Charlevoix, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease

Charlevoix’s commercial real estate market blends historic charm with modern growth. Downtown’s brick-lined streets and iconic drawbridge host a mix of retail shops, cafés, and galleries that enjoy steady year-round foot traffic. Just blocks away, office suites and coworking spaces serve healthcare, tech, and professional service firms anchored by Charlevoix Hospital and local manufacturers.

Waterfront properties offer retail and restaurant spaces with panoramic Lake Michigan views and private dock access, while light-industrial and warehouse sites near Airport Road provide strategic logistics for regional businesses. With incentives like historic preservation tax credits and flexible zoning districts, Charlevoix delivers strong opportunities for both seasoned investors and first-time buyers.

Charlevoix, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $709K
Lowest Price $62K
Highest Price $3.5M
Total Listings 18
Avg. Days On Market 196
Avg. Price/SQFT $236

Property Types (active listings)


Browse Charlevoix, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease

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8843 & 8741 Burgess Road, Charlevoix

$3,495,000

↓ $505,000

8843 & 8741 Burgess Road, Charlevoix

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,880 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 469512
109 & 111 Bridge, Charlevoix

$1,700,000

109 & 111 Bridge, Charlevoix

2 Beds 5 Baths 5,656 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477336
113 Michigan Avenue, Charlevoix

$1,700,000

113 Michigan Avenue, Charlevoix

8 Beds 7 Baths 3,814 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477458
202 Michigan Avenue, Charlevoix

$895,000

202 Michigan Avenue, Charlevoix

11 Beds 18 Baths 3,800 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477688
1518 & 1520 Bridge Street, Charlevoix

$795,000

1518 & 1520 Bridge Street, Charlevoix

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,900 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 473551
109 Petoskey Avenue, Charlevoix

$795,000

109 Petoskey Avenue, Charlevoix

8 Beds 7 Baths 3,850 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477689
203 Mason Street, Charlevoix

$599,000

↓ $50,000

203 Mason Street, Charlevoix

0 Beds 2 Baths 3,850 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 474189
102 E Saint Marys Drive, Charlevoix

$499,900

102 E Saint Marys Drive, Charlevoix

0 Beds 1 Bath 1,500 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 1928507
9376 Watersview Drive 6, Charlevoix

$450,000

9376 Watersview Drive 6, Charlevoix

0 Beds 1 Bath 2,900 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477835
9376 Watersview Drive 5, Charlevoix

$399,000

9376 Watersview Drive 5, Charlevoix

0 Beds 1 Bath 2,500 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477836
13715 Clark Road 11, Charlevoix

$329,000

13715 Clark Road 11, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 3,200 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 476019
New
13715 Clark Road 12, Charlevoix

$209,000

13715 Clark Road 12, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 1,800 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477975
6679 S Us 31 5, Charlevoix

$199,900

↓ $49,100

6679 S Us 31 5, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 1,875 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 475897
New
13715 Clark Road 13, Charlevoix

$189,000

13715 Clark Road 13, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 1,440 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477976
11724 - 11730 North Star Drive 19 & 20, Charlevoix

$180,000

11724 - 11730 North Star Drive 19 & 20, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 1,800 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477649
New
13715 Clark Road 14, Charlevoix

$129,000

13715 Clark Road 14, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 896 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477977
New
13715 Clark Road 15, Charlevoix

$129,000

13715 Clark Road 15, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 896 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477978
11709 North Star Drive, Charlevoix

$62,000

↓ $2,000

11709 North Star Drive, Charlevoix

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 473491

Charlevoix, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease: Lucrative 8 Listings

With a blend of historic downtown charm, bustling tourism, and growing light industrial demand, this lakeside city offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for savvy buyers and lessees.


Why Invest in Charlevoix’s Commercial Property Market

Why Invest in Charlevoix’s Commercial Property Market

Economic Drivers and Local Industries

Charlevoix’s economy is anchored by healthcare, specialty manufacturing, and a thriving service sector. Major employers like Charlevoix Hospital and several advanced-materials workshops fuel year-round demand for office and light industrial space. Seasonal peaks in tourism only bolster retail and hospitality investments.

Tourism Impact and Seasonal Demand

Each summer, tens of thousands flock to Charlevoix for boating, festivals, and the iconic drawbridge. Retailers and restaurateurs report up to 60% of annual revenue in the May–September window, making short-term leases on prime storefronts highly lucrative.

Demographic Trends and Growth Projections

Population growth in Charlevoix County has averaged 1.2% annually over the past five years, with a notable uptick in young families and remote-working professionals seeking small-town charm. Forecasts predict sustained demand for coworking spaces and mixed-use developments.


Top 8 Listings: Detailed Property Overviews

PropertyTypePrice/LeaseKey Feature
Bridge Street Retail Retail $450,000 / NNN $2,800/mo Waterfront views
State Street Office Building Office $1,200,000 Fully leased, modern upgrades
Airport Road Warehouse Industrial $1,800,000 20,000 sf with dock access
Central Avenue Mixed-Use Parcel Development $950,000 Concept plans approved
Historic Specialty Retail Unit Retail $350,000 Turn-of-the-century charm
Medical Office Suite Office Lease: $3,200/mo Near hospital campus
Lakeside Restaurant Space Hospitality $1.4 M Panoramic Lake Michigan view
Boutique Hotel Development Parcel Hospitality $1.1 M 0.8 acre, prime tourist corridor

Waterfront Retail Space on Bridge Street

Key Features and Amenities

  • 2,500 sq ft ground-floor flagship storefront

  • Private dock access and outdoor seating

  • NNN lease at $2,800/mo

Lease vs. Purchase Considerations
Purchasing at $450K secures asset appreciation; leasing offers lower upfront capital and fits pop-up or seasonal concepts.

Downtown Office Building on State Street

Investment ROI Analysis
Fully leased five-tenant building generating $96K/yr net income—cap rate ≈ 8%. Recent upgrades include energy-efficient HVAC.

Neighborhood Profile
Steps from city hall, banks, and cafés. Ideal for professional services such as legal, accounting, or tech startups.

Industrial Warehouse near Airport Road

Accessibility and Logistics Benefits

  • 20,000 sq ft with dock-high and grade-level doors

  • Minutes from US-31 and Charlevoix County Airport

Zoning and Compliance
Light industrial zoning permits manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution uses with straightforward permitting.

Mixed-Use Development Opportunity on Central Avenue

Conceptual Plans and Architectural Highlights

  • Approved concept for 12-unit condo/retail building

  • Contemporary design blending glass, brick, and timber

Financing Options
Potential for historic tax credits and SBA 504 construction loans to reduce equity needs.

Specialty Retail Unit in Turn-of-the-Century Building

Classic brick façade, high ceilings, original wood floors—perfect for boutique retailers seeking character-rich spaces.

Modern Medical Office Suite near Charlevoix Hospital

Fully built-out professional suite with exam rooms, reception area, and ADA-compliant restroom—ideal for satellite clinics or imaging centers.

Restaurant Space with Lake View

Open-concept kitchen, bar area, and outdoor patio overlooking Lake Michigan—an operator’s dream for breakfast and dinner service.

Boutique Hotel Development Parcel

0.8 acre on tourist corridor, steps from Lake Avenue. Conceptual plan for 15-room boutique lodging with rooftop event space.


Financing Your Commercial Purchase or Lease

Financing Your Commercial Purchase or Lease

Traditional Bank Loans vs. SBA Financing

Banks typically require 20–25% down and 7–10 yr amortizations. SBA 7(a) loans allow 90% financing with longer terms—ideal for first-time investors.

Private Lending and Investor Partnerships

For faster closings or non-conforming assets, private lenders bridge gaps at 8–12% interest. Joint ventures can minimize equity outlay while sharing upside.

Tax Incentives and Historic Preservation Credits

Properties in Charlevoix’s downtown historic district may qualify for 20% federal tax credits on qualified renovation costs—dramatically improving cash-on-cash returns.


Leasing Considerations and Negotiation Tips

Triple Net Leases Explained

NNN leases shift property taxes, insurance, and maintenance to the tenant—vastly reducing owner’s variable costs and simplifying budgeting.

Common Lease Clauses to Watch

  • Holdover penalties

  • CAM reconciliation caps

  • Subleasing restrictions

Negotiating Tenant Improvements

Landlords often offer TI allowances—leverage competitive tenant interest to secure higher funds for fit-out.


Local Market Insights and Future Outlook

Upcoming Infrastructure Projects

The planned Lakeshore Trail extension and downtown streetscape upgrade will drive foot traffic and property appreciation along Bridge and State Streets.

Planned Residential and Tourism Expansions

New condo and hotel projects will further boost demand for ground-floor retail and dining establishments.

Long-Term Growth Prospects

With balanced job growth and steady in-migration of remote professionals, Charlevoix’s commercial real estate market is poised for sustained capitalization rate compression.


FAQs Before You Buy or Lease in Charlevoix

FAQs Before You Buy or Lease in Charlevoix

  1. What zoning types exist for commercial properties?
    A. Charlevoix offers Retail Business (RB), Office Service (OS), Light Industrial (LI), and Mixed-Use (MU) districts.

  2. How competitive is the retail lease market?
    A. Peak season sees vacancy dip below 5%, so early inquiry is crucial.

  3. Are short-term leases available?
    A. Yes—pop-up and seasonal leases (3–6 months) are common in waterfront districts.

  4. What due diligence should buyers conduct?
    A. Always review environmental site assessments, building condition reports, and tenant estoppel certificates.

  5. How do property taxes compare regionally?
    A. Charlevoix’s commercial millage rate (~29 mills) is moderate compared to Traverse City (35 mills) and Petoskey (32 mills).

  6. Can I lease port-adjacent warehouse space?
    A. Yes—several listings near Airport Road offer dock access and heavy-load flooring.


Conclusion and Next Steps

Charlevoix, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease presents a rare blend of lakeside tourism demand, historic downtown vitality, and diversified light-industrial growth. Whether you’re eyeing a waterfront boutique, a stabilized office asset, or a speculative mixed-use project, these eight lucrative listings deliver strong fundamentals and upside potential.

Ready to explore these opportunities? Contact Northern Michigan Escapes at Northern Michigan Escapes or call Brook Walsh at (231) 459-3179 to schedule private showings today.

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

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