LELAND — In Leland’s historic fishtown a major step toward preserving one of Michigan’s most beloved waterfront properties is now complete.
The Fishtown Preservation Society bought the Van Raalte house as their new headquarters.
For nearly 25 years, the Fishtown Preservation Society has operated out of a single borrowed office.
But now, the group charged with preserving Leland’s iconic fishing village has a permanent home by the docks it’s mission is to protect. Fishtown executive director Amanda Holmes said the new location works perfectly.
“Here we have this amazing property, and it’s just right next to where we need to be,” said Holmes.
The nonprofit recently purchased the Van Raalte house, a 1960 family home on the Leland river, to serve as its headquarters.
The $2.2 million acquisition was made possible entirely through private donations.
It came from community members who wanted to see the property preserved instead of commercially developed.
“One of the reasons why it’s so important is because this property zone is commercial, it could have been developed into anything,” said Holmes.
Renovation plans include a full transformation of the home. They’ve already raised some of the costs, but about $320,000 is still needed.
“We’re going to have to make some changes. But it’s more than just making sure there’s meeting spaces and things like an office spaces and gathering spaces,” said Holmes.
The society is prioritizing access for all.
“It’s also about making this house accessible and right now people have to go upstairs. You can’t get down to the river without basically going down a very muddy slope. So, we can really make the space just much more accessible overall,” said Holmes.
The renovations are expected to be completed late next year.
