I really don't know how to feel about our visit here. Honestly, less than impressed. Learning the history as you walk through was interesting. Definitely an eerie feeling walking these halls. Not so sure about repurposing a place like this into a shopping area? It was just weird. And the shops were outrageously expensive for the most part. We came and went pretty quick.
I live here and I love it! It's gorgeous, scenic, full of history, friendly, quiet, little traffic except during school pick up and drop off times. There is little to no crime here, it's wheelchair accessible, close to groceries and shopping centers but yet off the main traffic areas to these places. You'll need detailed information to find our building as it blends into all the other buildings that are largely unused, at least yet. It's by a couple private schools and meshes into a wooded background. There are lush lawns and plenty of trees for the birds and little animals but is not over run by them either. The history dates back to the 1880's when it was first built for psychiatric care. Many up and coming nurses and doctors were trained here and lived here. The many buildings were utilized for psychiatric care until the 1980's when they were closed and treatment became mainstream. While it was open it was also utilized for farming to feed and employ the many patients who were treated here. None of the buildings have been demolished, they stand to this day. They're beautiful and attract many photographers and sight seers. The spires that top the buildings can be seen from miles around. Families come here for walks, runners to train, travelers to visit and locals to do the same. Many young people and families like to hike up to the "Hippy Tree." If you're interested in living here there is a lengthy waiting list, a year and longer. There are background checks for credit and criminal history as well as employment history and previous housing and prior landlords. There have been books written about the history including the types of psychiatric care, nurses in training and coffee table photography books. All you have to do is Google!
Make sure you sign up for the guided tour of the Village, it's an incredible story about a one-of-a-kind facility that was far ahead of it's time, and the transformation into a great mixed-use campus has to be experienced.
The food places are great, the shops are unique, and the buildings and grounds are picturesque. Make sure it's part of your Traverse City experience.
This place is just so beautiful. I love the history of the hospital. The shops have so many beautiful things to look at. We had already eaten so we didn't try any of the restaurants but we did try the brewery there. I would definitely go back to give the rest a try.
Iconic 19th century former mental institution houses trendy boutiques, cool restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, ale houses, senior and affordable living spaces. The Mercado is a must visit when in traverse City. Renovation is cool and ongoing. Walk in the hills behind- visit arboretum- endless possibilities. Fascinating half day for tourists, popular with locals any time.
Perfect family outing and they even allow dogs in and out of the building! Not a common feature to find. Highly recommend for couples and families alike! Gorgeous grounds and trails as well.
Unique place to visit. It wasn't quite as lively as I had expected based on reading some info ahead of time - but then again I'm not sure quite what to expect anyway. The entire campus is expansive and it's clear a ton of work has been done to make this a truly one of a kind place in the Traverse City area. In fact - it's pretty unique in general. Whoever had the foresight and drive to turn this into a multi use neighborhood of sorts should be commended. Definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in seeing how large scale facilities can be repurposed for the good of a community.
I always love visiting the old asylum grounds. It's just brilliant what they're doing with the old buildings. They've turned something with a controversial past in to something absolutely beautiful. There are lots of incredible shops, and restaurants. I highly recommend visiting Higher Grounds Coffee, and walking the halls of the main market building to see some art, and learn about the building a little.
Love visiting the Village, especially during winter when you get a bit stir crazy with all the snow and old weather. Its fun to come here and visit the shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. They have a top notch Furrier in residence here as well. I got a scarf made from Jack Rabbit fur, absolutly love it! So soft and warm.
Take the tour before construction is finished! Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history. Going down in the steam tunnels was the highlight for me. The tour lasts about two hours.
Historic and interesting. Good food and drink options. Craft beer, local wine, good coffee. Variety of shops.
This is always a cool place to wander around and check out the local shops. Some good restaurants sprinkled in as well!
Beautiful, historic, as well the feeling of being in that kind of enviornment. I love places like this, it is kept very nice. No trash around the place.
This is a great facility. Hospital adjacent and services from total care to minimal assisted living. They work closely with family and friends of the client. They also have the best medical resources close by.