Sandbar Lodge, the former South Torch assisted-living home
12800 Cherry Ave., near the south end of Torch Lake (parcel 05-12-006-046-00). The county roll shows no lake frontage for this parcel. · Map
By Observer Staff · Status as of Nov. 3, 2026
Wed., Dec. 2, 2026 · Milton Township Planning Commission, introduction of the amendment (public comment is taken at the start of each meeting) · 7023 Cherry Ave., Kewadin
The commission took up the amendment Dec. 2. We will report what happened when the minutes are posted.
What would be built
KEWADIN — A building that had been a motel, then an adult foster care home, is being turned back into a motel. On Feb. 4, 2026, the Milton Township Planning Commission approved a change of use to “a Motel with 15 units,” 5–0. In May, a representative for “The Sandbar Lodge” wrote to the township about “a boutique resort redevelopment of the former South Torch Assisted Living Facility property,” with “occasional small private events such as intimate weddings or family gatherings,” and asked about a liquor license. The Planning Commission is set to take up an “Amendment to Motel Uses” on Dec. 2. What that amendment would change hasn’t been made public.
Who is behind it
The February application was filed by South Torch Assisted Living, LLC. The county parcel roll lists the owner as Indy Beach Adventures LLC. The May emails were signed for “The Sandbar Lodge.”
Water and sewage
Well and septic. At the Feb. 4 hearing, the applicant said the Health Department had approved the well and septic and that the paperwork would be submitted. We haven’t seen that paperwork.
Milton Township Planning Commission minutes, Feb. 4, 2026.
The approvals it needs
- Township
Special use permit: change from adult foster care to a 15-unit motel (SUP 2026-01)
Approved 5–0, Feb. 4, 2026
- Township
Local approval for a liquor license
No vote found
On May 18 the Township Board noted, “Liquor License: The Sandbar Lodge — will review further with zoning.” We found no later vote in the June–October minutes. May 18 Board packet (emails, pp. 76–77) →
- Township
Amendment to the motel approval (SUP 2026-06)
Introduction set for Dec. 2
Listed on the Planning Commission’s Nov. 4 agenda under future meetings: “Introduction SUP 2026-06 Sandbar Lodge (Amendment to Motel Uses).” No application has been posted. Nov. 4 agenda →
- State (Liquor Control Commission)
Liquor license
Not checked yet
- Health Dept.
Well and septic
Not checked yet
The applicant said in February they were approved.