History of Front + Union
Known Locally as the Masonic Building
In its 133 years, Front + Union has been home to beloved local businesses, including Trude Hardware (1903) and Robertson's Hair Center, Michigan’s Oldest Barbershop which is still here in its 120th year!
Built by the Freemasons in 1890, Front + Union (known locally as the Masonic Building) has been reimagined into spaces for creative commerce and laid-back luxury flats. The modern, updated building has been redesigned to nurture the community with business leasing and pamper curious travelers in our six boutique short-stay rental flats.
To Re-Imagine Historic Structures as the Most Sustainable Way to Nurture a Sense of Place, Community, and Purpose for Today and for the Next Generation
Knocking something down and building new is easy and commonplace–it takes intention and creativity to restore an old structure and honor its history. By committing to keeping the original structure but pulling out 100 years of drywall and remodeling, we uncovered the beauty of the original brick walls, wooden planks, brick fireplaces, and other hidden treasures. By uncovering, cleaning up, and reusing parts of the original construction, we can think of nothing more sustainable and, quite simply, cool.
Each decision is rooted in a desire for ethical and environmental soundness along with the aspiration to thoughtfully welcome adventuring guests. Every contractor we worked with is based in Traverse City, and with our architect, Environment Architects, and contractors at Grand Traverse Construction, we were able to make thoughtful decisions throughout the entire process. All phases of the master plan will be done with energy efficiency in mind, including sustainable materials and appliances, trash, recycling, and water bottle refilling stations for guests.
1890 | The Traverse City Masonic Building at the corner of Front and Union Streets in downtown Traverse City
1890's | Pioneer Drug Store/ S.E. Wait and Sons
Robertson's Hair Center, (still here!) in the Traverse City Masonic Building. South Union Street access.
1903 | Trude Hardware
1950's | Trude Hardware in the Traverse City Masonic Building during the National Cherry Festival Parade
The Families
Steve and Jen Vander Roest and Roche and Leslie Featherstone are longtime local residents of Traverse City and the second owners of this historic building since it was constructed by the Freemasons in 1890.
Having raised both their families in Traverse City, they’ve invested in this community they call home as volunteers, locals, physicians, and small business owners. The Vander Roests own Eelo located in Warehouse MRKT, and the Featherstones own Barrels and Barrels in Suttons Bay.
Life is very much about the journey. Where Jen and Steve started and where they ended up with the purchase and restoration of the Masonic Building is a testament to that. The introduction of the Masonic Building as a business opportunity came up in Stanley, Idaho, one day before the Vander Roests were to embark on a six-day backpacking trip in the Sawtooth Mountains. Jen introduced it.
The couple had an immediate connection with it. It had been cared for by a Traverse City family for decades. It has a prime location and a huge opportunity to repurpose the building in a manner that respects its origins and makes it the premier property in downtown Traverse City for business and lodging.
The Vander Roests wrote a letter to the family that owned it, introducing themselves and sharing why they wanted to purchase the building. With that, the Vander Roests trekked into the backcountry of the Sawtooth Mountains for six days. Upon exiting, they discovered they had a connection with the family and came to an agreement on a purchase offer.
Roche and Leslie Featherstone have been long-time friends of the Vander Roests and have also always been involved in business development. The entire business plan for this partnership, including architectural plans and financial projections, was drawn out in pencil on a desk in the Emergency Department during a shift break for Steve and Roche.
“We met on-site the next day,” shared Steve. “Had breakfast after going through the building, and within two days, we developed our partnership company, Front + Union, LLC.”
Both families are thrilled and grateful to partner as the next stewards of this historic and iconic place and look forward to continuing to contribute to the sustainability, care, and vibrancy of the Traverse City community.
Vision For The Future
During our three-phase re-imagination and restoration, the architectural magnificence and integrity of this historical building will remain but with modern sensibility and style as a mixed-use assembly of local, creative businesses and The Flats.
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SECOND + THIRD FLOORS
Multiple mixed use office, studio, and creative spaces for local businesses.
The Flats: six historical short stay boutique vacation rentals featuring parking, elevator access, with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom options for family or group accommodations.
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BASEMENT
Restored and designed as a launch pad for multiple independent business owners to develop with a prominent/established Front Street location. Information and applications will be available shortly.
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ROOFTOP
Event center and guest lounge.
