In May 2024, The New York Times featured Higher Grounds Trading Co. owner Chris Treter in a story about communities taking housing development into their own hands. The article explores how rising housing costs in Traverse City have made it increasingly difficult for local workers to find affordable places to live, even as businesses continue to grow.

The coverage highlights Chris and other community members’ response: a 47,000-square-foot building designed to provide residential, business, and community spaces. Their approach reflects a commitment to addressing local needs through collaborative, community-focused development. For Higher Grounds, the story illustrates how our belief in building stronger communities extends beyond coffee sourcing to the people and places that make our work possible.