Commission approves 5‑year Con Foster management deal with Studio Anatomy; alcohol policy, oversight to be set

The Traverse City Commission voted July 6 to authorize a five‑year management agreement with Studio Anatomy LLC to operate and program the Con Foster building in Clinch Park.

City manager (speaker 3) told commissioners the arrangement will cost the city nothing beyond use of the building; Studio Anatomy plans to invest “approximately 58, almost $59,000 in building improvements,” and staff expects the venue to provide community theater, musical performances and cultural programming with at least one free event per week. “It's meant to be ancillary and supportive, but not primary,” the city manager said of alcohol sales, noting the revenue stream helps fund low‑cost events.

Parks and recreation director Michelle Hunt (speaker 12) described how the management fee is structured to start small and increase over the five‑year term to cover projected utilities and routine operational costs. She said staff will deposit management‑fee revenue into a dedicated Con Foster Building Fund so future maintenance and improvements are tracked and funded.

Commissioners pressed staff on several safeguards: how the fee schedule would achieve a break‑even point over time, protections if the operator is no longer viable, and how the city would preserve donor‑provided features in the theater (such as seat nameplates). Amy Robbins, city assessor (speaker 15), and parks staff said the contract includes standard termination clauses and that the city will retain the option to end the agreement if performance targets—like the promised weekly free events—aren't met.

Several commissioners raised questions about alcohol service because the operator intends to obtain a standard liquor license. “Will that detailed policy be coming back to the commission for approval?” asked Commissioner (speaker 13). Hunt responded the building will be governed by a specific parks policy for alcohol that will be incorporated into the management agreement and enforced under lease terms; staff emphasized that the venue’s primary purpose is arts and culture and that alcohol should remain ancillary.

Public comment included questions about programming types and assurances that the venue would be family friendly for many events. After discussion, Commissioner (speaker 9) moved approval of the agreement; the motion passed by recorded voice vote.

The agreement requires the city manager and city attorney to finalize language on form and substance and for staff to return with any required implementing policy details on alcohol and operations.