In a unique approach, a Michigan real estate developer is weaving agriculture into its planning and design for a northwest Michigan residential development.

McKeough Land Company’s Bay Hill development is located near Leland, in one of Michigan’s most scenic areas. Previously a 100-acre cherry orchard, the property offers sweeping views of nearby Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan beyond. With rising concerns among local residents and officials that Leelanau County could begin to take on the look of a sprawling suburb, McKeough created a way to preserve Bay Hill’s rural qualities.

The company enlisted the advice of Jeffrey Hennig, a Bay Hill property owner and professional landscape architect. Hennig developed a plan to keep the imprint of agriculture on the property by planting sunflowers on acres designated to remain undeveloped common areas. McKeough paid for the planting and invited local schoolchildren to harvest the blossoms, which were in turn sold in local stores to raise funds to help send kids to camp.

McKeough has also established a property owners architectural committee and is encouraging home design that fits the rolling landscape. Eventually, Hennig would like to see vineyards (the area has a burgeoning wine industry) interlaced with the sunflowers.

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