History of Front + Union
Known Locally as the Masonic Building
In its 133 years, Front + Union has been home to beloved local businesses, including Trude Hardware (1903) and Robertson's Hair Center, Michigan’s Oldest Barbershop, still here in its 120th year!
Built by the Freemasons in 1890, Front + Union (locally known as the Masonic Building) has been transformed into spaces for creative commerce and laid-back luxury flats. The redesigned building now offers business leasing and six boutique short-stay rentals, catering to both the community and curious travelers.
Re-Imagining Historic Structures a Sustainable Way to Nurture a Sense of Place, Community, and Purpose for Today and the Next Generation
Tearing down and building new is easy, but restoring an old structure with respect for its history requires intention and creativity. By preserving the original building and removing 100 years of drywall, we revealed the beauty of the brick walls, wooden planks, and fireplaces. Uncovering, cleaning, and reusing these elements not only honors the past but also embodies sustainability—and it’s undeniably cool.
Leveraging Local Expertise
Every decision we made was guided by ethical and environmental principles, with the goal of thoughtfully welcoming adventurous guests. We worked exclusively with Traverse City-based professionals, including Environment Architects and Grand Traverse Construction, to ensure thoughtful choices throughout the project. The entire master plan emphasizes energy efficiency, incorporating sustainable materials, appliances, and amenities like trash, recycling, and water bottle refilling stations for guests.
1890 | The Traverse City Masonic Building at the corner of Front and Union Streets in downtown Traverse City
1890's | Pioneer Drug Store/ S.E. Wait and Sons
Robertson's Hair Center, (still here!) in the Traverse City Masonic Building. South Union Street access.
1903 | Trude Hardware
1950's | Trude Hardware in the Traverse City Masonic Building during the National Cherry Festival Parade
The Families
Steve and Jen Vander Roest and Roche and Leslie Featherstone, longtime residents of Traverse City, are the second owners of this historic building, constructed by the Freemasons in 1890.
Having raised their families in Traverse City, they’ve deeply invested in their community as volunteers, locals, physicians, and small business owners. The Vander Roests own eelo, while the Featherstones own Barrels and Barrels in Suttons Bay.
Life is about the journey. Jen and Steve’s purchase and restoration of the Masonic Building reflect that. They discovered the opportunity just before a six-day backpacking trip in Idaho. Drawn to the building's prime location and rich history, they saw the chance to repurpose it as the premier downtown property for business and lodging.
A Dream Becomes Reality
The Vander Roests introduced themselves to the building's owners through a letter, sharing their desire to purchase it. After six days in the Sawtooth Mountains, they emerged to find a connection with the family and secured a purchase agreement.
Long-time friends and business partners Roche and Leslie Featherstone joined the Vander Roests in this venture. The entire business plan, including architectural and financial details, was sketched out during a shift break in the Emergency Department. “We met on-site the next day,” Steve recalled. “Had breakfast after going through the building, and within two days, we developed our partnership company, Front + Union, LLC.”
Both families are excited and grateful to be the next stewards of this historic building, eager to contribute to Traverse City's sustainability and vibrancy.