Construction on the peninsula continues to hum as local contractors enter a crucial part of the year before the snow flies.
A new study from SmartAssest highlighted the places in Michigan where home values have risen the most over a fiveyear period. The home value rankings are one factor in a three part study on the places receiving the most value for their property taxes.
According to the study, Leelanau County home values were among those that increased the most in the five-year window: Roscommon was first; Benzie, second; Kalkaska, third; Antrim, fourth; Charlevoix, fifth; Saginaw, sixth; Leelanau, seventh; Muskegon, eighth; Grand Traverse, ninth and Newaygo, 10th.
Number of new housing permits in 2024 equaled 103 compared to 93 in 2023.
Value of new housing permits have generated $26.6 million in 2024, topping $22.9 million in 2023.
According to permit records located in the Enterprise every week, Empire Township, Leland Township, Leelanau Township Cleveland Township, and Glen Arbor Township are the front runners in building new homes with double digits from 11-13 new homes being built in each township in 2024. Other areas that is growing considerably including Kasson, Solon, Bingham, and Elmwood all nearly reaching double digits for new home construction.
Mike Lanham of Lanham Construction said it’s been a busy summer with a different type of client.
In 2024, customers have elected to complete smaller projects instead of doing a complete home makeover, according to Mike.
“I would say the economy is affecting some people here, but with most people (in Leelanau) the economy isn’t affecting them,” Lanham said.
Most of Lanham Construction’s work happens around Big and Little Glen Lake and the surrounding Glen Arbor area. Lanham says material building costs have been staying steady, while subcontractor prices including plumbing and electrical have remained high since initial hikes.
“Most of my customers are repeat and I foresee home growth growing in south Leelanau County more towards the center including Solon and Kasson Townships.”
Lanham argues this because of the property availability and price that is an option for a wide range of consumers.
John Zelinski of Zelinski Brothers Inc. is busy in the commercial space as he and his crew focus on multiple projects including the new Northern Latitudes Distillery Building in Lake Leelanau.
Zelinski said prices have come down on lumber and steal that formerly resulted in him increasing costs by $5 per square foot. The price is stable now and business never slowed during the price hike.
Zelinski and his crew are hustling to finish outdoor projects going into the fall and planning for next summer.
Zelinski believes there needs to be more commercial land available on the Leelanau side of M-72 for the area to grow more prosperous.
He cites the advantageous businesses that have popped up near the county line in Long Lake Township.
He also urges the need to lower restrictions from government entities, but not quality.
“(Townships along M-72) are dictating and stifling a lot of (construction possibilities),” he said.
Another issue with building commercial space in the area is the legal fight that is always around the corner with neighbors constantly waving the flag of “not in my back yard.”
Bill Walters of Walters Company LLC is busy working on a remodeling projects at the former Jerry Henshaw house in Suttons Bay.
Walters, 77, admits he’s slowing down a bit but his craft keeps him busy nearly every day.
Walters has seen more remodeling rather new build projects in 2024 compared to years past.
“Remodeling is a tough gig if you didn’t know,” Walters said. “I don’t see much on the lower end.”
Walter is also a farmer and promotes a booming fruit stand. His businesses has thrived through his connection with architects that work on specific projects that highlight his skill set.
Walter believes ground zero of residential construction in Leelanau County will be in the Suttons Bay area “retirees begin walking away from Traverse City,” he said as a new crowd enters the fray.
Walters says materials for plumbing, and electrical has remained high while building and framing materials have stalled since recent price hikes.
As for the future outlook of construction, Walters points to northern Benzie County as a potential spot that is posed for more development.
The Walters have survived for five generations on the Leelanau Peninsula since the first descendants came from Germany to Suttons Bay in 1857.
