RESIDE Magazine - Summer/Fall 2022

Bay Harbor:The Boom is Back

In the last few years, northern Michigan has definitely been a “hot spot” with people wanting a little piece of paradise in this very special corner of the world. They may be escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, or the hot and humid summers of the south, but there has been a true influx of people wanting to plant some roots in our local resort towns. Bay Harbor is no exception. The community which began just 28 short years ago with a “big boom” is definitely booming once again with expansion and build jobs going non-stop in Bay Harbor.

Currently, there are 18 new home projects under construction, four significant remodels and 12 vacant lots with construction projects planned in the near future. The Ridge, our newest neighborhood near the Village now has two completed homes, and two that are currently under construction. Six homesites are available to purchase. Both Phase I and Phase II of The Bay Harbor Collectibles have completely sold out. Many of the Village Beach homesites that were on the market for quite a few years, have sold and have home projects planned for this year and next. The Bay Harbor Equestrian Center has also sold and is being developed as a distillery and venue space from a local craft spirits producer and renamed Gypsy Farms, which is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2022. The Bay Harbor Yacht Club has completed an expansive $13.5 million project to renovate and refurbish their facilities, amenities, and services. The Club now features a contemporary modern design, enhancing the already magnificent setting. The new Wellness Center offers integrated wellness programming and over 7,500 square feet of integrated fitness space, while the stunning and serene Relaxation Spa ensures that members always have a tranquil space to relax and unwind. The new Aquatics Center offers swimming space for kids, families and adults. Ample deck seating to ensure everyone has a place to relax by the pool and the children’s splashpad and heated whirlpool guarantee water recreation for everyone, and the Club’s world-class dining venues have been expanded and redesigned.

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The Village at Bay Harbor is completely full and ready for a fabulous season ahead. There is excitement building for our newest tenants who joined in 2021 and 2022, and have brought new life to the downtown. Maple + Batter opened their doors in July of 2021, after a major renovation to the prior Original Pancake House space. Some people may have been skeptical at first, but the new owners envisioned bringing a fresh new look to a staple location nestled in the heart of downtown and they most definitely succeeded. Their passion for outstanding service and a delightful experience, as well as a great chef offering up breakfast and brunch specialties, all makes for the perfect combination.

The Bay Harbor Community congratulates David V. Johnson, on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the prestigious Michigan Urban Land Institute.

SIP opened in late summer 2021. It is both a wine shop and wine bar specializing in rare and often sought after exceptional wines from both the Old and New World. Their wine bar features many connoisseur wines and champagnes that you can purchase by the glass or bottle. A wonderful new place to enjoy wine both indoor and their lovely outdoor space.

NOMAD opened in May of 2022, with new owners and a fresh new look and to many rave reviews! Located on the waterfront in Bay Harbor, NOMAD. offers a vibrant atmosphere that pairs well with its sharable plates, evolving wine list, and house cocktails. Their secret weapon is also a pastry chef who offers up hand-made Sorbet and sweet desserts.

Rebeccas Fashions has moved across from their prior location and doubled their space. They have completely renovated the new store with fresh paint and flooring, and will have a great collection of clothing and accessories for their new store opening this summer. Rebecca and Mike Lapidus, the owners of Rebeccas also took over their old space in the Village and will be opening Mens on Main, summer of 2022 which specializes in men’s clothing and accessories. To top it off, they will also be opening a shoes, specialties and gift store in the Village, which was once the Lifestyle Gallery for Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty, whose office is now exclusively in the Bay Harbor Building.

An accomplished leader and true visionary, David V. Johnson as Chairman of Bay Harbor Company created Bay Harbor (initially with CMS Energy before their exit nearly 20 years ago) to be a unique destination unlike anywhere else in the world; a legacy for families to enjoy for a lifetime. It was one of the largest land reclamation projects in North America. His commitment to building in harmony with nature and creating unique, beautiful developments has made him a distinguished and recognized leader in the industry. The award was given in front of an audience of family, friends and colleagues at the MGM Grand Detroit Hotel on May 3, 2022.

The purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to celebrate and honor individuals who have made a positive impact on the vibrancy and quality of life in Michigan through the use of the land. The award also gives ULI Michigan, whose memberships include the state’s most prominent and recognized real estate developers and professionals, the opportunity to recognize colleagues who have contributed greatly to the local real estate community.

All of our new and returning merchants are very excited about the 2022 season. There is a new vibrancy, and a fresh feeling that it’s going to be one of the best years on record.

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northernbluepenthouse.com inquire at 231.439.2400 | stay@northernblue.com

Bay Harbor Lake Marina Expansion

Bay Harbor Village Suites and Vacation Rentals

In January 2021, the hotel rebranded to Village Suites Bay Harbor. The changes were reflective of what the vision was for both the Lodge and Maritime buildings; to provide condo-style suites located above the brick-paved streets in the Village for extended stays in the resort community.

The suites and penthouses continue to encourage week-long or extended stays as well. Village Suites is not a “traditional” hotel, but more of a condo-style rental and vacation experience. Each 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suite is unique in its decor, but all include well-equipped kitchens, living areas with fireplaces and private balconies offering a lake or village view.

The Conference Center was also rebranded with the name Elevation after a renovation in the fall of 2021. It is a great place for groups and conferences, and will be complete with a coffee station for guests of the suites, as well as the hosted groups.

Bay Harbor Company is excited to announce a dock expansion at the Bay Harbor Lake Marina, scheduled to be in operation in June of 2022. This is the first change in 26 years that the marina has been operating.

The expansion will be on Pier B, adding 35 new slips that range from 40’ to 120’, and are currently available for reservations, however the seasonal dockage is going fast. There is quite a demand in the boating industry for seasonal slips, and Bay Harbor has the luxury of having a protected harbor that leads directly into Little Traverse Bay. The marina only offers floating docks, that greatly accommodate the ever-changing water levels in Little Traverse Bay and Bay Harbor Lake.

“There are more seasonal boaters than any time in our history”, and we have 40 brand new boat owners who will be here to experience all that Bay Harbor has to offer”, says Harbormaster Martin Leemaster.

The boating industry is also thriving, with boat sales through the roof and the inventory low, and the wait lists for boats high. Bay Harbor is thrilled about the expansion, and ready to accommodate both the seasonal and transient boaters with great customer service and amenities.

The In-Water Boat Show, held over Father’s Day Weekend in June and hosted by Bay Harbor Lake Marina is celebrating its 20th year, with a wonderful group of both in-water and on-land exhibitors. The boats in the water will be located on the new Pier B expansion, which will give patrons of the show a close view of the new docks and the beautiful views out on Bay Harbor Lake.

Bay Harbor Vacation Rentals has charming homes in their rental program that are perfect for your next vacation. The homes in Village Beach are a wonderful choice for families who need spacious accommodations and the ease of being within walking distance to the downtown Village shops and restaurants. The business has also expanded to the surrounding resort areas, including adding a 30 day rental opportunity in a charming bay cottage in Harbor Springs, and another monthly rental on the shores of Lake Michigan in Charlevoix.

They have also recently acquired a fabulous 8 bedroom, 8.5 bath penthouse, that expands the entire 4th floor of the Lodge Building overlooking Bay Harbor Lake and Lake Michigan. This showcase property is perfect for Five Star family retreats, corporate meetings, opulent wedding stays, Girls Getaway weekends or for a luxury golf stay.

For more information on one of the suites, penthouses or vacation homes, please contact the hospitality team at 231-439-2400 or email villagesuites@bayharbor.com.

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