Discover 7 Key Commercial Properties in Alanson, MI for Sale and Lease

Alanson, MI Commercial Real Estate

Alanson, Michigan—situated on the southern shore of Crooked Lake just off US-31—offers businesses prime visibility and easy regional access. Its charming downtown features historic brick storefronts, small office suites, and steady seasonal foot traffic from lake visitors, making it ideal for retail, dining, and professional services.

Local incentives like streamlined permitting and façade-improvement grants help new and existing businesses maintain Alanson’s small-town character. Competitive lease rates along the industrial corridor and mixed-use developments by the lake provide flexible options for light manufacturing, artisan workshops, and lakeside cafés alike.

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price	$631K
Lowest Price	$139K
Highest Price	$1.3M
Total Listings	4
Avg. Price/SQFT	$334

Property Types (active listings)

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$1,290,000

↓ $210,000

4333 S Us 31 Highway, Alanson

3 Beds 3 Baths 10,000 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 475259

$825,000

9245 Banwell, Alanson

2 Beds 4 Baths 1,200 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 471984

$269,000

7300 M-68 Highway, Alanson

0 Beds 0 Baths 1,440 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 471669

$139,000

8503 S Us-31 Highway, Alanson

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 201836022

Alanson, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease: Dynamic Opportunities + 7 Key Listings

Explore prime retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties in Alanson—with expert insights to guide your investment.

Introduction to Alanson, MI Commercial Real Estate

Alanson, Michigan—nestled along the shores of Crooked Lake in Emmet County—is rapidly emerging as a hub for forward-thinking businesses and investors. With its strategic location just south of Petoskey and easy access to US-31, this small but dynamic community combines the charm of Northern Michigan with powerful economic drivers.

Whether you’re hunting for a bustling storefront in the heart of town, a modern office suite overlooking the water, or a spacious warehouse to support growing operations, Alanson’s commercial real estate market offers something for everyone. In this article, we’ll dive deep into market trends, property types, key neighborhoods, and the critical decisions around buying vs. leasing—culminating in seven standout listings you won’t want to miss.

Market Overview and Trends

Alanson’s commercial real estate sector has witnessed steady growth over the past five years, underpinned by increasing tourism, local entrepreneurship, and spillover demand from Petoskey. The village’s population—hovering just above 500—belies a much larger daytime foot traffic as visitors flock to nearby golf courses, marinas, and state parks.

Economic Drivers in Alanson, MI

• Tourism & Hospitality: The proximity to Crooked Lake and Boyne Mountain Resort brings year-round visitors.

• Local Services: Demand for cafes, retail boutiques, and health services has surged as downtown revitalization takes hold.

• Light Manufacturing: Small-scale production and craft industries find value in Alanson’s lower land costs and easy highway access.

Key Industry Sectors

• Retail & Dining: From lakeside bistros to artisan shops, retail remains the backbone of Alanson’s economy.

• Professional Services: Accountants, architects, and IT firms are increasingly locating here to serve both local and regional clients.

• Logistics & Storage: The industrial corridor along US-31 is becoming a hotspot for distribution centers and warehousing.

Recent Sales and Lease Data

Despite flat national growth in some segments, Alanson has outperformed nearby markets by roughly 3–5% annually, thanks to targeted zoning reforms and municipal incentives. For zoning information and local regulations, visit the Emmet County website: emmetcounty.org.

Types of Commercial Properties Available

Alanson’s real estate inventory spans four major property categories, each tailored to different business needs.

Retail Spaces

From storefronts along Bridge Street to lakeside kiosks near the marina, retail units range from 800 to 3,000 square feet. High-visibility corners and historic brick facades make these spaces ideal for specialty shops, galleries, and cafes.

Office Buildings

Modern Class A and renovated Class B offices offer amenities such as fiber-optic internet, conferencing centers, and shared common areas. Suites start at 500 square feet and scale up to 5,000+ SF.

Industrial and Warehouse Properties

With clear-span layouts and dock-high loading, these properties support light manufacturing, storage, and fulfillment. Typical lot sizes run from half an acre to 5 acres.

Mixed-Use Developments

A growing trend, mixed-use projects combine ground-floor retail with upper-level apartments or offices—promoting 24/7 vibrancy. Recent approvals have paved the way for two new lakeside complexes.

Leading Neighborhoods and Investment Hotspots

Where you locate your business in Alanson can make all the difference. Here are the key corridors and districts:

Downtown Alanson Business District

• Character: Historic storefronts, walkable blocks, pedestrian lighting.

• Ideal For: Boutiques, professional services, community events.

• Vacancy Rate: Approximately 5%.

Lakeside Commercial Corridor

• Character: Scenic views over Crooked Lake, seasonal foot traffic.

• Ideal For: Restaurants, outdoor gear shops, art studios.

• Average Lease Rate: $14/SF.

Regional Industrial Zones

• Character: Easy truck access, bulk lots, flexible zoning.

• Ideal For: Warehousing, light assembly, distribution.

• Average Sale Price: $60/SF.

Buying vs Leasing: What’s Right for You?

Deciding whether to purchase or lease northern Michigan commercial real estate hinges on your capital, risk tolerance, and growth forecast.

Pros and Cons of Buying
Buying in Alanson locks in your space in a market that has shown consistent appreciation, which can be a solid hedge against inflation.

Pros and Cons of Leasing
Leasing offers agility—ideal for startups or seasonal businesses that need to stay nimble.

Financing Options and Incentives

• SBA 504 & 7(a) Loans: Offer long-term, low-down-payment financing.

• Local Grants: Emmet County and the Village of Alanson sometimes provide façade improvement grants and job-creation incentives.

Steps to Finding Your Ideal Commercial Space

Securing the right property requires a step-by-step approach:

1. Define Your Business Needs

   • Square footage, layout, parking, signage, and budget.

2. Partner with BrookWalsh.com Experts

   • Leverage local market knowledge and negotiation expertise.

3. Conduct Property Tours and Due Diligence

   • Inspect structural integrity, environmental reports, and zoning compliance.

4. Close the Deal

   • Finalize purchase or lease, review legal documents, and plan your move-in timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What industries thrive in Alanson’s commercial market?
   A. Retail, hospitality, professional services, and light manufacturing are particularly strong.

2. How do commercial lease rates in Alanson compare to Petoskey?
   A. You’ll often find rates 10–15% lower here, giving businesses more breathing room on overhead.

3. Are there incentives for first-time buyers?
   A. Yes—through SBA loan programs and occasional façade improvement grants from the village.

4. What’s the average time on market for commercial listings?
   A. Most properties close within 90 days, though lakeside and downtown spaces can move in under 60.

5. Can mixed-use zoning accommodate residential units above retail?
   A. Absolutely—recent code updates have streamlined approvals for these high-demand projects.

6. How important is proximity to US-31?
   A. Very. Visibility and ease of access directly influence foot traffic and logistics efficiency.

Conclusion

Alanson, MI offers a blend of small-town charm and big-opportunity commercial real estate. Whether you’re investing in a retail storefront by the lake, leasing a tech-ready office suite, or purchasing a warehouse to support your operations, this market delivers both value and growth potential. Partnering with seasoned experts at BrookWalsh.com ensures you navigate every step—from initial market analysis to closing—with confidence. Ready to unlock Alanson’s commercial possibilities? Reach out today to schedule a personalized consultation.

Continue your Northern Michigan commercial real estate search in the communities below or contact Brook Walsh to help you with your search.