The Grand Traverse Commons is a sprawling campus in Traverse City that used to be home to a state hospital.
Up until 1989, people were housed there for a number of reasons, ranging from severe mental illness to simple rest and recovery.
Now, its main building — known as Building 50 — will be featured in a PBS program called “Songs About Buildings and Moods," an online series that looks at the history and architecture of a building with original music to reflect that.
The series has covered Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, cathedrals, Detroit’s Fisher Building and now Building 50 at the Grand Traverse Commons.
Cynthia Van Maanen and Tom Childs are the composers. The music they wrote for the episode on Building 50 has not been recorded yet. Right now, they’re rehearsing some of the woodwind and percussion parts. The centerpiece of the music will come from string soloists.
The goal? Use the music to tell the story of a former state psychiatric hospital now better known as a collection of boutiques, restaurants and residences.
Hear them talk about their work using the audio player on this story, and then hear the music in person this weekend:
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Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7 p.m. — Join IPR at Kirkbride Hall for a first look at a new episode of "Songs About Buildings and Moods" featuring music of Interlochen students, faculty and alumni.
IPR's Max Copeland contributed to this report.
