Two Proposals Emerge for Bijou: Performance Venue & Wellness Center

Two local groups have submitted proposals to the City of Traverse City to operate the Bijou by the Bay/Con Foster Building in Clinch Park. One proposal would largely preserve the building as it is today, using it as a performance venue for live music and theater, comedy, film screenings, all-ages shows, and community rentals and events. The other proposes a significant renovation that would transform the space into a communal wellness and relaxation center with soaking pools, sauna, steam room, and cold plunge.

Studio Anatomy LLC and Paper Birch Properties were the two bidders who responded to the city’s request-for-proposals (RFP) process by a February deadline. The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, which previously expressed interest in the site, did not submit a proposal. The Band is in the process of finalizing a $27 million deal with Northwestern Michigan College to purchase the Boardman Lake Campus.

The Ticker sat down with both bidders to discuss their visions for the building, which has sat vacant since the Traverse City Film Festival left at the end of 2024. In its RFP, the city did not define a lease rate but stated that tenants “will be expected to cover the costs to operate the building,” with terms to be negotiated. Commissioners hoped to see applicants focused on the arts, culture, environment, and/or education. Respondents were asked to address criteria including community benefit and engagement, financial sustainability, accessibility/inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

Proposal 1: Parkway Theater/Studio Anatomy LLC
The Team: Brian Chamberlain, owner of Eugene’s Record Co-op and Studio Anatomy, is proposing to reopen the Bijou as a performing arts venue. Backed by investors, a public petition with hundreds of signatures, and a team of 6-7 that includes promoter Olivia Bundy and visual director Matthew Stafford, the group aims to provide a multi-purpose space with an emphasis on affordability and diverse programming.

Building Approach: The proposal largely preserves the existing theater – including the movie screen and concessions stand – adding a new stage, lighting/sound equipment, improvements to the sloped floor, and a mix of seated and standing room. An outdoor patio is proposed, as is the possible conversion of the upstairs projection room to a mezzanine. The marquee would be modified with the new theater name (Parkway Theater is an early candidate). The buildout is estimated at $120,000. Chamberlain’s team hopes to receive permission to obtain a liquor license to sell both alcohol and NA beverages along with food, with possible partnerships with Loco Boys Brewing Company and Charles and Reid mentioned.

Community Benefit/Engagement: “The goal for this space is to create a true community and cultural hub for Northern Lower Michigan,” the proposal states. “A major aspect of our vision is to partner with several local businesses, festivals, groups, and non-profit organizations.” Chamberlain says there is a “big void” in the market for a mid-capacity venue offering all-ages shows and more diverse genres than those booked elsewhere. Groups like Full Tilt Comedy, Here: Say Storytelling, and Up North Pride are listed as potential programming partners. The space would be available for activities like classes and band rehearsals during the day and community concerts and events at night.

Accessibility & Environmental Stewardship: The proposal cites its age range inclusivity – with high school and college students working and performing at the theater – and equitable pricing, including student discounts and pay-what-you-can shows. Any building upgrades will be ADA compliant. Recyclable concessions materials, native plantings, and energy conservation upgrades are proposed.

Financial Sustainability: The food/beverage sales are cited as a key revenue stream, in addition to tickets and rentals. The Parkway Theater is expected to have 3-5 full-time staff and 7-10 part-time staff, in addition to interns and volunteers. The theater will have a capacity of at least 200. “We expect organic growth over time; once the venue is secured and we begin filling in the schedule and marketing the space and our offerings, public awareness and participation will grow,” the proposal states.

Proposal 2: Paper Birch/Paper Birch Properties
The Team: Kyle and Angelique Norman of Traverse City’s Nossa Norman Design Studio and designer Sean O’Brien are proposing to transform the Bijou into a “year-round, wellness-based sanctuary” with soaking and sauna culture at its heart. Pointing to a booming trend in public saunas – as well as Clinch Park’s own history hosting the Elsie R. Hannah bath house in the 1900s and the new annual Michigan Sauna Fest – they propose to create a “welcoming, nature-connected, alcohol-free environment that responds to growing demand for healthier gathering places.” The name refers to the fact paper birch often emerges as the first growth of a new community in nature.

Building Approach: Paper Birch aims to “revitalize the building with a modern perspective,” according to O’Brien, reinstalling windows to bring natural light back into the space. A series of soaking pool, sauna, steam room, and cold plunge experiences will provide contrast hydrotherapy experiences for guests (having direct access to Grand Traverse Bay doesn’t hurt, the team says). A proposed plaza next to the building would provide a waterfront overlook with fire pits and expanded bike piking. Targeted construction costs are under $1 million, with the team exploring full building electrification.

Community Benefit/Engagement: The team calls the project a “modern spin on ancient communal bathing traditions.” The property’s location in the heart of the city means easy accessibility for a wide age range of adults (the center is proposed to be 18+) to gather in a peaceful, distraction-free setting “where connection is encouraged and friendships can form naturally,” the proposal states. “The space would be accessible to both members and the general public through 90-minute drop-in sessions.”

Accessibility & Environmental Stewardship: The facility will “provide regular public access, community days, and low-cost or free programming opportunities,” the proposal states. Full ADA compliance and universal design principles are planned. The team plans to use energy-efficient fixtures, low-carbon materials, and natural and organic elements to embed environmental stewardship “in both design and operations.”

Financial Sustainability: As with Studio Anatomy LLC, Paper Birch is a for-profit group proposing a public-private partnership (the city retains building ownership in either scenario). Paper Birch plans to pursue a B Corp Certification and expects to create 7-10 jobs. The project would be “privately financed through a mix of equity investment, an SBA loan, and potential energy and economic development grants,” the team says.

The city has proposed a starting lease term of five years for any new tenant and requested credit reports, bank statements, and a detailed pro forma from the applicants. Because the Bijou sits on city parkland, the proposals will first go to the city’s Parks and Recreation commission for review on March 12. They are then expected to be on the city commission’s March 16 agenda for discussion and possible action, according to City Manager Benjamin Marentette.

Commissioners that night will also review two RFP responses for the Carnegie Building on Sixth Street. Those proposals, from Crooked Tree Arts Center and Traverse Area District Library, will be profiled in tomorrow’s (Wednesday’s) Ticker.