The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has entered into an agreement to purchase the Boardman Lake Campus from Northwestern Michigan College for $27 million. The deal, confirmed by a signed letter of intent, involves a significant waterfront property in Traverse City and is expected to be finalized by spring.
The sale marks a major transition for the property, which previously served as the college's University Center for three decades. Proceeds from the sale are slated for major upgrades at the college's main campus, while the Tribe plans to establish a centralized governmental services center at the new location.
Key Takeaways
- The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will purchase the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Boardman Lake Campus for $27 million.
- The Tribe plans to use the 62,000-square-foot facility as a centralized governmental services center, with a specific agreement preventing its use for gaming activities.
- NMC will invest the proceeds into its main campus, funding projects like a new power plant and expanded student housing.
- Public access to the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, which crosses the property, will remain unaffected by the sale.
A Landmark Property Transaction
A significant real estate agreement is reshaping a key waterfront property in Traverse City. Northwestern Michigan College has formally agreed to sell its Boardman Lake Campus to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The purchase price for the campus, located off Cass Road on the western shore of Boardman Lake, is set at $27 million.
College and tribal officials have signed a letter of intent, marking the first official step in the transfer of ownership. The transaction is moving forward, with both parties anticipating a final closing by the spring.
The property includes a substantial 62,000-square-foot office building and has been a part of the college's portfolio since 1989. The deal came together after NMC issued a call for rental proposals for the satellite campus in October, which prompted the purchase offer from the Tribe.
Careful Deliberation by College Trustees
The decision to sell was made after careful consideration by the NMC Board of Trustees. According to Chairperson Laura Oblinger, the board thoroughly vetted the Tribe's offer before voting to proceed on December 15.
"We weighed what the Boardman Lake Campus has meant to our students and our community, and we believe this path best supports NMC’s mission now and into the future," Oblinger stated.
This decision reflects a strategic shift for the college, prioritizing investment in its central facilities and operations.
The Campus's Educational Legacy
For the last 30 years, the Boardman Lake Campus has played a vital role in the region's higher education landscape. It functioned as NMC's University Center, a unique partnership model that allowed local students to earn degrees from four-year universities without leaving Traverse City.
A Hub of Learning
Over its three decades as the University Center, the Boardman Lake Campus facilitated the graduation of more than 10,000 students with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from partner universities.
The programs once hosted at the Boardman Lake location have since been relocated to NMC’s main campus on Front Street. This consolidation was a key factor in the college's decision to seek new uses for the property.
NMC President Nick Nissley acknowledged the campus's history in a recent statement. "We are deeply grateful to the community members and donors whose vision helped make the Boardman Lake Campus a place of opportunity for thousands of learners," he said.
A New Vision for Governmental Services
The Grand Traverse Band intends to transform the campus into a centralized hub for its governmental services. This move will provide a key operational center in Traverse City, a significant population area for its citizens.
Serving a Six-County Region
The Grand Traverse Band is a federally recognized Tribe based in Peshawbestown, located in Leelanau County. Its service area extends across six counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee.
A crucial component of the sale agreement is a stipulation that prohibits the property from being used for any gaming activities. The focus is strictly on establishing an administrative and service-oriented facility to better serve tribal members living throughout the region.
Establishing a central location in Traverse City is a strategic move to improve access to services and consolidate administrative functions for the widely dispersed tribal community.
Reinvestment in NMC's Future
The $27 million in proceeds from the sale will be directly reinvested into Northwestern Michigan College's primary campus. College officials have identified several critical projects that the funds will support, addressing pressing needs and preparing for future growth.
Key initiatives planned include:
- Construction of a new power plant: Upgrading essential infrastructure to ensure campus reliability and efficiency.
- Expansion of student housing: Addressing the current housing shortage, as student residences are now at full capacity.
These investments are designed to enhance the student experience and strengthen the college's core infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to serve the community effectively for years to come.
Ensuring Community Access
One of the most important aspects of the agreement for local residents is the preservation of public access to recreational areas. Officials from both NMC and the Tribe have confirmed that the community recreational trail crossing the property will not be impacted by the sale.
The campus is situated near a pedestrian and cycling bridge that is a key feature of the popular Boardman Lake Loop Trail. This commitment ensures that the public will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to one of Traverse City's premier outdoor amenities.
The sale represents a new chapter for the historic property, transitioning it from an educational center to a governmental hub while preserving its connection to the surrounding community.