The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is inviting residents to provide input that will help shape Rotary Square, the public space at the corner of State and Union streets.

Dubbed “Imagine Rotary Square,” the goal is "designing a welcoming public meeting space for people and activities that  contribute to the vibrancy and unique sense-of-place of Traverse City," the DDA said in a statement.

In collaboration with many local stakeholders, this project seeks to establish a "downtown public space that celebrates the community’s rich culture and history while reflecting the unique spirit and needs of Traverse City."

A plan for a downtown “civic square” was first outlined in Traverse City’s TIF-97 Plan. After decades of  discussion and several stalled exploratory processes, in 2019, the DDA purchased the half-acre former  Chemical Bank property at the corner of State and Union with the aid of a $2 million grant from the State of Michigan and a $1 million gift from Rotary Charities. Since then, Rotary Square has hosted a number of public  events, including the annual Michigan/Michigan State tailgate, a concert series with the Traverse City  Philharmonic and Movies at the Square. This past summer, Rotary Square also hosted the Farmers Market.  

While these activities demonstrated the utility of the Square, a community voice is needed to shape the vision and future of a more formal and developed community space, the DDA says. Residents are invited to participate in a survey to share their initial ideas and goals for Rotary Square. In early 2025, the DDA will host a series of public workshops and informational sessions to engage community members and welcome contributions to the  design of the square. The preliminary conceptual design for Rotary Square is expected to be completed by June.

For more information, visit the DDA's website.