Mill District Groundbreaking, TCAPS Building Renovation Boost Boardman Lake Revitalization
Two mixed use projects in the Boardman Lake district took significant steps forward on November 23, 2025, with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Mill District and continued renovation work on the historic TCAPS administration building. The developments promise new commercial space, trail connections, and a mix of housing including workforce units targeted to 60 to 100 percent of area median income, changes that will affect traffic patterns, housing supply, and downtown economic activity.
Developers and community leaders marked progress in the Boardman Lake district on November 23, 2025, as the Mill District at Woodmere Avenue and Carver Street held a ceremonial groundbreaking and work continued on the renovated TCAPS administration building on Webster Street. The Mill District, led by Tim Pulliam and partners, will deliver four new structures including one commercial building and three residential buildings. The commercial component will be anchored by Brick Wheels relocating its headquarters, and will include a coffee shop and a restaurant. The project aims to open its first commercial building in spring 2027.
Project planners emphasized public amenities and connectivity. The Mill District includes non motorized trail links to Boardman Lake, expanded green space, new public parking, and additional sidewalks to strengthen pedestrian access and bicycle connectivity. Those infrastructure elements are designed to knit the new development into existing downtown circulation, and to increase foot traffic for nearby businesses.
On Webster Street developers Ken Richmond and Eric Gerstner are moving forward with the historic renovation of the former TCAPS administration building. The renovation preserves historic materials while modernizing the structure for long term use. Developers said they target spring occupancy for the first tenants. Planned uses include upper floor condominiums, middle floor commercial offices with Ford Insurance and Michigan State University Extension planned as a co tenant, and workforce apartments on the lower floors. A brownfield plan is intended to support affordability for those workforce units, targeting residents earning between 60 and 100 percent of area median income.
Taken together these projects expand downtown commercial square footage, add housing diversity, and prioritize non motorized access to Boardman Lake. For local residents the immediate effects will include construction activity and changes to parking and traffic, followed by new retail and office services, additional housing options oriented to middle income households, and longer term gains in downtown vitality. The combination of historic preservation and new development also signals continued investment in Grand Traverse County as the community seeks balanced growth around its waterfront assets.
