Former Bijou by the Bay building’s future to be addressed by city council

TRAVERSE CITY — Discussions are underway to plot out the next act for a historic building right on the edge of West Grand Traverse Bay.

The Foster Building was built during the great depression and has served as a museum, a zoo and a community theater called “Bijou by the Bay.”

But now, city commissioners are trying to imagine something different.

“That’ll be an exciting conversation,” said Benjamin Marentette, interim city manager for Traverse City." And I’m looking forward to the next phase in the life of that building. That’s right in the middle of Clinch Park."

Outlining criteria for proposals will be one of the first major tasks for the recently seated council. That process will begin at a meeting in December.

“One thing that comes to mind that would be exciting in my mind, just