Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography
Renderings provided by Jade Companies
Feature photo: The view from Firefly Dead Lake
Contrary to its name, Dead Lake is surrounded by lively resorts. One of these lakeside escapes was formerly known as White Haven Resort. Built nearly a century ago, it used to operate as a weekly rental, but has been closed for a few years. Now, the innovative minds at Jade Companies are transforming this tired retreat into a condominium community of “small home” cabins. This month, we got an exclusive preview of the property and its bright future as Firefly Dead Lake.
The Timeline
About two years ago, Jade Companies purchased what will become Firefly Dead Lake. Soon, they will begin remodeling the seven original cabins, which will be available by the end of this summer. Then, in 2019, they will build between six to nine additional cabins, which will be made out of shipping containers.
Lee Schwartz has been acting as project manager throughout this process. “We took the existing foundations of the cabins and had an architect who has actually lived in a tiny home for three years design the interiors,” he said. That architect just happens to be Richard Wright, who was featured in our “Tiny House Issue” in June 2017.
This rendering tentatively represents a remodeled cabin exterior.
The Vision
The reason why they decided to make Firefly into a condominium community is because there were already so many other resorts on the same lake. Instead, condo owners will experience the benefits of having their own lake place, without all of the maintenance. There will also be two RV hookups available on site for when condo owners have guests.
This rendering tentatively represents a remodeled cabin floor plan.
“Our plan for Firefly is to create a safe, fun place for young families and seniors. It’s going to be a true condo association where you’re going to own your condo and you’re going to be a part of the association. You’re going to share in the ownership of the entire property by owning one of the condos,” Schwartz said.
This rendering tentatively represents a remodeled cabin interior.
Jade Companies President Jade Nielson said, “I had a lake home in northern Minnesota and although I loved the location, it was difficult to enjoy my time there when 75 percent of it was spent on projects that needed to be done.”
That is what inspired him to create a community of lake homes where the lawn is always mowed, the dock is already in the water and the firewood is stocked. “The lake should be a place to rest and relax,” he said.
Firefly Dead Lake
