Behind the Scenes: Restoring and Constructing The Flats at Front + Union
History
Front + Union, also known locally as the Masonic Building, was expertly constructed by the Freemasons in 1890. The 26,000-square-foot, four-story structure has been a downtown Traverse City pillar for the community and home to historical businesses like Trude Hardware (dissolved 1988) and Robertson’s Hair Center, Michigan’s Oldest Barbershop, which is still here in its 120th year!
Trude Hardware, founded in 1903 by Frank Trude
While many of the tenants and uses of the space have evolved over the past 133 years, Front + Union has only changed ownership four times. Over the years, the building has been primarily modified for business use with modular walls and doorways to segment spaces for lease. Until now, that is.
Reimagination
When the Vander Roests and Featherstones, two local families, purchased the building (an endeavor that began on a six-day hiking trip in the Sawtooth mountains), it was with a vision to reinvigorate the iconic building as a premier location for businesses and lodging while maintaining the integrity of its origin and family-owned values.
Embracing a life is a journey mindset, a three-phase plan was set in motion to bring modern sensibility and style to the historical building as a mixed-use assembly of local, creative businesses and The Flats, six boutique short-stay rentals. The final phase will also introduce a rooftop event and guest space, which has, so far, only hosted duct work and other rooftop utilities. The updated rooftop will offer a place to lounge and gaze out over West Bay.
Pre-Restoration
Before pulling out 100 years of drywall and other modifications, the first thing to do was assess and evaluate what we were starting with. With the intention of ethical and environmental soundness, sustainability, and local support, we selected a team.
Every contractor we worked with is based in Traverse City, and with our architect, Environment Architects, and contractors at Grand Traverse Construction, we were able to make thoughtful decisions throughout the entire process. The first big win was thanks to the Freemasons, who did a masterful job on the structure and the care of the previous owners so that it needed no engineering updates to move forward.
Discoveries
Who knew there were brick fireplaces and woodwork under all that drywall? These were among the treasures discovered, many of which were dusted off for reuse in a truly sustainable and delightful fashion. Throughout the building, you’ll find nods to history and design accents in the original brick walls and reclaimed wood. A top favorite detail is the oversized windows that bring both style and an abundance of natural light.
Design
It’s a top priority of The Flats to provide guests with comfort and ease. So, the design begins with the functionality and convenience of on-site parking, elevators, and amenities like full modern kitchens. Comfort is topped off with plush king beds and organic linens from Traverse City-based business, Eelo.
Comfy king bed with organic linens against the original 1890 brick walls in Flat 205.
Then we moved into creative mode to make the apartment-style rooms true to well-designed European flats down to details like room numbers that mimic those of the old hotels of Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Drawing on the feel of coziness from either hemisphere, our linen styles and comfort will not disappoint. The Flats are inspired by travel, yet made in the USA, home away from home.
Behind the Scenes Construction
With reservations open for booking, it’s the final stretch for the construction of The Flats. What a thrill to see the gorgeous tilework in place, the framing of the magnificent windows of the premier units of 201 and 301, clean brick, new floors, doors, and fresh exterior paint.
The crew is amazing, logging extra hours to sand and grout as we prepare to finish each room with comfy furniture and everything you need to rest and recharge during your Northern Michigan adventure. We can’t wait to host you!
