Case Studies

When Denny saw the opportunity to purchase 100 acres of rolling, wooded land just a quarter of a mile from Lake Michigan, he immediately saw the possibilities.  The property was located at the edge of a single family neighborhood, near an elementary school, and just a short hike to Lake Michigan.

He soon acquired the land and defined a parcel of approximately 50 acres to rezone for multifamily use.  In 1996 his company began development of a fully amenitized, Class A apartment community with nearly 400 units nestled into the wooded hills.  Denny worked carefully with site engineers to design a site that respected the natural surroundings.  Roads are winding, each building has wooded views, and wildlife is often sighted by residents.  He worked with local municipalities to reduce the required parking footprint which resulted in the preservation of acres of trees and dune land. A multi-acre, deed-restricted green space was also preserved. It was the first multifamily community in the region to offer an on-site recycling center. The property has won multiple awards locally and state-wide.  Residents are drawn to the natural setting, extensive amenities, and premium service.

Following the success of the apartment homes, the company added a 48-unit condominium development on a neighboring parcel.

Subsequently, Denny began working with the community healthcare system to develop a senior care center on a portion of the remaining land.  A parcel was sold to the hospital and rezoned for this purpose under Denny’s leadership.  His company then coordinated all aspects of development, engineering, and construction.  The facility combines a skilled nursing center and hospice house; it offers 92 beds, more than 64,000 sf, and extensive common areas including a meditation garden. Construction was completed in 2008.