Demand for condominiums along Northeast shoreline outpacing supply

The Bay City Times reports on the favorable condominium market all along the eastern Michigan shoreline.

It's by no means the housing boom that hit Lake Michigan's northern lower shoreline in recent decades. But look closely at Lake Huron. The small cottage- and resort-dotted shoreline that has characterized Northeast Michigan for a half-century is slowly, subtly changing. From Au Gres to the Tawases, at least a half-dozen new or proposed condominium projects are stealing a lake view.

And they're selling.

On US-23 north of Au Gres, a Saginaw developer is building a five-story, 16-condominium-unit building. Sixteen more units will follow. The site had been home to the 80-year-old Bear Track Inn, razed for the upscale housing. In East Tawas, another developer is tearing down the landmark Martin's Motel this week. Ten waterfront condominiums will replace the 60-year-old ramshackle resort, once a posh Tawas Bay destination.

"Don't believe that the market for condos is slipping," said Saginaw real-estate agent Scott Wilson, who handles sales of Whitestone Bay condos. "Once you get on the Lake Huron side of Point Lookout (near Au Gres), there are no unsold condos. A few resales may open on the market, but no great number."

Good news all the way around.