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Our Mission

To celebrate, preserve, protect, and enhance the development of the structures, landscapes, historic vision, and cultural significance of the former home of the Traverse City State Hospital.

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“Dr. Munson is still remembered today for his humane approach to the treatment of mental illness and his philosophy that ‘beauty is therapy.’ He believed that peaceful, tranquil surroundings were a tonic to sooth a troubled mind.”

— Munson Healthcare

Our Board

The board of the Friends of the Historic Commons is comprised
of individuals dedicated to Northwest Michigan and are passionate
about our mission of preservation and education.

Nate Elkins founded IDF in 2011. He wanted to raise the bar for architectural design, planning and research in Northern Michigan by building a collaborative of independent professionals with a focus on interjecting pop culture, technology, and futur

Nate Elkins founded IDF in 2011. He wanted to raise the bar for architectural design, planning and research in Northern Michigan by building a collaborative of independent professionals with a focus on interjecting pop culture, technology, and futurism into small towns. Nate has a collection of knowledge working on a range of projects at many different spatial scales – from small intimate public spaces to rural landscapes and everything in between. When not at work you will find him with his wife Karley and their boys spending time outdoors - in the woods, on the water, or hitting the slopes.

Jennifer Hricik is passionate about access to learning. Her higher education-focused career includes enrollment, strategic planning, marketing, branding and development. The Historic Commons is an anchor to her exploration of local hotspots, trails,

Jennifer Hricik is passionate about access to learning. Her higher education-focused career includes enrollment, strategic planning, marketing, branding and development. The Historic Commons is an anchor to her exploration of local hotspots, trails, and our city’s history and culture. She also connects with the community through her role at the NMC Foundation.

Steve Morris returned to Traverse City after an extended a career in the development and management of non-profit community and economic development organizations in Southeastern Michigan. He is deeply experienced in the development of successful pu

Steve Morris returned to Traverse City after an extended a career in the development and management of non-profit community and economic development organizations in Southeastern Michigan. He is deeply experienced in the development of successful public/private sector partnerships, marketing and communication in community-based initiatives, and volunteer involvement and coordination. His commitment to community engagement and passion for the awareness and appreciation of our common history led him to the Friends of the Historic Commons.

Tak Ready grew up in Slabtown in Traverse City, just blocks away from the State Hospital when it was still in operation. The Commons was an extended playground for him. Tak has taught history and government at Traverse City West Senior High School si

Tak Ready grew up in Slabtown in Traverse City, just blocks away from the State Hospital when it was still in operation. The Commons was an extended playground for him. Tak has taught history and government at Traverse City West Senior High School since 1998. Tak is the social studies department leader at West.

Ken Richmond has been an architect in Traverse City, MI for thirty years with his offices in the Commons since 2001. He was a Traverse City Planning Commissioner when Historic Building 50 was slated for certain demolition in 1998 and as a result hel

Ken Richmond has been an architect in Traverse City, MI for thirty years with his offices in the Commons since 2001. He was a Traverse City Planning Commissioner when Historic Building 50 was slated for certain demolition in 1998 and as a result helped found Architects and Engineers to Save Building 50…the group that saved Building 50 with grass roots community support. An early member of the Botanical Garden at Historic Barns Park, Ken was instrumental in helping the organization locate the garden and secure their site near the Historic Barns in the Commons. Ken has also renovated Building 88, the historic Old Munson Hall and its outbuildings.

Matthew Ross is the Executive Director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns park and is a nationally recognized educator and leader in public horticulture. Prior to moving to Traverse City to lead the gardens, Matthew was the director of continui

Matthew Ross is the Executive Director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns park and is a nationally recognized educator and leader in public horticulture. Prior to moving to Traverse City to lead the gardens, Matthew was the director of continuing education at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa, an educator at Owens Community College in Toledo, OH, and a horticulturist at Toledo Botanic Garden. He provides over 20 years of horticultural expertise to the Board and is passionate about sharing the story behind the trees that comprise the historic abroretum.

Leslie Sickterman is a Traverse City resident who can often be found exploring the trails and grounds at the Commons and Botanical Gardens (with either her husband Rob or their dog Pepper in tow). By day, she works as a community planner for Long La

Leslie Sickterman is a Traverse City resident who can often be found exploring the trails and grounds at the Commons and Botanical Gardens (with either her husband Rob or their dog Pepper in tow). By day, she works as a community planner for Long Lake Township. Her passion for history and natural areas along with her background in planning and grant administration led her to serve on the Friends Board.

Winnie Simpson practiced law in Atlanta, GA, before retiring to Traverse City. She lives in Building 50 and has served on the boards of both the Mercato and Village Site Associations. Between hiking the trails at the Commons and biking the TART trail

Winnie Simpson practiced law in Atlanta, GA, before retiring to Traverse City. She lives in Building 50 and has served on the boards of both the Mercato and Village Site Associations. Between hiking the trails at the Commons and biking the TART trail, she writes murder mysteries about a Southern lawyer.

Kathleen A. Steeves has been a career history educator and public historian at diverse locations ( MI, IA, OH, MA, VA) and levels ( Pontiac Central HS, George Washington University, Smithsonian Institution). Her area of specialty is U.S. history foc

Kathleen A. Steeves has been a career history educator and public historian at diverse locations ( MI, IA, OH, MA, VA) and levels ( Pontiac Central HS, George Washington University, Smithsonian Institution). Her area of specialty is U.S. history focusing on the history of technology. She returned to Michigan from Washington DC. where she has had a residence in historic Building 50 since 2008.