Developers behind a proposed luxury glamping resort near Cadillac, Michigan, are preparing to present a formal request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay to the Clam Lake Township Planning Commission during a meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday at Clam Lake Township Hall, 8809 E. M-115.
The request represents a key step forward for The Haven of Cadillac, an upscale outdoor hospitality concept being led by Shelby and Ben Hastings of Beauvista Partners, LLC.
The project is planned for a 70-acre site adjacent to Evergreen Golf Course and aims to offer high-end accommodations in a natural setting. Initial development, known as Phase 1, would include 15 to 20 glamping units positioned centrally on the property to minimize the environmental footprint.
The resort’s overall master plan allows for up to 64 glamping units, such as eco-domes and mini cabins, and a potential expansion to 85 upscale RV sites in future phases.
“We were there [Clam Lake Township] in April, and then we will be back next week. We are going to be in front of the planning commission to present our PUD request,” Shelby Hastings told Cadillac News.
“We are requesting to put the PUD overlay on the property so we can move forward with the final site plan.”
The development team has stated that their approach emphasizes conservation of the existing landscape.
The property includes woodlands, wetlands, rolling hills, and a pond. Walking trails, dark-sky lighting, and natural landscaping are all elements planned for integration. The Hastingses are working with a landscape architect to ensure minimal disruption. “We want to keep the trees and not mow down everything,” they said.
If approved by the planning commission, the project’s Phase 1 site plan would move forward to the township board for final approval.
Pending all necessary approvals, the developers anticipate beginning construction in spring 2026, with a targeted opening ahead of Memorial Day 2027. The full build-out is expected to span five to seven years, dependent on market demand and construction costs.
While families will not be excluded, the project is aimed primarily at couples and corporate retreats. Shelby Hastings emphasized the importance of communication and community input throughout the planning and development process.
“I want to listen to people’s concerns. I’m glad people care about what is happening around them in their community—it is not always that way,” she said. “I always think of it as people wanting to be educated and to know more.”
Clam Lake Township Downtown Development Authority Director and Zoning Administrator Cindy Warda said the developers’ planning approach has gained positive attention from multiple local organizations, including the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Alliance for Economic Success.
Evergreen Resort, which borders the project site, has also expressed support.
“They did their homework,” Warda said. “They came to the township, had a joint meeting, and preliminarily explained what they were trying to do. Then they did a market and feasibility study to see if it would work. They did their homework, which was quite refreshing.”
The PUD overlay, if approved, would apply to the entire parcel, giving the developers flexibility to implement various land uses across multiple phases, each requiring township review and approval. Opportunities for public feedback will be included at each stage.
Additional features being considered include a shuttle service to downtown Cadillac, which could help increase visitor traffic to local businesses.
“It would be nice to have a place for people to stop instead of just coasting through on their way to Traverse City,” Warda said. “Cadillac has a lot to offer.”
The developers stated that they are coordinating with local and state agencies, including the Michigan Department of Transportation, the fire marshal, and the Cadillac Utilities Department, to ensure the resort’s infrastructure meets broader community needs.
“We’re not trying to be an island,” said Shelby Hastings. “We want to be good neighbors and a good addition to the township.”