Harbor Springs, Michigan
The Malcolm Center for Little Traverse Conservancy
The Malcolm Center for Little Traverse Conservancy
Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) is one of the most respected land trusts in the country, protecting 83,800+ acres and 202 miles of shoreline in northern Michigan. Their mission is to protect northern Michigan’s natural diversity and beauty by preserving significant land and scenic areas and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment.
Builder
Burdco, Incorporated
After 40 years in the same location, LTC began planning for their next chapter, acquiring a former golf course that offered existing structures and an extraordinary natural setting. The opportunity required thoughtful adaptation of buildings within a landscape that already carried ecological and community significance. We worked to transform the visually dominant clubhouse perched on mowed fairways into a place that felt humble, grounded, and unmistakably LTC.
The design goals for their new home, The Malcolm Center, are centered on creating welcoming, community-minded spaces rooted in nature. We worked collaboratively to ensure the architecture feels grounded and authentic, blending into the landscape, enhancing indoor-outdoor connections, and using natural materials, daylight, and framed views to reinforce a continuous relationship with the site. Spaces balance openness for gathering with smaller, reflective moments, supporting education, stewardship, and long-term organizational growth. The purpose of the building is to bring together multiple groups of people, including but not limited to staff, volunteers, board members, partners, and community members of all ages to participate in collaboration, education, and stewardship.
Throughout the process, our team prioritized durable, local, and sustainable materials, minimized waste, and carefully considered ecological impact. Native plantings, site-sensitive strategies, and resource-conscious improvements support long-term environmental resilience. The result is a project that strengthens the relationship between people and place, reinforces environmental responsibility, and demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor the land while preparing an organization for its future.
