Nestled in the vibrant downtown of Whitehall, Harwood Flats is redefining apartment living with its modern design, thoughtful amenities, and strong commitment to community impact. This innovative complex offers 32 well-appointed apartments, blending one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts with stunning lake views and walkability to everything Whitehall and Montague have to offer.
A Unique Living Experience
Harwood Flats sets itself apart by offering a blend of convenience, comfort, and sustainability. Each apartment features high-quality finishes, in-unit laundry, and expansive windows that flood the spaces with natural light while offering breathtaking views. The building’s standout features include covered parking, elevator access to all floors, EV charging stations, and heavily insulated walls for superior energy efficiency and soundproofing.
“What sets Harwood Flats apart from other apartments in the area is the combination of covered parking, lake views, and walkable access to downtown, bike paths, parks, and the marina,” shares Ryan Briegel, owner of Pitkin Drug and one of the partners in this project. “These are things you just don’t see elsewhere in the area.”
The location amplifies the unique appeal of Harwood Flats. Future residents will enjoy unparalleled walkability to local shops, restaurants, and activities, all while being seamlessly connected to the lakefront and nearby bike trails. This creates a home that fosters both convenience and an active lifestyle.
Purpose-Driven Design
Harwood Flats sits on a site with a storied past. Formerly home to White Lake Lanes and later Pinheads, a local bowling alley, the location had been abandoned for years. It was left vacant from 2006 until its demolition in 2016, leaving an empty and rundown lot. The redevelopment of this space into a thriving residential hub marks a significant transformation, breathing new life into the area.
Courtesy of Barbara Brow
“We had been looking at this empty lot for years, thinking about the best way to use the property,” explains Briegel. “After discussions and planning, Harwood Flats became the vision—a project that would revitalize the space and support the community.”
Chris Veneklasen, CEO of Veneklasen Construction and the general contractor for the project, further elaborates: “We envisioned a building that would provide vital housing, activate a previously blighted site, and align with the downtown storefronts.”
Key goals of the project included:
- Providing much-needed rental housing options.
- Acting as a bridge between the lakefront, bike trails, and downtown area.
- Creating a structure that complements the lake-town charm of Whitehall.
From energy-efficient heat pumps to unique framing systems that reduce sound transmission, every element of Harwood Flats’ design reflects a commitment to sustainability and modern urban housing trends.
Addressing Housing Needs
With the current rental housing shortage, Harwood Flats is a welcome addition to the White Lake community. The development aims to ease housing gridlock by offering competitively priced apartments suitable for various stages of life—from first-time renters to those downsizing from larger homes. Already over 60% pre-leased, the demand underscores the project’s importance in addressing the area’s housing challenges.
“Before we broke ground, we conducted a rent study to understand what the area needed and what rates were viable,” says Briegel. “We feel this project fills a significant gap in the White Lake area.”
While the project faced hurdles such as rising construction costs, interest rates, and soil remediation, the result is a vibrant living space that has positively transformed the site. “Any new housing is good for the community, and we’re thrilled to see our vision come to life,” adds Veneklasen.
A Boost to the Local Economy
Harwood Flats doesn’t just provide housing; it fosters economic growth. The addition of 32 families brings increased foot traffic to local businesses, while Edward Jones, the building’s commercial tenant, offers convenient financial services. Located on the first floor in its own commercial space, Edward Jones will provide valuable services to the community. To ensure accessibility, the team is working with MDOT to level the stone railing and create a sidewalk, enabling easy ground-level entry for residents and Edward Jones clients alike.
Design Highlights
Among the building’s most striking features are its expansive windows and balconies. The 8-foot sliders and abundant glass maximize natural light and make each unit feel open and airy. The exterior design’s combination of metal siding with a wood finish aligns beautifully with the area’s lake-town aesthetic.
“Each apartment has unique views of the lake, and those views are one of the aspects we’re most proud of,” says Briegel. “There’s not a lot of housing in the area with the kind of lake views Harwood Flats offers.”
Looking Ahead
While there are no immediate plans to replicate Harwood Flats, the development team is committed to exploring opportunities that further support the Whitehall community. Their success with Harwood Flats underscores the potential for future projects that balance sustainability, community impact, and modern design.
“We’ll always be on the lookout for new opportunities, both in White Lake and beyond,” says Briegel. “We care deeply for this area and want to see it thrive.”
Discover Harwood Flats
Harwood Flats is more than an apartment complex—it’s a lifestyle. Offering walkability, stunning views, and a community-first approach, it represents the future of downtown living in Whitehall. Tenants will start moving into Harwood Flats at the end of the month, making now the perfect time to secure your place in this premier living space. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit LiveHarwoodFlats.com.
