Commongrounds Cooperative

Commongrounds Cooperative is a community-owned real estate cooperative based in Traverse City, Michigan. Founded in the early 2020s, the cooperative developed and operates a mixed-use community center at 414 East Eighth Street that includes workforce housing, arts and performance spaces, coworking facilities, childcare services, and mission-driven local businesses.

Commongrounds describes itself as Northern Michigan’s first real estate cooperative. The project uses a cooperative ownership structure in which community members, tenants, and stakeholders may purchase ownership shares and participate in governance.

The development opened in 2023 and was financed through a combination of community crowdfunding, loans, grants, and cooperative investment. According to Shelterforce, the project raised approximately $1.3 million from roughly 500 community investors during its initial crowdfunding campaign.

The building houses several community-oriented organizations and spaces, including The Alluvion performing arts venue, coworking and gathering spaces, affordable housing units, and food and wellness-related businesses.

The project has received regional and national attention for its cooperative ownership structure and community-based financing model.