Fishtown Purchase Announced!
The Leelanau Enterprise reports that the Fishtown Preservation Society announced yesterday that on Tuesday afternoon they finalized a purchase agreement for Fishtown with the Carlson family. The purchase price is $3 
million and includes all historic structures on the north side of the Leland River (west from The Cove restaurant to Manitou Transit) as well as the fish tugs Janice Sue and the Joy (and related fishing licenses).
Fishtown is considered to be one of the top tourist attractions in northwestern lower Michigan but according to Bill Carlson (whose family has fished from Leland since the 1870s):
“…It’s more than just a tourist attraction to us. It’s a tribute to what our family has done here for generations, and what we’ll be able to do for generations more if we choose. That’s why our family made some major financial concessions to finalize this deal. We want Fishtown to be preserved; and now that can happen.“
Read Nearly a Done Deal in the Leelanau Enterprise
Also see Preservation Society deal will save historic Fishtown in the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
The Society needs to raise $2.5 million by Dec. 31, 2006, in order to meet financial obligations as part of the purchase agreement, so you may wish to visit the Fishtown Preservation Society web site to learn how you can help!