New Waves, Habitat collaboration breaks ground

Photo: Emily Kelp and her children, Jayden, 8, Piper, 4, and Jenna, 2, “broke ground” on their affordable home at Maple City Crossings in November 2021. That was also a Habitat for Humanity project.

From staff reports

The long-awaited New Waves project on Bugai Road at M-72 is breaking ground. The much-anticipated affordable housing collaboration between Habitat Grand Traverse Region and New Waves United Church of Christ is a reality.

The basic site work and roads are in place, and on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 3 pm shovels will break ground for the first homes to be built.

The Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ has owned the 20-acre property for years, originally planning to build a church there. When the New Waves congregation decided they could do more to meet their mission by creating a beautiful, safe environment that is inclusive for all, the conference generously deeded the 10 development acres over to them. They have asked Habitat Grand Traverse Region to develop the property with homes for homeownership as well as rental homes.

Half of the property, 10 acres, is dedicated to providing housing options. It will include 14 homes on separate lots in a diverse community atmosphere. There will be both two- and three-bedroom homes all with 1 1/2 baths and single car garages. The homes in the New Waves Community will be clustered in a way that sets aside sensitive environmental features and leaves open space for residents and guests to connect with the earth through community gardens, preserves, and trails.

Join the Habitat team, the New Waves congregation, Leelanau County officials, the first two New Waves Habitat homeowners, Angela Whitaker and Haley Sherman, and friends, families, and supporters to celebrate this milestone on Oct. 10.