crumbling splendor

crumbling, abandoned buildings

have always fascinated me...

there is something so poignant in the boarded windows and shuttered doors...

I think about all the stories that rooms could tell...

imagine what these rooms know...

the following photos are of the 

Commons

in Traverse City

this group of buildings were

once a huge mental health facility...

"In 1885 the state of Michigan chose Traverse City as the site for the Northern Michigan Asylum, a hospital dedicated to the idea that fresh air and beautiful surroundings could ease the suffering of the mentally ill".

"the hospital closed in 1989 but it's extensive forested grounds...

and stately Castle like buildings have now been preserved."

a development company has been renovating the buildings and turning them into mixed use buildings...

the renovated building below...

features restaurants and shops on the main floor and condos on the top floors...

It is quite an amazing undertaking and the new spaces are gorgeous...

though we were at the end of my trip, I will make sure to spend more time here when I get back to TC..

there are trails all over the grounds for running and hiking, skiing and birdwatching...

next time we will definitely 

have a lovely lunch at 

Stella Trattoria

and spend some time 

in the shops..

I will be back with a new post before I take some time off for the holiday weekend.. 

C4N!

estate

time off from the studio always does me good...

and a little change of scenery is always in order

in the summer...

estate...

I spent a day and a half with my cousin, Gilda..

my first playmate and dear friend...

we met her sister and our Auntie in downtown Traverse City 

for lunch

it was lovely to stroll and explore...

but we resisted ice cream below...

in favor of gelato...

I think she had triple chocolate and I had cinnamon...

yum...

the Cherry Festival is in full swing this weekend, so the town

will be packed..

we had a lovely dinner that night with more family

and Gilda made us a delicious feast... with great wine...

and in the morning I snapped a few pics of her gardens...

beautiful morning light and native plants...

it was lovely to stroll around..

enjoying the morning breeze...

and wishing I had more time to stay...

and play...

her charming cottage above with chairs that my cousin Joe made 

for her on the front porch...

and moon flowers in the purple pots...

it was so nice to reconnect and spend time with the family...

we managed to spend a little time at the Commons too

and I will have some photos of

of that visit on Monday...

if you like crumbling splendor

and abandoned buildings you must pop back..

ciao, ciao!