwood $120
Robert Frost, TC
Robertfrostquality.com
Traverse City is making national aviation news with the grand opening of Northern Michigan’s newest premier aviation education facility, Legacy Aviation Learning Center. It’s a dream in the making since 2022, brought to life by three passionate aviation enthusiasts, local pilots, and their families: Dan and Peg Jonkhoff, Matt and Lauren Golba, and Bryan Linck.
It’s a big deal! And a gamechanger for college-bound young adults to venture outside the box for the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s an exclusive 12-month accelerated aviation maintenance program for men and women to become fully trained and certified aviation mechanics. The demand is high for skilled technicians to fill immediate career opportunities as AMTs. We are constantly being reminded that the trades are dwindling with the new generations. North Ed Career Tech has
some wonderful programs, but for a high school senior, training to be a plumber, builder, or electrician may not seem sexy! But a career in aviation? After only a year of training, right in your hometown? That sounds pretty amazing.
Traverse City is no stranger to being a leader in aviation advancement to train future airline pilots. Northwestern Michigan College enrolls 50 students a year, with a two-year waitlist. Its program is very well respected in the industry, and with a recent grant will be growing further. But being a pilot isn’t for everybody. The Legacy Aviation Center is bringing realtime opportunities to anyone looking to invest in their future. They have even partnered with TBA Credit Union for financial aid for the tuition. Post-grad one year, earnings for AMTs are $85,000$125,000.
2640 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City. legacyaviation.org
“The function of design is letting design function.”
Remember a few years ago
when the 8th street corridor was dug up, torn up, and completely being overhauled? The hassle of a major detour navigating downtown from A to B and vice versa was chaotic at best, it seemed like forever, and why, anyway? The street as it was seemed just fine.
On the highly anticipated grand opening day, all was revealed. It was simply stunning, and every shiny streetlamp was proudly displaying a “Welcome to NoBo” sign, declaring to all that 8th street was now an entirely new neighborhood called the North Boardman Lake District. I realized 8th St.’s new identity had been discussed, plotted, and planned for a long time. It led to a 2019 study concerning a lack of pedestrian crossings and walkability (sadly, the only place to pass though was a vehicular corridor). Its local residents’ health was the inspiration: to walk downtown, cross the street, and ride a bike safely.
Evolving in the neighborhood were two enormous buildings commanding attention at the crossroads of 8th and Boardman. One became the headquarters of West Shore Bank.
The other is modern-looking and looks like an art gallery, but signs outside read “NoBo Mrkt” with “all are welcome” on the windows. What is this place? I decided we all needed to know!
It’s officially called Commongrounds Cooperative. It’s a real estate cooperative with a goal to develop real estate that meets community needs and increases quality of life in the region with food, family, arts, and wellness, all in one inviting space. Inside you’ll come across people from all walks of life and all ages, all safe and sound under the blanket of one large roof.
It spans four floors and 48,000 square feet. I discover they had underground metered parking complete with an elevator! I met Executive Director Andrew Lutes, and we start the tour on the first floor, where we encounter a youngster with an infectious giggle. Her tiny hand held tight to her mom as they headed home from Northern Blooms Montessori, a two-classroom school for toddlers, already proving this place is vibrant and alive (with tiny humans).
— 414 8TH ST.
Commongrounds cultivates a more empowered community.
OPEN TO ALL
Next onto NoBo Mrkt: Hello TC! It oozes serious chic vibes that mirror sophisticated big city ultra-fine dining. With designer seating, and a wraparound bar, the room glows with an array of elaborate lighting, shining bright over a fully-stocked top shelf that’s ready to party. The NoBo Mrkt is eager to be a player with our town’s foodie A-listers. It’s named “Mrkt” for the grab-and-go area from local vendors. I see a familiar face, a fellow first-timer who can’t believe how cool this place is. “This feels like it should be in New York or Chicago,” he says. Finally receiving their liquor license daily Happy Hour is 4 - 6pm. The cool outside deck overlooks the Boardman River. Come summer, let’s keep that our local secret!
“This feels like it should be in New York or Chicago.”
The Aviary is the wall of windows you see from 8th St. featuring a visual space of bold color, texture, and whirls of whimsical from local artists. Here I meet Curator Jessica Kooiman Parker. “In all the common areas we have art. Outside, the pillars, painted in a monochromatic mural, are vital to the culture of the building. People say they look like tattoos.” OMG, they do!
Facing the restaurant are oversized steps that provide tiers of seating up to the second floor with throw pillows lazily scattered throughout. “You should come and experience one of the story time events. It’s packed with families,” says Andrew.
Local artists are featured and rotate every six weeks
The Aviary common area
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
Michigan Creative Coast met for Fresh Coast Quarterly Club
The Alluvion is the showstopper on the second floor. It’s an intimate, creative space designed with optimal acoustics and world-class equipment for performing arts, visual arts, and community events. With a capacity of 150, artists have been flocking here since it opened (Miriam Pico, May Erlelwine, and Jeff Haas, to name a few). “This was just a conversation and a dream; now it’s a reality. Our signature background is epic. Repurposed farm wood and middle school bleacher seats makes it next level,” explains Andrew. Matt McCaplin joins us on the tour, a musician and Director of Operations. “We can change this room up for any event, from club style with tables and craft cocktails, to flooding it with natural light.” The stage is graced by a performance grand piano donated by legendary jazz pianist Bob James. Simply remarkable and right under our noses, all this?
Through the next door, we transition from a utopia of the arts to Common Place Community Coworking. Way more basic, the large open space is full of function and form with multiple desks, computers, and chairs, all barren of personal elements ready to use for anyone who purchases a day pass and other options. Meeting rooms and soundproof nooks are framed around a plethora of glassencased rented offices of numerous businesses, both for-profit and non. Strong Wi-Fi rules, screen time is prime time, and deadlines loom, but the stellar views of the BoardmanOttaway River add a serene backdrop for a busy indoor workday.
Jazz 4 All features Jeff Haas on the grand piano
Miriam Pico teaching her Mindful + Musical class
EXPAND Storytelling take the stage
The Alluvion can seat up to 150 people
PHOTO BY SHAWN ROACH
CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO LLC
Next, we become fully immersed in the Esperance Commercial Teaching Kitchen that would make any chef drool. “I love this space. We’ve done a Food is Medicine series with Munson and a Latina cooking class with Spanish mothers,” recalls Andrew. An exuberant cultural mural spans an entire wall. It creates a happy place, a reminder food brings the world together. Alongside is a dedicated space lined with complicated coffee equipment called Higher Grounds Learning Lab. “This is where Higher Grounds trains their baristas.”
My tour guide Executive Director Andrew Lutes
PHOTO BY MAX BUZZELL
“Let’s head to the third floor. You can book a vacation here!” announces Andrew. What? Five contemporary short-term guest rooms are ready to rent! A best kept secret to let out of the bag! Called The Tree Houses, you can book a stay (or maybe for your visiting family?) right downtown with killer views. Check their website for all the particulars. Also on the third floor is a river-view community room named The Crows Nest, complete with a galley kitchen and an awesome patio. “Fun stuff is always going in these community rooms, like board game nights and random pop-up gettogethers.”
The fourth floor is fourteen strictly residential units and full of people who are lucky to have been early adapters. They have access to a fully-equipped gym and a private common area, The Birds Eye. Its palatial outdoor patio view is breathtaking. “They can rent this room out for events.”
To explain the Commongrounds building’s exterior, Andrew says, “We wanted to make sure Southern and Northern were integrated. It feels very urban in the front, but in the back, it totally encapsulates nature. We are making people’s lives better. We create sustainable solutions for local food [and] clean energy for walkable, livable towns.”
I left summing it all up to this—at its core, this building’s heart beats one simple common goal: a commitment to the importance of a thriving community, and for all to be well for the common good.
“It’s very urban in front, but in the back, it totally encapsulates nature.”
The Michigan Wolverines are The Rose Bowl Champions!
by Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky MediaDuring the last two years, I have been known for capturing flyover photos from big games to flying with the Coast Guard. This year, the Michigan Football team had an incredible season and was chosen as the #1 seed, and they opted to play in the Rose Bowl, “The Granddaddy of them All”!
Once I found out they were playing in LA, I began planning out my trip, booking a helicopter, purchasing my flight and lodging, and luckily, my brother was going to join me for the epic trip. He is an Air Force Veteran who was based in Los Angeles, knows the area, and was excited to show me around. This photo not only represents the tradition of the Rose Bowl, the selflessness of those serving in the Air Force, but it also represents my dreams coming to reality as a photographer. Thanks for supporting me and my family, I really do appreciate it!!
michiganskymedia.com
@michiganskymedia
“Every room needs a touch of black, just as it needs at least one antique piece.” - Jan Showers
DARING
Uttermost Pendant
Special Order $499
Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings Goldenfowler.com
Black is a foundational color that adds instant sophistication and drama to any space. Black is also used in design for simplicity, functionality, and timeless longevity.
AUDACIOUS
Baobab Luxury Candle $170
l.a.cool. Front St. TC shoplacool.com
BOLD
Ripple Velvet Pillow $240 20 x 20 hand-made in LA. Ella’s, Front St. TC Swingbyellas.com
SPIRITED
Horse III Painting $350
Antiquities Warehouse of Grand Traverse Front St. TC. Antiquitieswarehousetc.com
STRONG
Uttermost Cabinet, Special Order $2499 Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings Goldenfowler.com
The art of making your home worthy starts with the kitchen. In this very tough real estate market and during such high inflation, the best investments to your property that will always pay off are still your kitchen and baths.
In the kitchen, invest in cabinetry and appliances. These items are very difficult to replace down the road and will improve life by speaking to the quality differences of an entry level product vs. one that is built for performance and to last. Most people focus on items like countertops and wow factors that look good, but if they are trendy or you are compromising the budget to purchase these items, think twice. Spend the money on a nice range or a better layout of the space first.
Bathrooms, oh my! Invest in—and enjoy—large luxurious showers. Not only are these something that gets used daily, but for aging in place, they are a must. Large format tile or solid surface slabs are beautiful but pricey. If you are not staying in the house for longer than a five-year period, do tile, but think neutral, classic, and practical. Good lighting, medicine cabinets, and linen storage are also important in these areas.
Spending a little effort upfront will always have a positive impact on the number of buyers you attract, as well as the best offers. Home improvements with design and function will show buyers you care about your home, and this gives a more comfortable feeling for someone to write an offer on a home. It is also always a good idea to have your home inspected prior to putting it on the market. A home inspector can point out items that you may not see and if you can repair those prior to listing your home, you will have an easier time getting to the closing table. Prelisting inspections also help sort out your budget for what areas need the strongest attention.
The best advice when updating your home: invest wisely. Consult a professional when prepping to sell and most of all, spend your hard-earned dollars where it makes sense.
Angela Goodall is the lead designer and co-owner of Kitchen Choreography with her husband Mike. This article was also assisted by Nicole Hulet, Realtor and Angela’s right hand lady at KC.
TORCH LAKE is synonymous with Fourth of July in Northern Michigan—people flock from hundreds of miles away to celebrate in the crystal-clear waters—but only a lucky few can call Torch Lake home. Connie and Gregg Rasmussen have their own slice of Torch Lake in a secluded cove that affords some of the best lake views and fresh air the area has to offer. For eight months of the year (why stick around for the snow?), the Rasmussens enjoy their threebed, four-bath home with their two dogs and cat after having their custom lakeside hideaway built by Bay Area Contracting (BAC). “[The region] is amazingly beautiful,” Connie says.
The couple, who were no strangers to the custom-built home world, fell in love with Torch Lake when they visited friends in the area. It offered everything they could want, so they connected with Dean Adams, owner of BAC, who their friends had used for their dream home, and got the ball rolling on creating their lake house. “We are very pleased with the outcome and still speak to BAC,” Connie says. “Even when we did a walkthrough before the house was finished,” adds Gregg, “we talked with the craftspeople, and they were great. We were impressed with both the people and they work they were doing.”
To keep the land as natural as possible, the Rasmussens were committed to keeping as many trees around the home as they could.
TO KEEP THE LAND AS NATURAL as possible, the Rasmussens were committed to keeping as many trees around the home as they could, so much so that they flipped the footprint of the house around to accommodate for the trees that filled the lot. “We loved one tree in the front,” Connie shares, “and we did everything to keep it, but it died.” Thankfully, they were able to keep the other existing trees around the home. “We wanted the landscaping to incorporate a natural theme all the way down to the water, so we only cleared enough to put in steps,” Gregg says.
The commitment to keeping their new home’s introduction onto the untouched lot as minimal as possible didn’t stop with the trees. Due to local septic laws, Connie and Gregg were faced with an awkward lump of earth in the front yard and not a clue what to do with it. Now, it’s full of Michigan wildflowers, earning them a rotating cast of bees, butterflies, deer, and more, as well as stunning blooms when the weather heats up. The details, though, don’t stop at the landscaping—the home itself is a study in both function and beauty.
GREGG PROUDLY SHARES that Connie had a large hand in the design process. As someone who had worked on other homes before, she was no stranger to the process and had a good idea of what she wanted in her new up-north home. “I believe a home should be personal,” she says. “We incorporated the things we loved and didn’t want everything new.” Those small touches are so seamlessly intertwined with the rest of the house that it’s almost impossible to point them out, but one stands out in the best way: the kitchen table. “We had it before we moved, and we wanted it in this house,” Gregg shares. “The kitchen, living room, and breakfast nook were all built around the table.”
“I believe a home should be personal,” Connie says.
MORE SMALL TOUCHES, made in tandem with the dedicated team at BAC, make the home shine. “Erica [Murdock, Lead Designer] and Marty [Rhein, Senior Designer] were great at fielding things and making it work,” Gregg says. Even in the smallest places, the two wanted a homey feel by using unique design elements with items they already owned and loved. One such item was a cabinet that was in one of the Rasmussens’ previous homes, but it was too large to fit into their new place. The solution? Gregg and Connie worked with the BAC team to incorporate the doors of the cabinet as additional storage under the television in the living room. “We got to put some of the stuff we loved in the house,” Gregg says.
There was space for some new items, too. Gregg requested a half-height door that led to the backyard and adjacent built-in storage for their furry friends’ accessories. Connie collaborated with BAC to design a door that was custom-built for them featuring an eye-catching circular style. “Lots of creative minds were helping us,” Connie says. The dedication and care taken by all on this project is visible, and Connie and Gregg could not be happier with the outcome.
Even in the smallest places, the two wanted a homey feel by using unique design elements with items they already had and loved.
THE BEST PART about the home is its welcoming vibe. Built for the couple with enough room for their family and friends, the lake house can sleep up to twelve people comfortably, offering stunning views and seemingly endless space to enjoy each other’s company in the open-concept main living space or on the outside patio. Everywhere you look there is a pop of color—cobalt cabinets in the kitchen, emeraldgreen tile in the bathroom, and the show-stopping red Ravenna tile in the kitchen that hides small rabbits in its detailed pattern. “I wanted to keep the house white with splashes of color to not take away from the landscape,” Connie explains. The symbiotic relationship of the sun coming in off the lake, the rich color of the exposed living room beams, the crisp white of the walls, and hints of bright color makes the home feel warm and all its own.
In nearly every room, there is a touch of vibrant color.
“It’s a wonderful place,” Gregg says.
“WHEN WE BOUGHT THE LOT,” Gregg says, “we knew it was far above the water, but when you sit on the patio, you can see the color gradient of the lake that you wouldn’t be able to see if you were at the lake level.” Plus, the Rasmussens have the best seat in the house for Michigan’s stellar sunsets. “It’s a wonderful place,” Gregg adds. A lake house surrounded by trees? Wonderful doesn’t even begin to describe it.
THEN Kentucky Fried Chicken Carryout, circa 1966.
NOW
Traverse Bay Café
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What we feel and what we at first see through our camera lens often bear little similarity. Identifying feelings causes me to realize I need to haul out my largest telephoto lens to match the painterly, impressionistic feeling I am getting from this tulip garden. Now all I have to do is organize my composition and focus only on my chosen star tulip so the viewers of my finished image will easily make their way through the maze of flowers in front to the one on which I want them to focus their attention.
toddandbradreed.com
