Ann’s Nest Making Disability Housing a Reality

Ann's Nest build rendering of a residential home.

Ann's Nest Takes Next Step in Making Disability Housing a Reality in Harbor Springs

Planning Commission recommends approval; Township Board to vote June 9th on community addressing critical housing need. Read the article.

Harbor Springs, MI — Ann's Nest moved one step closer to becoming a reality this week as the West Traverse Township Planning Commission recommended approval of a special use permit for a residential community serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on South State Road in Harbor Springs.

The recommendation, which will go before the Township Board on June 9th for final consideration, represents a significant milestone in bringing much-needed housing options to Northern Michigan families who currently face limited local choices for their loved ones with disabilities.

Following months of collaboration with township officials and design partners White & Liebler Architects and Site Planning, the project has been carefully designed to respect the natural character of the area while addressing an urgent community need.

From Vision to Reality

With the Planning Commission’s recommendation secured, a generous donor has stepped forward to fund the purchase of the approximately six-acre wooded property, enabling Ann's Nest to close within two weeks of final Township Board approval.

"For years, families in Emmet and Charlevoix counties have watched their loved ones move far from home because local housing options simply don't exist," said Paul Matthews, Co-Founder of Ann's Nest. "We're working to change that reality by creating a place where individuals can remain close to family while living with dignity in a supportive community."

The development will feature five homes housing 4-6 residents each (30 total residents), along with an activity center to support daily programming, social connection, and family engagement.

Designing for Community Integration

Nick Liebler of White & Liebler Architects and Dave Grossi of Site Planning have been integral partners in bringing the vision to life. Liebler is designing the activity center and residential homes to blend seamlessly with Northern Michigan's wooded landscape, while Grossi has developed a comprehensive landscaping plan featuring native trees and evergreen screening.

The design emphasizes being good neighbors: downward-directed lighting minimizes impact on surrounding homes, while extensive native plantings will nestle the community into the existing wooded setting, preserving the natural character that defines the area.

"Our commitment from day one has been to be good neighbors and create something that fits Harbor Springs," said Mary Grace McCaskill, Executive Director of Ann's Nest. "We want this to feel like a quiet residential neighborhood — a place where residents can build friendships, experience belonging, and remain closely connected to their families and the broader community."

A Model Built on Proven Success

The home designs draw inspiration from David's House Ministries, a Grand Rapids-area organization with more than 25 years of experience building homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their model prioritizes accessibility, safety, independence, and community living — principles embedded in every aspect of Ann's Nest's design.

The property's location near Harbor Springs offers residents access to community amenities, employment opportunities, churches, recreation, and medical services — essential elements for supporting integrated, meaningful lives.

Making It Real: $5 Million Capital Campaign Underway

Ann's Nest has launched a $5 million capital campaign to make this vision a reality. The funds will be used to prepare the site, construct the first home, and build the activity center.

The organization has already received backing from more than 250 donors who recognize that Northern Michigan families deserve local options when planning for their children's futures.

"This isn't just about building homes — it's about building hope," Bob Vala, Co-Founder, said. "It's about telling families that their children with disabilities belong here, in this community, and that we're committed to making that a reality."

Next Steps

The West Traverse Township Board will consider the Planning Commission's recommendation at its June 9th meeting. If approved, construction can begin as soon as funds are raised for initial site preparation and the first phase of building.

Those interested in helping make this community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a reality can contact Ann's Nest at 231-412-0042 or visit www.annsnest.org.

Ann’s Nest is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization; address: PO Box 104, Harbor Springs, MI, 49740. Email: info@annsnest.org.