Written by: Arthur Havlicek
For years, the old Snowflake Motel property has sat vacant along Red Arrow Highway in Lincoln Charter Township. Once a symbol of hospitality, the site has since been defined by its inactivity and missed opportunities. Now, for the first time in decades, a vision for the property is on the verge of becoming something real.
Great Lakes Capital (GLC), a real estate investment and development firm based in South Bend, Indiana, has proposed a 200-unit multi-family residential project for the long-vacant parcel. The project, presented at the township’s April 7th Planning Commission meeting, would rezone the former commercial site for residential use and transform it into a vibrant, modern housing community.
The proposed development, known as Red Arrow Bluffs, features a thoughtfully designed mix of three-story apartment buildings that emphasize green space, quality construction, and accessibility. Planned amenities include a clubhouse, pool, pickleball court, dog run, covered parking, and an on-site manager, making it potentially one of the most desirable places to live in Berrien County.
It also promises to be one of the most attainable. By leveraging a mix of local and state incentives, GLC believes it can price units between 80-120% of the area median income. In real terms, that means some units would rent for as low as $1,100 per month, with larger units topping out around $1,750. This puts the apartments within reach of educators, police officers, healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, and other essential workers in our community.
This project couldn’t come at a better time for local employers. The region’s housing shortage has become a major barrier to economic growth, workforce retention, and regional prosperity. Within this shortage, the lack of “missing middle” workforce housing is particularly acute. As a result, businesses struggle to fill open positions, workers struggle to find homes near their employer, and families are forced to choose between affordability and proximity.
That’s why the Red Arrow Bluffs project matters. More than housing, it provides the space our community needs to grow, adapt, and thrive—laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient economy.
One of the project’s strongest champions is Dr. Thomas Pow, a local cardiologist and the current landowner of the proposed site.
“As someone working in healthcare, I see the difficulty many of my colleagues face when trying to find nearby housing they can afford,” Dr. Pow said. “This project is an important step toward addressing that need—not just for healthcare workers, but for teachers, first responders, and other essential members of our community.”
“We are excited to bring forward a project that directly addresses the housing needs of Lincoln Charter Township and the broader region. This development is designed to provide high-quality, attainable housing while enhancing the character of the community.”
– Jeff Smoke, Managing Director at Great Lakes Capital.
Lakeshore Public Schools Superintendent Greg Eding echoes those sentiments, viewing the project as a potential game-changer for local recruitment.
“Housing affordability is a growing concern in our region,” said Eding. “This development offers an excellent solution, ensuring that the people who help make our district great can afford to live here, put down roots, and contribute to our community.”
For Lincoln Charter Township officials, the redevelopment of the Snowflake site also represents a long-awaited breakthrough.
“For too long, the Snowflake property has remained an underutilized space with untapped potential,” said Township Supervisor Glenn Youngsted. “The proposed development presents a meaningful solution, transforming the site into a vibrant residential community that will provide much-needed housing and spur economic growth.”
To help realize that vision, the Township has worked in tandem with regional development partners including the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Southwest Michigan First. Together, we’ve helped guide Great Lakes Capital through local processes while ensuring alignment with broader community goals.
“Great Lakes Capital has a proven track record,” said Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Economic Development at Southwest Michigan First. “Their recent projects in Muskegon, Petoskey, and Traverse City showcase the kind of thoughtful design and high standards we can expect to see here.”
GLC has already demonstrated a community-first approach by partnering with the Chamber and Abonmarche to host a public open house at the Watermark Solarium where neighboring residents were invited to view concept plans, ask questions, and share feedback. It was a proactive gesture that reflected a level of transparency and good-faith engagement we don’t always see in development projects.
With the initial proposal now public, the development enters a series of important next steps. Final zoning approval and multiple rounds of public hearings will allow residents to weigh in and shape the outcome. At the same time, a critical mix of local and state funding incentives will be pursued. If all approvals and incentives are granted, construction could begin later this year, with the first units available in 2026.
Given its size and scale, we believe the Red Arrow Bluffs project represents a generational opportunity to redefine the greater Stevensville area and deliver meaningful relief to our region’s housing shortage. More importantly, it is exactly the kind of transformational investment our region needs to strengthen our economy, support our workforce, and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber will remain a steadfast partner as the development moves through the process—advocating, facilitating, and championing it wherever we can. With continued engagement and collective support, we can help turn this long-dormant site into a vibrant new neighborhood and a powerful example of what’s possible when we work together to shape the future of Southwest Michigan.
ActionLine is made in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
