Traverse City - Michigan - Culture

The City of Traverse City Michigan is located in the heart of beautiful Grand Traverse County . Traverse City was incorporated in 1891 as a village and in 1895 as a City. Crystal clear blue waters, clean, fresh air and gently rolling hills make this a special place to live, to work, to play. Where big town style meets small town atmosphere, where community means belonging, caring.

Downtown Traverse City, which includes the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA), Auto Parking Services and the City Opera House, is unique in terms of organization and operational funding. The DDA was created in 1979 and levies 2 mills within the DDA district. The DTCA, a voluntary organization of merchants and other businesses, was organized in the 1960's and serves as the marketing arm for downtown. In 1990, the two organizations signed a management agreement merging their offices and staff. An immediate savings has resulted due to shared overhead, and a full-time Executive Director and part-time Marketing Director were hired.
Aside from improvements in financing and communications, the merger has had the added benefit of creating clear roles for the two organizations. Listed below are the major areas of responsibility.

Downtown Traverse City enjoys a low vacancy rate for retail properties. As opportunities to join the retailers of downtown arise, they will be posted here. Also included are office availabilities and development opportunities .Downtown Traverse City is the location for gatherings and special events throughout the year. Please join us by the bay. Downtown Traverse City is the heart of our community and serves as the focal point for community holiday activities.

CITY OPERA HOUSE - The offices of Traverse City's downtown organizations are located in the City Opera House. The DDA, as manager of the partially renovated building, has been successful in turning a deficit situation from operations into small profits, which in turn are reinvested into the building. A separate non-profit organization is raising money for final renovation. The DDA rents the facility to various groups and conducts fund raising events each year. Annual attendance at the facility exceeds 35,000.

Michigan ranks second nationally in number of golf courses per capita, and the best of Michigan's courses are located here. Crystal Mountain Resort's Mountain Ridge is one of many world-class golf courses in the area.

Traverse City one of the top ten places to live in the United States. The reasons are many. A spectacular natural environment, neighborly communities that are among the safest in the nation. Housing costs that are lower than most metropolitan areas. Miles of Lake Michigan shoreline offering waterfront living at its best. You can choose a quiet historic neighborhood, or live the country life just minutes from downtown. Or enjoy old-fashioned small town living in one of our neighboring towns and villages. The Traverse City area is one of the fastest growing regions in Michigan.