Sugar Loaf Resort lodge demolition to last 6-8 weeks

Items of historical significance to be preserved in collaboration with Leelanau Historical Society

Heather Dourron posted this photo on Thursday, Nov. 4, of the base of the Sugar Loaf ski hill after the lodge was demolished.

From staff reports

In a press release issued today by Ross Satterwhite, who represents the owners of Sugar Loaf Resort through their company SVP 45 LLC, the property owner announced that it has begun the main demolition phase for the removal of the abandoned hotel structure.

Taplin Enterprises, LLC headquartered in Kalamazoo, is the demolition contractor on the project. The initial phase, which included removal of environmentally sensitive materials and universal waste was completed in late October. Physical demolition of the hotel began last week and is expected to continue for 6-8 more weeks—weather permitting. Aging infrastructure that remains on the ski hill from previous ownership, will also be removed. All removal activities are being conducted to minimize any adverse impact on the property and neighbors. Upon completion of the demolition work, the site will be backfilled, graded and reseeded. 

All materials are being managed appropriately throughout the demolition process and are being recycled where possible. Certain items of historical significance are being removed and preserved in collaboration with the Leelanau Historical Society.

The property was purchased by its current owner in November of 2020 and remains privately held. It is not open to the public in any manner.

“So far the demolition process has gone according to plan,” said Satterwhite, who represents the owner—who is not publicly known. “This is a big project with the first and foremost emphasis being on safety of the work crew and surrounding community.”

“At this point there are no announcements expected in the near term with respect to future plans—as ownership continues to be focused on completing the demolition and proper cleanup of the site. But so far things are going well. It is obviously good to finally be removing what had become a terrible eyesore for the community for so long. While it is sad to be losing the hotel and the history it holds for so many, unfortunately, it had deteriorated to the point over the past 20 years, that it was not possible to save. I know the ownership appreciates the patience and support that neighbors and the greater community have given the project.”