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Harbor Isle: It's all about the water


July 4, 2008

The Great Lakes contain over 20 percent of the fresh water in the world. They also represent one of the major natural resources in the world, and Harbor Isle Resort is located on one of the biggest and considered by many to be the best, Lake Michigan.

Harbor Isle Resort is only 90 miles from downtown Chicago (or 50 miles by boat), and is nestled on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. This new private island waterfront community and 100 boat slip, full-service marina makes luxurious waterfront living affordable. This area is a boater's paradise as it provides access to all of the great ports on the Lake Michigan shore, such as Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Leland, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Mackinac Island and even the North Channel.

Located in St. Joseph, Mich., which The Fine Living Channel called, "The Riviera of the Midwest," Harbor Isle Resort & Marina features an on-site aquatic center, multiple swimming pools, health center, nature trail, concierges service, casual dining, and million-dollar views. And it's all within walking distance of downtown St. Joseph's eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and pristine sandy beaches.

St. Joseph sits on the bluff where Lake Michigan meets the St. Joseph River, in southwest Michigan. The picturesque St. Joseph lighthouse is a favorite beacon of boaters and photographers alike. The lighthouse is one of the first two lighthouses ever built on Lake Michigan, and in 1995, it was featured on a U.S. Postal Service stamp.

Downtown St. Joseph has unique shops, quaint cafes, and beautiful views overlooking the lake. It's also known for its distinctive brick-paved roads and a year-round calendar of free, family-friendly events, such as the Ice Carving Festival, Reindog Parade, Venetian Festival and Krasl Art Fair.

St. Joseph has more than 11 miles of shoreline that includes three sandy beaches. The unobstructed sunsets over Lake Michigan are a daily sight not to be missed. To keep you busy, trophy salmon and trout fishing is right in your back yard, as well as 100-plus miles of lighted sidewalks and bike trails.

Harbor Isle Resort's initial offering is a 7-story building with a total of 56 condominiums, of which over 60 percent are already sold. There are several floor plans from which to choose. Every unit includes a minimum of two Bedrooms,two baths and two parking spaces. A Whirlpool appliance package is included. Nine-foot ceilings lead to a private balcony with a view of downtown St. Joseph, the Bluffs, the St. Joseph River or Lake Michigan.

Some additional features and amenities include granite kitchen countertops, Kohler kitchen and bath fixtures, a designer lobby, 24-hour entry system, onsite dry cleaning services and charter fishing are also available. The units will have the latest in technology and maintenance-free living. All units will be wired for access to a full range of digital services, including digital telephones, entertainment channels, Internet (WiFi), home security service, and remote environment control. Common areas will also have complimentary WiFi coverage. The Rooftop Community Center will be the perfect spot to watch a Lake Michigan sunset or to host a catered event.

Recently released to the public is the first building of eight townhouses. These waterfront townhouses include a boat slip right outside your family room door.

They all have a minimum of three bedrooms, 2½ baths and a two-car garage. Like the condominiums, they also have balconies with a view of downtown St. Joseph, the Bluffs, the St. Joseph River or Lake Michigan.

The area boasts nine golf courses in a 15-mile radius, including a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course and a new Jack Nicholas Signature Course currently under construction. Also close by are some of southwest Michigan's vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms and restaurants. One of the wineries, Tabor Hill, even has the distinction of having had its wine served at White House state dinners.

If you hop on the train at Chicago's Union Station, Amtrak's daily commuter service will have you relaxing in St. Joseph in less than two hours. It's just a 10-minute walk from Harbor Isle Resort to downtown St. Joseph.

Three partners; Dan Crist of Crist Properties LLC, Bob Gomolski of KSG Holdings LLC and MCZ Development Corporation got final approval for the development of Harbor Isle Resort from the city of St. Joseph on Feb. 26, 2008. The 10-acre, $100 million project is being built in three phases over a five-year period.

Both Dan Crist and Bob Gomolski, who are responsible for the construction, have a history with southwestern Michigan and a commitment to build a world-class resort. In fact, they both plan on living at Harbor Isle Resort.

When completed, it'll be a water-lover's paradise with a total of 171 condominiums and 37 townhouses and four cabanas. Can you picture yourself living at Harbor Isle Resort?

To learn more about Harbor Isle Resort call the sales center at 866-277-5900 or visit the Web site at www.harborisleresort.com