State Land Bank launches innovative community-led visioning effort to transform vacant Elberta property into a lasting community asset

Series of public events will help shape the future of a unique redevelopment project that expands public access, connects the Betsie Valley Trail to Lake Michigan and creates new opportunities for the Village of Elberta

Elberta, Mich. -- The Michigan State Land Bank Authority (SLBA), in partnership with the Village of Elberta, is launching a first-of-its-kind community engagement effort that puts residents at the center of reimagining nearly nine acres of formerly vacant land. Beginning with a public webinar on July 22, the series of events will gather community input to help shape a redevelopment plan that preserves public access, extends the Betsie Valley Trail to Lake Michigan and creates new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.

In 2024, SLBA acquired approximately nine acres of property in the Village of Elberta located in Benzie County, marking a significant milestone in a collaborative effort to enhance the community and preserve public spaces. The acquisition stemmed from a unique partnership with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Village of Elberta that is extending the Betsie Valley Trail through the site, offering the trail’s first connection to Lake Michigan. Additionally, a portion of the property’s sale proceeds will be dedicated to an endowment for maintaining public spaces in the Village of Elberta.

"This project showcases the State Land Bank Authority's innovative approach and represents a new way of thinking about public land," said Michigan State Land Bank Authority Director Joseph Rivet. "Instead of deciding what a property should become before engaging the community, we're starting with the people who know Elberta best. By bringing residents, local leaders and partners together from the beginning, we're creating a redevelopment that reflects community priorities while preserving public spaces and supporting long-term economic opportunity."

SLBA is engaging with the community, the Village of Elberta and the conservancy to shape a shared vision for the project. By applying economic development tools and engaging the development community, the SLBA aims to optimize the redevelopment’s value for both Elberta and the surrounding region.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Michigan State Land Bank Authority and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy on this transformative opportunity for Elberta! Through strong collaboration and meaningful community input, this project will help guide thoughtful growth, enhance public spaces, and complete the Beach-to-Beach connection of the Betsie Valley Trail for generations to come," said Village of Elberta President Jennifer Wilkins.

“We are deeply grateful to the Michigan State Land Bank Authority, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and the Village of Elberta for the trust they've placed in Artemis Companies to help steward this extraordinary opportunity. Elberta is a special place, and it deserves a development process that reflects that. We look forward to every conversation ahead and are honored to be part of this meaningful and innovative project,” Artemis Development Director of Marketing and Management Brook Ruble.  

Learn more about the Elberta Commons project.

View upcoming events for Elberta Commons.

To learn more about available properties, Michigan State Land Bank Authority projects and opportunities with developers, local government, residents and more, visit Michigan.gov/LandBank.