When we set out to create Petite Acres, starting with finding and purchasing the land in 2023, we knew we were on a journey that would be meaningful and challenging in all of the ways Justin and I care about.
Before the groundbreaking, the financing
This spring, we closed in on our financing to allow groundbreaking to commence. Fundraising was a process of repeating our vision over and over to people who wanted to come along on the journey. We cannot thank our equity investors and our partners at Stearns Bank enough for picturing themselves and their loved ones celebrating life’s most important moments at Petite Acres.
With that completed, in May of 2025, the build commenced.
Speaking for the trees
I joke rather frequently that we played the role of The Lorax at the property as the grounds preparation started. Justin, Dena from Arcadia Gardens, and I walked the site with our construction and tree team to ensure that as many trees as possible were protected to provide the grounds with shade and a sense of history.
The canopy of trees was a feature of the property that grabbed us and we held onto that with a tight grip.
Now, foundations
The property has been staked for months, which gave us a sense of where each structure would live at 1109 E. Buffalo. But nothing truly prepared us for how it would feel to really see it unfold.
Justin and I have started to have new ideas based on how the grounds feel now that we’re really in it, like where a couple would feel most comfortable getting ready for their big day and how it will actually feel to unwind after a day of retreating to Southwest Michigan around a fire.
What’s next? Follow along!
We’re excited to keep you updated as we make progress at Petite Acres. Stay up to date here and follow us on our favorite social media channels like Instagram and LinkedIn.
