
Dec
Happy New Year from the Community Foundation!
As we look back on the past year, one highlight stands out: the Lofts at Lumber Square. With construction well underway, the project is on track for completion by the end of 2025. We’ve received many inquiries about its progress and when apartments will become available. Curious to learn more? Read on for the latest updates.
Project Overview
Our community faces a growing housing shortage, with more and more families struggling to find an affordable place to live. Teachers, nurses, service workers, and other essential members of our community are being priced out of the neighborhoods they help sustain. The Lofts at Lumber Square, a new 60-unit apartment building in downtown Petoskey, is designed to address this need by providing affordable housing for middle-income residents.
The Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation is proud to partner with Haan Development and Northern Homes on this project. Wolverine Building Group has been contracted for construction, while Northern Homes will own and manage the property. The Community Foundation is actively fundraising to close the funding gap, ensuring rents remain affordable for decades to come.
Construction Update
Construction began in the spring of 2024 and remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2025.
During standard quality inspections in November 2024, Wolverine Building Group identified that some areas of the framing were not perfectly square or "plumb." To ensure the highest construction standards are maintained, a third-party structural consulting firm was engaged to perform a review of the building. Their evaluation confirmed that the building's foundation is correct and that no foundation settling has occurred. We want to assure everyone that there are no structural safety concerns and no foundation issues with the project.
To determine corrective actions, a detailed survey of the building was completed last week to identify specific areas where framing adjustments may be needed. It is anticipated the design team and contractor will provide solutions shortly after the holidays, with building work resuming soon after that.
Interior work has been temporarily paused to minimize rework, but this pause is not impacting the overall project schedule, which remains on track for completion by the end of 2025. Additionally, work on-site has naturally slowed due to the holidays, a factor we anticipated in our scheduling. While interior work is paused, exterior activities such as storm water retention and parking lot infrastructure continue as planned.
What's Next?
Construction will continue through 2025. An official waitlist will be created about six months before move-in. Those interested should contact Northern Homes to be the first to know about leasing opportunities. In the meantime, we are still fundraising for the project. Are you passionate about this issue and want to make a difference? Please donate today.
Want to Know More?
Check out our FAQ page on the Lofts at Lumber Square.
Lofts FAQ
Want to Support the Project?
Construction is underway, but we are still fundraising for this project. You can help by donating today.
Donate Now



