LEELANAU COUNTY — The Leelanau Conservancy completed the ownership transfer of the Sugar Loaf property on March 11, 2026, marking a milestone in the effort to permanently protect the 288-acre landscape. The successful acquisition follows years of community coordination and a significant investment from the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation.
The foundation previously funded the demolition of the hotel and the remediation of the property to facilitate its transition to a public space. This transfer allows the conservancy to begin managing the land for ecological restoration and public recreation, including plans for a new trail network and a summit pavilion.
The 288-acre property was purchased in 2020 by the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation through its subsidiary, SPV 45 LLC. Since the acquisition, the foundation funded the demolition of the former hotel and remediation of the blighted site to prepare for the land transfer.
Ross Satterwhite, who represented the owner throughout the acquisition and planning process, noted the historical connection between the donors and the land. “The Ball family was involved in the original development of Sugar Loaf beginning in the 1960’s,” Satterwhite said. “And now through their incredible vision and generosity have come full circle to reacquire, clean-up and then make this generational gift to preserve and return Sugar Loaf to the community.”
Tom Nelson, executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy, emphasized the long-term commitment required for the project. “This moment belongs to the entire community,” Nelson said. “Sugar Loaf has inspired so many generations and this transfer reflects years of hard work, extraordinary generosity and a shared belief that this place should be protected forever and thoughtfully cared for.”
Development plans for the property include a trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country and backcountry skiing. The design includes universal access features, specifically a trail intended for visitors with restricted mobility. Families will have access to a sledding hill and a nature play area, while a summit pavilion will provide views of the surrounding landscape.
Stewardship efforts will also prioritize ecological restoration to protect native species and reduce erosion. These actions are intended to improve water quality within the Good Harbor Bay Watershed. Nelson noted that the transfer “marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sugar Loaf, one grounded in stewardship, community and long-term care.”
The Leelanau Conservancy was founded in 1988 as a nonprofit land trust. To date, the organization has protected more than 19,000 acres of natural lands and working farms across the Leelanau Peninsula.
While the title transfer is finished, Sugar Loaf is not yet open to the public. Stewardship work on the property is scheduled to begin in earnest later this year. The conservancy will issue future announcements regarding when the site will be ready for safe public access.