A ribbon cutting ceremony and block party will take place tonight (Friday) to commemorate the reconstruction of Lake Avenue as well as TART Trails' 20th anniversary. 

Lake Avenue has been closed since September 4 between Eighth and Cass streets to accommodate the street project, which included the reconstruction of the road, intersection improvements at Eighth and Cass streets, raised crosswalks at Cass Street for a safer pedestrian experience, sidewalks that run the entire street on the north and south side, street trees, amenities like benches and bike racks, upgrades and replacements to the sanitary sewer, water, and stormwater systems, improved parking, and street lights. Funding for the project came from tax increment financing (TIF) funds through the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), as well as contributions from the City of Traverse City, Traverse City Light & Power, and property owners within the district. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place tonight at 5pm at the corner of Cass Street and Lake Avenue. Immediately following the ceremony, a block party will take place from 5pm to 9pm in partnership with the DDA, Rare Bird Brewpub, TC Tourism, and TART Trails commemorating TART's 20th anniversary. The free outdoor event, which is open to all ages, will feature a sour ("tart") beer competition among nine local breweries, hot mulled wine from Leelanau Cellars, games and activities, and live music from Medicinal Groove, Jack Pine, and DJ Ras Marco D.

Pictured: Lake Avenue, pre-reconstruction