THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MICHIGAN IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MIDWEST'S MOST BEAUTIFUL AREAS. BLESSED WITH ROLLING HILLS, SAND DUNES, GLACIAL FORMED PENINSULAS AND SAND-BOTTOMED LAKES, IT HAS MAINTAINED ITS STATUS AS A PREMIER DESTINATION VACATION AREA FOR OVER A CENTURY.
luxury waterfront development, our owner profile is the affluent, well educated and environmentally conscious consumer" says Hermann. "They expect the latest in sustainable building practices, energy efficiency and optimum use of nontoxic, recyclable construction materials. We listened to the message they were delivering and set our sights high to meet their expectations. The response has been gratifying and I believe we have more than met the challenge."
Even more gratifying is the consumer response to the environmental features of the development. "When people walk into the lobby for the first time they are literally amazed by its beauty and creature comforts. Then they discover it's also a green building. They don't expect anything this beautiful to be green. But as you can see, form can follow function… beautifully."
Tamarack, for example, was created to meet a growing need for quality family time away from the rigors and stresses of everyday life. "At Tamarack, you can relax, recharge your batteries and bring new energy to your personal relationships, all while surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty provided by the Grand Traverse region." The restorative properties of this environment can have a powerful effect on human relationships. "One of our owners, a successful business executive, remarked that his families' time "Up North" had become a sacred family ritual. This was the time he, his wife and children set aside each year to reconnect and rediscover each other… and themselves as well."
In the case of Tamarack, the form of the development was designed to support its function. "As a high end
For many families this tiny corner of Michigan represents generations of fond memories of laid back summers on the lake and outdoor adventures destined to be recounted for years to come. Over time, Traverse City has evolved to become the epicenter of this region with its close proximity to the wineries, cherry orchards and, of course, the water. It was this mind set and the beautiful natural setting that led to the selection of Traverse City as the location for a new environmentally oriented eco resort called Tamarack Lodge.
A pet project of its developer, R.C. Hermann, Tamarack Lodge has incorporated the best and latest environmental practices while still creating a beautiful resort that is family friendly as well as ecologically beneficial. "In the field of design, form usually follows function," says Hermann.
"THE challenge IS TO
MAKE THE FORM AS
APPEALING AS POSSIBLE
WHILE MAINTAINING
ITS HARMONY WITH THE
NATURAL SETTING."
