City of Traverse City Partnership

In a dynamic and enduring partnership with the City of Traverse City, Progressive Companies has been instrumental in shaping the city's infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its community. The collaboration began with the transformation of 8th Street in 2018, a major artery used by over 24,000 cars daily. The project, done in conjunction with Gourdie-Fraser & Associates, focused on creating a multi-modal environment integrating cycle tracks, streetscape enhancements, and innovative street lighting.

The partnership expanded to a comprehensive Downtown Circulation Study, reevaluating the one-way streets that defined Traverse City since the late 1960s. Our firm's thorough analysis encompassing data collection, traffic modeling, and community engagement, laid the foundation for a recommendation on converting downtown streets back to two-way, aligning with the city's vision for a more accessible and vibrant core.

Further strengthening the collaboration, the East Front Street Reconstruction showcased a robust community engagement process, culminating in a sustainable plan prioritizing accessibility, activating spaces, and incorporating green street design standards. The transformative efforts extended to the city-wide level with the Mobility Action Plan, a strategic vision developed with Toole Design to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure across Traverse City. This comprehensive plan, shaped by community input, empowers city staff to integrate mobility projects into the capital improvements process, driving positive change towards a more walkable and bikeable Traverse City.

As part of that plan, the TART Trails Expansion project consisted of conceptual lay out of the expansion of the TART Trail system along Grandview Parkway/E. Front Street from N. Division St. to S. Garfield Ave. Approximately 2 miles of trail ranging from 12 foot wide to 20 foot wide was developed to accommodate separate lanes for pedestrian and bicyclists. This work also included the opportunity to improve neighborhood connections, provide improved wayfinding, and increased connectivity to downtown. This was an opportunity for the TART Trails, Inc., the City of Traverse City, and DDA Board to work with MDOT as they prepare to reconstruct Grandview Parkway and grow relationships.

The ongoing synergy between Progressive Companies and Traverse City reflects a commitment to progressive urban development and a shared vision for a vibrant and accessible community.