The Commongrounds Cooperative Building is Northern Michigan’s first real estate cooperative and a groundbreaking example of community-driven development. Located in the heart of Traverse City and completed in mid-2023, this four-story, mixed-use hub offers workforce housing, shared spaces, and a home for mission-driven organizations focused on food, family, arts, and wellness.

From the start, Commongrounds was envisioned as a pilot project—a bold collaboration among individuals and organizations working together to serve the community. A key partner from early on, Inhabitect played a critical role in both the project’s green infrastructure and its innovative financing strategy.

Construction began in fall 2020 under the leadership of Cunningham Limp. To help close the funding gap and bring the vision to life, Inhabitect introduced and facilitated Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, securing a $1.85 million loan. This model—new to Michigan and rarely applied to green roofs—enabled long-term investment in sustainable infrastructure without requiring significant upfront capital. Costs are repaid via a special property tax assessment over up to 25 years, allowing Commongrounds to benefit from immediate positive cash flow.

Inhabitect’s deep experience with PACE financing began with Detroit’s Belt Line Center—the first property in Michigan and the largest green roof-focused PACE project in the country. Lessons from that pioneering effort were directly applied to Commongrounds, helping to overcome the complex financial and logistical barriers often associated with green building features.

The $1.85 million PACE loan funded a wide range of sustainable improvements: architectural and engineering design, waterproofing and roofing systems, HVAC upgrades, energy-efficient windows and doors, insulation, plumbing, and electrical components. It also supported the installation of 1,400 square feet of extensive green roofs, 135 square feet of intensive green roofs, 1,240 square feet of rooftop pedestal pavers, and a 32 kW solar array.

Inhabitect designed and installed the building’s vibrant green roof and rooftop paver system, which support Traverse City’s green space requirements and boost stormwater management capacity. These living systems provide long-term social, economic, and environmental value—extending the life of the waterproofing membrane, reducing the building’s carbon footprint, and lowering overall life-cycle costs.

Navigating PACE financing for sustainable rooftop infrastructure requires a rare blend of technical, financial, and ecological expertise. Inhabitect’s innovative approach—rooted in years of experience—uniquely positions us within the green roof and ecological landscaping industry. We’re proud to have contributed to the success of the Commongrounds Cooperative Building, a dynamic new asset for Traverse City and a powerful model for sustainable community development.