Saugatuck / Douglas, MI

The Saugatuck/Douglas region is a gem among Midwest frontier towns, having avoided the destruction of the fires that ravaged many settlements during the mid to late 1800s, as well as the railroad's impact on modernization and urbanization. This has given the city a unique identity, allowing visitors and residents alike to admire a rare collection of pre- and post-Civil War architecture, including Greek Revival and Italianate styles, alongside Arts and Crafts and Colonial Revival structures.

The area's natural environment is also a major draw, with Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. The region is further defined by its rolling dunes and picturesque orchard country and farmland. In the late 1800s, Saugatuck emerged as a resort, tourist, and "cottage" destination, attracting a wave of Chicago artists and architects.

Today, this tradition continues, with Saugatuck and the surrounding area now known as the Art Coast of Michigan. Tourism remains the primary industry, and the city has taken great care to preserve its historic resources. The early 1980s saw the adoption of an historic district ordinance and the establishment of a historic district commission, ensuring the protection of the district's commercial and residential resources in the heart of the village. If you're looking for a home in a unique and historic community, contact me today to explore the real estate opportunities in Saugatuck.