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Leelanau Conservancy completes land transfer of Sugar Loaf from Ball family. Stewardship work to begin this year

The Leelanau Conservancy announced in a press release today the successful transfer of ownership of Sugar Loaf, marking a major milestone in the community-led effort to permanently protect this beloved landscape. Plans for Sugar Loaf include a thoughtfully designed trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, along with universal access features, including a trail for visitors with restricted mobility. Plans also include a summit pavilion with sweeping scenic views, family friendly features like a sledding hill and nature play area, and ecological restoration efforts to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality within the Good Harbor Bay Watershed. The Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, through its subsidiary, SPV 45 LLC, purchased the 288-acre Sugar Loaf property in 2020, and then subsequently funded the significant investment required to demolish the hotel, remediate the blighted property, and plan for its future.

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Old Art Building kicks off capital campaign with recent riverfront property purchase

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The Old Art Building (OAB) just scored a major win for the Leelanau community with purchase of a 1.14-acre property parcel on the Leland River, kitty-corner from the cultural center’s established location in Leland. The purchase, finalized on July 31, secured 280 feet of additional Leland riverfront property for the community and almost tripled the nonprofit’s footprint. Campaign chair, Cindy Meeker, said, “The purchase of the property at 204 Cedar Street allows the Old Art Building to enhance its programming to meet the demands of this community for today and for many future generations to come. Additionally, it allows us to preserve this treasured property in the heart of Leland as we honor our past and build our future.” With just 2 ½ months to raise the money, a grant from Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation and generous donations from community members secured the $3.2 million needed to finalize the purchase, while also quietly kicking off a three-year capital campaign aimed at raising enough funds to achieve community-voiced goals on both the new and existing properties.

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