Local Initiatives
Mich. Co-op Helps Historic Barn
An ambitious campaign to turn the grounds of a former state hospital facility into a multi-use park got a big green boost recently from a Michigan electric cooperative.
A Michigan co-op will help make this drafty old barn warm and cozy with geothermal pumps. (Image Courtesy of Garfield Recreational Authority)
Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Grawn, pledged $22,000 to help install a geothermal heating and cooling system in the historic barns area of the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City.
The arrangement is a “win-win-win situation for us, the barns and for the community,” said Tony Anderson, the co-op’s general manager.
One reason is because the co-op’s pledge fulfills a 2008 state mandate that utilities reduce energy use through “energy optimization” funds. Those are raised through surcharges on members’ bills, and pay for efficiency programs until 2015.
Although the redevelopment project is just outside the co-op’s service area, Cherryland EC suggested using the geothermal pumps for educational, as well as, heating purposes, once the Commons open to the public.
“We came up with the idea of using our energy optimization funds as an educational tool and got permission from state regulators to turn it into a nice community project,” said Anderson.
The two barns are the centerpiece of a $1.5 million redevelopment project. (Image Courtesy of Garfield Recreational Authority)
“Cherryland Electric Cooperative showed a lot of leadership and initiative in using the energy optimization dollars for the park,” said Matt Cowall, executive director of a joint township/municipal authority that’s leading the three-year, $1.5 million fundraising campaign.
Cowall said the geothermal pumps will help heat and cool the grounds’ Cathedral Barn, a 5,000-square foot building, which has stood empty since the 1950s.
While the donation “won’t allow us to fully heat and cool the barn, it’s a huge step in the right direction because we will be able to build on it,” he said.
Organizers want to hold farmers markets, weddings and other events in the barn and in another similar structure. Other plans for the Commons call for a natural amphitheater and botanical gardens.
To sign up for the latest Co-op News news alerts, click here.