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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 was singularly gracious of manner, winning the confidence of patients entrusted to him, and always possessed of an understanding of their needs. He never lost sight of the beneficial value of the personal relationship.”

— Edward F. Sladek, MD, told a gathering of medical staff at the Traverse City State Hospital regarding Dr. James Decker Munson

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.

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Klaus Heinert has a keen passion for trees and the natural environment. A life-long resident of Michigan, he chose to focus his career on helping communities create, enhance and access special places in the Grand Traverse Region and beyond since 1990

Klaus Heinert has a keen passion for trees and the natural environment. A life-long resident of Michigan, he chose to focus his career on helping communities create, enhance and access special places in the Grand Traverse Region and beyond since 1990. His perspective and experience is global, having grown up a child of immigrant parents, only one continent remains for him to set afoot. Formerly the MI Chapter President of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and TC Sunrise Rotary International Chair, he loves to help lead and accomplish projects of all sorts. Now repurposed, he still loves to apply his skIlls in photography, art, design, and 'people' engagement to find sustainable solutions large and small.

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

Jennifer Hricik is passionate about access to learning. Her primarily 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 and her love for the arts through her role at the Traverse City Philharmonic as their Director of Development.

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.

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 Continuin

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. Matthew brings over 20 years of horticultural expertise to the Board and is passionate about sharing the story behind the trees that comprise the historic arboretum.

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.

Russ Soyring served as the Traverse City Planning Director for 35 years where he advocated for building walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like the Grand Traverse Commons. Throughout his life he has been passionate on building inclusive communities th

Russ Soyring served as the Traverse City Planning Director for 35 years where he advocated for building walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like the Grand Traverse Commons. Throughout his life he has been passionate on building inclusive communities that are inviting and affordable for all by supporting a variety of housing types and promoting transportation options. Russ currently serves on the Board of Director for TART Trails and works part-time as a Planner with Beckett and Raeder.

Steve Stannard is a veteran Landscape Architect, geographer, and visualist. He offers 40 years of experience in the design, construction, and planning of urban, suburban, and regional facilities. With both a passion for community planning and the Tra

Steve Stannard is a veteran Landscape Architect, geographer, and visualist. He offers 40 years of experience in the design, construction, and planning of urban, suburban, and regional facilities. With both a passion for community planning and the Traverse City area, Steve proffers a deep understanding of regional reuse. He can be seen around town in search of a good cup of coffee, interesting company, and a great place to sit and sketch.

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.

Board Member Emeritus 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 19

Board Member Emeritus 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.