Boardman Lake Campus sale finalized
TRAVERSE CITY — The governing boards of both Northwestern Michigan College and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians have signed a purchase and sale agreement for the Band to buy NMC’s Boardman Lake Campus.
NMC trustees unanimously approved the $27 million sale Monday. Members of the Band’s tribal council signed the document Jan. 21. The actions follow a letter of intent signed previously.
The sale could be completely executed by spring. To allow for the relocation of college offices still on the campus, NMC will lease back space for one year. No NMC classes are currently held on the campus.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Band has committed to never using the property for gaming activities. The Band has also stated that they will use the property, part of their ancestral homeland, as a centralized governmental services center. They will maintain public access for recreation, including the Boardman Lake loop trail, and lake and river access.
The Greenspire School’s current lease through 2030, and its tenant option to renew through 2035, are included in the purchase sale agreement.
“We made this decision thoughtfully and deliberately,” said Mark Keely, NMC's incoming board chair. “We assessed the Boardman Lake Campus's past and potential future impact on both students and the community, and we are convinced this course of action most effectively bolsters the NMC mission.”
The NMC board resolution states that the sale proceeds will be directed toward priorities already identified in NMC’s strategic plan and campus master plan, all focused on strengthening student success and the region's future workforce. Those priorities include converting the Osterlin Building into a one-stop Student Success hub, addressing essential campus infrastructure such as a new power plant, and expanding student housing, which is currently at capacity. Together, these long-term priorities represent well over $100 million in planned investments, meaning the sale allows NMC to make meaningful progress, but represents only a portion of what is required.
“This investment gives us momentum, but it doesn’t change the scale of the work ahead,” President Nick Nissley said. “Supporting student success and the region’s future will continue to require strong partnerships with donors and the state.”
NMC purchased the property in 1989. For 30 years it was the home of the University Center. More than 10,000 students earned advanced degrees from four-year partners located there between 1995 and 2025.
Today, however, with different dynamics in higher education and online and hybrid course delivery options, NMC’s University Partners wanted to be on the college’s Front Street campus. That was accomplished in August 2025. Nissley said now it is time for the property to enter its next era.
Also at Monday’s meeting, the board elected a new slate of officers. They are: Keely, chair; Jody Lundquist, vice chair; Pam Horne, secretary; and Andy Robitshek, treasurer.
Release date: January 27, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile - call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu