County offices move temporarily during Governmental Center first-floor remodel

Grand Traverse County is undertaking a first-floor remodel of the Governmental Center to modernize finishes, improve the work environment and create a more efficient layout for staff and the public. To keep essential services operational during the project, several county offices will relocate in phases over the coming weeks.

The County Treasurer’s Office will move to the third floor of the Governmental Center on Jan. 14; residents can reach the office at 231-922-4735. The County Register of Deeds will move to the second floor on Jan. 20 and may be reached at 231-922-4753. The County Clerk Vital Records Office will move to the first floor of the Historic Courthouse on Jan. 27; its phone number is 231-922-4760.

Visitors to the Historic Courthouse should expect security screening: a metal detector will be in use and weapons, explosives, knives, scissors and razor blades are not permitted. Renovations are expected to conclude with offices returning to the Governmental Center first floor by mid-March 2026.

For residents who rely on county services, the phased moves mean many transactions will remain available without interruption, but the location and building access will be different for a short time. Routine trips such as paying taxes, recording deeds or requesting vital records may require a different entrance or an extra floor walk during the remodel. The county has said additional details will be posted at the Governmental Center and on the county website, and many services are already available online at gtcountymi.gov.

Local practicalities matter: if you have an appointment or plan to visit for filing or pickup, call the office first to confirm the temporary location and hours, and allow a little extra time for courthouse screening if you are headed to the Historic Courthouse. Parking and pedestrian routes downtown are unchanged by this announcement, but internal wayfinding will be important while the remodel is underway.

This project aims to deliver a more modern, efficient government space that should make county interactions smoother once completed. The short-term reshuffling is a trade-off for longer-term improvements to public-facing spaces and staff workflows.

The takeaway? Check before you go, use the county online services where possible, and expect a brief adjustment period while staff and visitors move between floors and buildings. Our two cents? A quick phone call to the numbers above can save you a trip.