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April 8, 2025
Lincoln Charter Township, Mich - Great Lakes Capital, a real estate firm based in South Bend, Ind., has proposed a 200-unit residential development on the long-vacant Snowflake Motel property along Red Arrow Highway. The plan, presented at Monday night's Lincoln Charter Township Planning Commission meeting, includes a request to re-zone the property from commercial to residential use and has already received strong support from local community leaders and organizations.
"We are excited to bring forward a project that directly addresses the housing needs of Lincoln Charter Township and the broader region," said Jeff Smoke, Managing Director at Great Lakes Capital. "This development is designed to provide high-quality, attainable housing while enhancing the character of the community. We look forward to working with local leaders and residents to create a project that benefits everyone."
The development, known as Red Arrow Bluffs, will feature a collection of three-story buildings offering high-quality, attainable housing for local professionals such as teachers, police officers, and skilled tradespeople. The design will also include modern amenities, quality construction, and ample green space, making it a valuable addition to the local housing market.
Dr. Thomas Pow, the current landowner of the proposed development site, emphasized the importance of expanding housing options to support essential workers.
"As a cardiologist at Corewell Health, I see firsthand the challenges many professionals face in finding attainable housing near their workplaces," said Dr. Pow. "This project is an important step toward addressing that need, providing housing options that will benefit not only healthcare workers but also teachers, first responders, and other essential members of our community. I’m proud to support this effort and look forward to seeing its positive impact on Lincoln Charter Township."
For their part, Lincoln Charter Township officials view the project as an ideal solution for the long-vacant Snowflake property, which has sat unused for years.
"For too long, the Snowflake property has remained an underutilized space with untapped potential," said Glenn Youngsted, Supervisor of Lincoln Charter Township. "The proposed development presents a meaningful solution, transforming the site into a vibrant residential community that will provide much-needed housing and spur economic growth. We appreciate Great Lakes Capital’s investment and the collaboration of all our partners who share our commitment to responsible development and a stronger community."
The project has received support from key regional organizations, including Southwest Michigan First and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, who have helped guide Great Lakes Capital through the process while ensuring the development aligns with local housing and economic goals. Representatives from these organizations were among those present Monday night to voice their support for the project.
“Great Lakes Capital has a proven track record of delivering high-quality housing developments across the country,” said Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Economic Development at Southwest Michigan First. “I’ve worked with them extensively in the past and have complete confidence in their intent and product. Their recent projects in Mishawaka, Muskegon, Petoskey, and Traverse City showcase the thoughtful design and successful outcomes that residents can expect to see in Lincoln Charter Township.”
"Southwest Michigan’s housing shortage has become a major barrier to economic growth, workforce retention, and regional prosperity," added Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. "This development is a critical step forward, delivering the type of "missing middle" housing that will attract talent, support local businesses, and foster a stronger, more sustainable economy. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Great Lakes Capital and Lincoln Charter Township on this important project and hope it serves as a catalyst for similar investments across the region.”
Beyond its economic impact, the project is expected to help meet the housing needs of young families and professionals working in the Lakeshore Public Schools district.
"Housing affordability is a growing concern in our region, particularly for the teachers, young professionals, and families who help make Lakeshore Public Schools an exceptional school district,” said Greg Eding, Superintendent of Lakeshore Public Schools. “This development offers an excellent solution, ensuring that those who serve our students and community can afford to live here, put down roots, and contribute to our entire community."
State Representative Joey Andrews echoed this sentiment, saying: "Across Michigan, we are seeing an urgent need for increased housing opportunities that are both attainable and thoughtfully developed. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when local stakeholders collaborate to address this challenge head-on. I commend everyone involved in bringing this project to life, as it will help strengthen not only Lincoln Charter Township but also the broader region."
Given the rising cost of construction and the region’s pressing housing needs, local and state incentives will be essential to bringing this project to fruition and ensuring the development remains attainable for working families and competitive in today’s market. The immediate next step, however, involves finalizing the zoning approval and conducting a series of public hearings with developer collaboration for the final plans.
If all approvals and incentives are granted, construction could begin later this year, with the first units anticipated to be available for occupancy in late 2026.
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