Sugar Loaf Brownfield Application Accepted

The Leelanau Ticker reports that the Leelanau County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (LCBRA) on Tuesday unanimously accepted Part I of the brownfield application from Sweet Bread LLC, a special purpose entity formed to redevelop Sugar Loaf:

Sweet Bread LLC’s application stated the intent to demolish the existing resort building and construct all new facilities. Plans entail a 250-room hotel, meeting space, residences and townhomes, fitness center and spa, casual and fine dining. Additional amenities would include “limited” downhill skiing plus sports and equestrian facilities. Also planned is dormitory-style staff housing with retail, childcare and support services.

Demolition is to start June 1, 2020, according to the timeline in Sweet Bread LLC’s application. Tony Mattar, who is a member and director of the nearby Sugarloaf Townhouses, voiced his concern about delays in demolition in awaiting Part II of the application, and with the unknowns surrounding permitting, availability and eligibility of crews to work during the coronavirus pandemic. “My goal is to expedite the demolition of that property as it stands now, and I want to be sure we are making good progress in that regard,” he said.

…LCBRA member Rick Foster added: “With what we are going to be facing, not just locally but nationally and internationally, I question if anyone is going to put multiple million dollars into a luxury resort in the next couple of years. However, it may become a good time to work on it if labor costs go down.”

Here is the development’s proposed timeline with project milestones, as proposed in the brownfield Part I application from Sweet Bread LLC:

  • 4/1/2020 Apply for Required Demolition Permits
  • 6/1/2020 Demolition Commences
  • 11/1/2020 Demolition Complete
  • 11/15/2020 Begin Construction Drawings for Project
  • 4/1/2021 Construction of On and Off-site Improvements Commences

Lots more in the Ticker article & get more  of the Sugar Loaf saga on Leelanau.com.