Birchwood Farms launches $5.5 million infrastructure overhaul

Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club in Harbor Springs is moving ahead with a $5.502 million package of upgrades that includes a new municipal water well, a full irrigation modernization and a deck renovation. The projects are aimed at supporting the private community’s long-term growth, golf operations and amenities through 2027.

Why it matters: - Birchwood Farms is investing in the water and infrastructure systems that support its golf courses, homes and shared amenities. - The upgrades are designed to protect long-term sustainability as the community grows. - The work also supports service levels for a private residential community that has more than 440 homeowners.

What happened: - Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club announced $5.502 million in major infrastructure projects in Harbor Springs, Michigan. - The projects include a fourth municipal water well, a full golf course irrigation system modernization and a deck renovation. - General Manager and COO Paul Marazzo said the projects are fundamental investments for future generations. - Birchwood Farms said the work is advancing across multiple sites and phases.

The details: - Ramsby Drilling of Indian River has reached optimum depth for Birchwood Well #4. - Preliminary water quality samples submitted to the State of Michigan returned positive results. - Electrical infrastructure work is underway with Great Lakes Energy. - Final testing and full operational status for the new well are expected in October 2026. - Thielen Turf Irrigation of Mt. Pleasant began the irrigation upgrade in August 2026. - Crews are installing main supply lines through the roughs of the Farms and Birches courses. - Fairway feeder lines were installed in September. - The irrigation project’s initial phase will continue through November 2026. - Work will pause for winter and resume for final completion by June 2027. - Demolition of the current deck is scheduled for the coming weeks. - The deck renovation is targeted for completion in spring 2027. - Birchwood Farms said the total investment for the projects is $5.502 million. - The community also has a website at More information.

Between the lines: - The water well and irrigation upgrades point to a focus on resource reliability, especially as the community expands. - The deck project suggests Birchwood Farms is also updating shared social spaces, not just core utilities. - Residential growth appears to be part of the same planning picture, with infrastructure investment running alongside home development. - Laine Street Builders is leading new home construction efforts to meet demand. - Four homes have been completed in 2026, and 12 more are under construction. - The builder is targeting 30-plus new homes over the next several years.

What's next: - Birchwood Farms expects the new well to reach full operational status in October 2026. - The irrigation upgrade will continue through late 2026, pause for winter and finish by June 2027. - Deck demolition will begin in the coming weeks, with completion expected in spring 2027. - Residential development is expected to continue as the community adds homes over the next several years.

The bottom line: - Birchwood Farms is betting that major utility upgrades now will help sustain its golf operations, housing growth and community amenities for years to come.