February 14, 2001

Snowshoe stroll successful

Event raises $1,826 for Building 50 committee

By GARRET LEIVA
Herald editor
       Raising funds and community awareness, a moonlit stroll around the Grand Traverse Commons Trails provided a spotlight on the efforts to preserve Building 50.
      The Committee to Preserve Building 50 earlier this month held a Moonlight Snowshoe Passeggiata behind the former state hospital building. The event was attended by some 400 snowshoers who walked a candlelit trail winding through the Grand Traverse Commons. Proceeds- which topped $1,800 - were donated to the community education efforts of the Committee to Preserve Building 50.
      "Our goal was to increase awareness and there were both longtime supporters and people who didn't know this Central Park existed in our backyard," said Janese Horton, president of the nonprofit Committee to Preserve Building 50. Horton noted that donations will be earmarked for education programs, copying and printing expenses and establishing an endowment fund.
      The evening stroll, based on an Italian-style community gathering, included snowshoes provided by Salamanders and gallons of pasta and hot chocolate prepared by Folgarelli's.
      Attendees also received a preview of the Minervini Group's proposal to save Building 50 and the South Cottages. Developer Ray Minervini presented a plan that "envisions rehabilitating the blighted, historic buildings to create a mixed-use, village-type environment with a town square at its center."
      The Minervini Group is tentatively scheduled to presented their proposal on February 21 to the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation. Preliminary plans include immediate protection of the entire roof of Building 50 and redevelopment of the 116-year-old structure in 30,000 square foot sections based upon market demand. The city commission must grant final approval of the plan, which has a March 1 deadline.
      While Minervini hopes the group's proposal receives a warm welcome from governing officials, he was ecstatic about the reception for the inaugural Moonlight Snowshoe Passeggiata.
      "Despite cold noses and toes, people showed their warm hearts. There were one year olds to 85 year olds; it truly was a community activity," Minervini noted.