4
Stories of Programming
$2M+
Raised in the Community
4
Categories for Use: Food, Family, Arts, and Wellness
The Challenge
Community Center
Mixed Use Property
Shared Space
It started with a napkin sketch. The picture in our heads was a multi-use property in Traverse City that enriched the community with food, family, arts, and wellness. We wanted to give people, nonprofits, and businesses a space to live at the heart of the city, work together, build careers, and experience culture.
To achieve those lofty goals, we’d need investment from the community. So at the end of the day, the challenge for this project was to raise capital on pure vision—and then live up to the hopes of investors with a stunningly designed space at 414 E. 8th Street that served the community.
STRATEGIC
SPARK
To grow our flock, we met the community with a good vibes campaign. Describing our cooperative as a coop, we used our lighthearted metaphor to educate folks about the benefits of taking flight together.
From Spark to Reality
Making It Happen
Capital Campaign
Community Listening
Curated Environment
To galvanize initial support, “flock parties” caw’d to people to action. Local residents came to connect with each other and at the same time learn how they could support a project that would enrich their city. With the success of the campaign, enough capital was raised to fund the architectural plans, construction, and finally, ribbon cutting on opening day.
Leveraging insight from robust listening sessions among community members, the brick and mortar design is infused with the spirit of the community. To meet their needs with style, artistic moments and cultural elements appear throughout the building and tie it together.
The Work
Outreach Campaign
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Marketing materials shared the vision with a fun, inviting attitude.
Community Events
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Flock parties brought people together, fusing their voice into every part of the project.
Theater Seating
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Creative spaces encourage people to relax and connect with their neighbors and friends.
Gratitude Wall
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Design elements express gratitude for the part local residents played in making this transformative initiative possible.
Print Experience
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We created brand templates and products for guests of Commongrounds.
Gallery Space
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Identified and assisted in programming multiple spaces.
Unique Tenant Art
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Opportunities were created for tenants to tell their mission through art.
Murals
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‘Early Birds’ were immortalized in custom mural work on the support pillars.
Semi-Scenic
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Small scenic elements such as the coffee ‘tree’ add to the experience.
Signage
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Natural materials played a huge role in signage and the building's connection to the nature of the region.
Space for All
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Commongrounds is for the community — so the community spaces needed to be fire.
Space for All
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Commongrounds is for the community — so the community spaces needed to be fire.
Signage
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We had to blend existing tenants' brands with the overall building experience.
The Results
Community Support
Everyday Amenities
Economic Infusion
The Commongrounds Cooperative lived up to its initial napkin sketch—and went much further. Local residents, businesses, and nonprofits enjoy a community centerpiece that lets them work together, build careers, and experience culture. But its most impressive achievement is bringing an astounding $12 million to the local economy.
