
Improved Mixed-Use Land for Sale in Empire, Michigan
11801 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630
What if the most desirable venue in Empire is simply waiting to be reimagined? Situated on over 3 acres in the heart of downtown Empire — walking distance to Empire Beach, local shops, and restaurants — this rare offering combines scale, flexibility, and location in a way that is nearly impossible to replicate. The expansive main residence features multiple gathering spaces, two fireplaces, a Viking professional double oven cooktop, a natural light-filled three-season room, and a private office with custom cherry built-ins from floor to ceiling. Upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms — three with private ensuite baths, including two primary suites. A finished third-level attic spans the length of the home, providing additional flexible space and storage.Outdoor amenities further expand the possibilities. The in-ground pool is complemented by three accessory buildings: a 28x16 pool house with architectural character and an unfinished second level, a 40x24 garden house/workshop with 14 ft ceilings, drive-in garage door, and 240-volt service, and a 24x12 pond house with electricity powering the pond and irrigation systems. Included in the sale is a separate high-visibility corner parcel at M-22 and M-72, also zoned residential/commercial, offering exceptional exposure and long-term income potential. With mixed-use zoning in place (buyer to verify intended use with the Village of Empire), the framework exists for a boutique hospitality concept, destination retreat, live/work compound, or event-based venture. Moments from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Lake, and a direct route to Traverse City, properties with this scale, zoning flexibility, and positioning rarely become available in Empire. This is more than a home. It is an opportunity to create something iconic.
Location
- Street address
- 11801 S Lacore Rd
- County
- Leelanau County
- School district
- Glen Lake Community Schools
- Elevation
- 622 feet
Directions
From Traverse City, take M-72 all the way to downtown Empire. At the M22 stop sign take a left and property will be on your left.
Property details
- Acreage
- 3.03 acres
- Zoning
- Residential, Commercial
- MLS #
- TAAR 1942540
- Posted
Details and features
Listing
- Type
- Residential
- Subtype
- Single Family Residence
- Franchise
- Real Estate One
Exterior
- Features
- Out Building, Vinyl
Structure
- Renovated
- 1997
- Style
- Colonial
- Heating
- Forced Air
- Roof
- Asphalt
- Windows
- Skylight(s)
Interior
- Rooms
- Basement, Bathroom x 4, Bedroom x 4, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Living Room, Loft
- Appliances
- Dishwasher, Freezer, Garbage Disposer, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Washer
- Features
- Bay Window(s), Built-In Bookcase, Den/Study, Formal Dining Room, Foyer Entrance, Jetted Tub, Loft, Pantry, Skylights, Solarium/Sun Room, Solid Surface Counters, Vaulted Ceilings, Walk-In Closet(s), Wet Bar, Workshop
Listing history
| Date | Event | Price | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27, 2026 | New listing | $1,325,000 | — | TAAR |


































































































