High-Profile $3M+ Properties Hit The Market

By Ross Boissoneau

Two high-profile Leelanau commercial properties have hit the market.

Listing agent Blake Bernard of Home Waters Real Estate is representing the multi-use property at 5046 S. West Bay Shore (MLS #1912734; $3,700,000), the intersection of S. West Bay Shore Drive and Hilltop Road. Owners Salve and Rich VanSteenis have long operated a Thai and pizza restaurant there, along with four VRBO vacation apartments. It also includes office and/or retail space.

The property began life as a family farm. VanSteenis’s family purchased the property in 1977 and began transforming it. Rich and Salve eventually opened 22 Vines and Wine Cafe & Market, now called Hawkins Farm Cellars after the original owners.

It’s also currently home to Riske Brown & Associates insurance company and Bear Den Gallery. Other tenants have come and gone over the years, including the Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce and Manny’s Cheese Shop.

Bernard said a lofted barn space with 35-foot ceilings currently used for storage could be an event venue, and campers and RVs could also be housed on the property. The three one-bedroom and one two-bedroom apartments are available for rental year-round.

The property and event center known as “Nature” outside Maple City (MLS #1911109) is also for sale, this one for $2,950,000. But to realize the vision of current owner Bryan Cloninger, it will likely take an additional investment of more money than just the purchase price.

And really, he’d rather enlist a partner than sell it. “That is my least favorite option,” Cloninger said of selling. “I’ve put everything I have into this.”

The 40-acre property includes a main lodge for hosting events, complete with an apartment; trails; a pond with beach; a reinforced concrete pad; three cabin shells; and endless potential, according to Cloninger. He says the property is appraised at $4.2 million.

Financial Analyst Tim Ketchum of Breneman Advisors is working with Steve Poole of Colliers on the potential sale of the property. But again, Cloninger is really hoping to attract the right person to partner with him to fulfill his vision, which he said is as much about community as realizing income.

“I think what Nature is trying to do is really important – developing the community, a platform for learning, wellness, a place for people to find more unity. That’s why I’m doing it,” said Cloninger.

Cloninger said he has activated only one of five possible revenue streams, hosting weddings and receptions. The others are serving alcohol, which he said would immediately double the revenue; business rand corporate retreats; wellness services and merchandise; and food/catering. He says that with an additional $2 million investment from a partner, the income could increase by 470 percent.

“There’s a lot of room for growth,” he said, which could include not only financial gains but property too: The 37acre property has plans already designed for 25 cabins, with three started, that could easily be finished for a future partner or buyer.