Front Street's All-new Arcade
Nearly eight months ago, the Front Street Commons (aka the Arcade) in downtown Traverse City had upwards of 8,000 square feet standing vacant.
Today, five new businesses – including The TreeFort Collective reported by The Ticker last week – are opening in the next few weeks, bringing the Arcade near to full occupancy.
The new lineup:
Studio Anatomy
Tonight is the grand opening event for Studio Anatomy – an all-ages music venue that is eating up much of the 7,500-plus square feet in the Arcade’s basement level. That’s right, all ages.
“We knew Traverse City needed something like this,” says Jennifer Culberson of her and business partner Brian Chamberlain’s new venue for original acts. “It’s something we’re passionate about, and we think we’ve found the perfect space since this used to be a music store.”
Studio Anatomy also features a recording space, a gallery featuring contemporary and unique works and a studio for Culberson, a mixed-media artist.
Tonight’s show features TC’s Hello Dear Monster, Slice Future and The Droogs, and The Bell Beat from Detroit. $5 cover.
CoWharf
Free coffee, fast Wi-Fi and community on Front Street: Bradley and Kirsten Matson are opening CoWharf in early December, a casual co-working space on the Arcade’s second floor overlooking Front Street.
A co-work space offers people who normally work in isolation, often at home, a place to gather … and do their jobs. They don’t share work, but rather, an interest in working around like-minded independent professionals.
The Matsons, who moved back to Traverse City this spring, came from a tech start-up in Tucson, Ariz., that was itself based in a co-work space. (They still work for the company today.)
The approximately 600 square feet will feature 12 desks, a soundproofed phone booth for making/taking calls, whiteboards, a shared printer, a conference room with teleconferencing ability and secure lockers for storage. Day passes are $15, monthly plans vary from 2 days a week ($75) to 24/7 access ($250). Thirty people have signed up so far.
Foiled Hair Lounge and Studio
At the other end of the building, overlooking the alley, is soon-to-be-open Foiled Hair Lounge and Studio. Owner Audrey Cole says the salon will offer full-service hair and beauty services at affordable prices – including happy hour pricing for quick services on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cole is also mixing in some fun by including a photography studio space that will be available for bridal parties, girls’ nights out and other events. The lounge will also include an eclectic furniture and fashions nook run by Cole’s mother, Angel Pravato. 231-633-6140.
“Pop-Up” L. Boutique
Local fashion designer Laurie Wildman is taking over the space recently vacated by Celtic Rose Irish Shop (now an Ebay business) and putting in a pop-up store – a shop that literally pops up for a season and then either disappears or morphs into something else. Wildman says her “upscale resale” space will feature some of her own designs, some vintage wear and little goodies like a Burberry bag or Pucci piece to complement a look. She is opening mid-November and planning a three-month stay.
One Loss, One Expansion
Amidst the Arcade's many new business infusions, it's saying a final farewell to long-time tenant Gloria Veltman and her used book shop, So Many Books So Little Time, which is closing Nov. 17. Art & Soul Gallery next door is planning to expand into the space.