ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP — Walstrom Marine is considering a potential marina or mixed-use development on a recently acquired commercial property along West Grand Traverse Bay.
According to an Aug. 7 news release, in partnership with Far Side Properties, Walstrom purchased the Viridian office building at 13561 S. West Bay Shore Drive. While specific plans for the site are still under development, early ideas have included a full-scale marina with amenities or a mix of condominiums and a private marina.
Walstrom officials said they have held preliminary conversations with neighboring property owners and community members, and they intend to seek further public input as the project evolves.
“Living and working in the Grand Traverse area, we know that lake access for boaters has reached a critical status. Folks are waiting upwards of a decade to get a slip,” said Kyle Oleson, general manager of Walstrom Marine in Traverse City. “We want to be part of the solution.”
Tom Ervin, president of Walstrom Marine, said the company has been working on the project for nearly 18 months. “Admittedly, it is a complex, challenging project,” he said. “But seeing the positive impact it could have by meeting community needs and supporting the transformation of this immediate area, it’s definitely worth the effort.”
Walstrom plans to partner with a local developer for any non-marina features of the proposed development. In the meantime, the Viridian building remains open and continues to operate as a commercial office space.
Walstrom Marine is being advised on the project by ProgressiveAE, Edgewater Resources, Miller Johnson, and BJ Brick of Brick & Corbett/ReMax Bayshore.
The company, which has operated for more than 75 years, represents boat brands such as Chris Craft, Pursuit, Regal, Sea Ray, and Tiara. Walstrom has dealerships in Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Holland, and operates marinas in Harbor Springs and Algonac, with a combined 526 boat slips.