The Harleyville building (formerly the Lake States Insurance building) on M-22 just north of the Elmwood marina is being considered for conversion to condos.

According to this Record-Eagle article, a Dallas-based developer is considering purchasing the building and converting it to luxury condos tha might sell for as much as $500,000. Such a use would not be allowed by the site's current zoning, but the developer is seeking an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow the project.

The waterfront south of the building is home not only to the Elmwood marina, but also to a number of other projects either under way or being planned, including an expansion and redesign of the township park, the Great Lakes Children's Museum, and another possible marina. Township officials are asking how the proposed condo conversion would combine with these other changes. Elmwood supervisor Deri Smith is quoted in the article as asking "How does it fit in with our plans for the waterfront? If the use is changed, how does it impact the neighborhood?"

Those are good questions. Elmwood has some good momentum going along its M-22 waterfront, and should seek to preserve it.