Aug
Thanks to the generosity of more than 400 individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations, the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation has officially reached its goal of raising $4 million to close the funding gap for the $18 million Lofts at Lumber Square. This 60-unit apartment building will serve Emmet County's middle-income workforce. The final funds came from Impact100 Little Traverse Bay, whose $134,000 grant award secured the last dollars needed.
Meeting a Critical Need
Emmet County currently needs 865 additional rental units just to meet workforce demand. The Lofts at Lumber Square will provide 60 new apartments for middle-income households—defined as earning between 80% and 120% of area median income (AMI), or approximately $40,000–$120,000 depending on household size. The development is deed-restricted to keep rents attainable for at least 50 years and will be owned and operated by Northern Homes CDC, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing throughout Northern Michigan.
"For decades, we've watched our community's housing problem grow into a full-blown housing crisis. We can solve our community's biggest challenges by working together and taking one step at a time. The Lofts at Lumber Square is just that—a collective step forward in the right direction, making a lasting difference for our community," said David "DJ" Jones, executive director for the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.
Philanthropy Makes the Difference
In 2020, G.A. Haan Development began work on a 60-unit multifamily building at 900 Emmet Street with the goal of providing workforce housing for the area. After city approval, they were unable to secure MSHDA Low Income Housing Tax Credit funding, making the original plan impossible. To keep the momentum going on this much-needed project, the Community Foundation raised the funds to purchase the property in 2022, ensuring it would become workforce housing.
Since then, the Foundation has worked with G.A. Haan Development, Northern Homes, and other community partners to bring the project to life. Philanthropy became the final partner and played a crucial role in completing the project. Thanks to donors at every level, the Community Foundation ultimately raised $4 million to keep rents attainable for Emmet County’s “missing middle”—hardworking residents who contribute every day but still struggle to find housing.
"Philanthropy is making the difference between this land sitting empty or serving the people who keep our community running," said Jones. "It’s proof that local action can create real solutions."
The Power of Collective Impact
“In my experience, solutions like this can only happen with broad community support,” said Community Foundation board member Mary Rapin. “I gave because I knew that this project wouldn’t happen without local involvement. I commend the Community Foundation's work to address such a serious issue for our businesses and for our community members.”
The Lofts at Lumber Square shows what’s possible when a community unites around a shared goal. More than 400 individuals and organizations contributed to make the project a reality. One example is Impact100 Little Traverse Bay, a new Emmet County–based nonprofit that channels the power of collective giving. In its inaugural grant cycle, 268 members each contributed $1,000, pooling their resources to award two $134,000 grants—one to the Lofts at Lumber Square and one to Manna Food Project. Their support is a reminder that when people coordinate their efforts, they can address pressing needs and create lasting benefits for the community.
About the Lofts at Lumber Square
The Lofts at Lumber Square is under construction and set to be completed by late fall. To learn more, visit www.lumbersquare.com.