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Stuart Michaelson Awarded the Building Industry Association President's Award
Reflecting on his term as President, Stuart talks of what has been accomplished, as well as the groundwork that has been laid for the future. "It has been an interesting year," says Stuart. "There have been a lot of very important issues on the table." Several of these issues include the debate over smart growth and the Association's support of new legislation to get more density in larger communities. On another front, BIA is working to prevent changes in the construction code that would considerably drive up housing costs for consumers. With 2004 being an election year, BIA is very involved in supporting political candidates who will work with the Association to craft equitable solutions to future challenges in the industry. "The elected officials have control over the lives and destinies of those who work in this industry," says Stuart. "We need to foster good relationships with these politicians." Stuart is also president of the Windmill Group, based in Farmington Hills. He and longtime partner, Sami Harb, were honored by BIA in 2002 as Developer of the Year. They are presently completing the fifth phase of their highly regarded Walden Woods community in Van Buren Township. This final phase of the 300 single-family residential development is aptly named the Forest at Walden Woods. A few of the projects the company is working on include Kirkway Place (30 detached condominiums in Novi), the Forest at Orchard Lake (21 detached ranch condominiums in Farmington Hills), as well as other condos in Livonia, Farmington Hills and downtown Wayne. In addition to his contributions as BIA President, Stuart chairs the Novi, Van Buren Township and Farmington Hills task forces. He has also served the Association as first vice president in 2003 and as secretary, vice president and treasurer in past years. He was awarded the Builder Spike of the Year in 2003 for his contributions to increasing the membership of BIA. His involvement in the industry goes back to 1971 when he began work as a plumber's apprentice. In 1983, he founded Stewart Homes, which specialized in large luxury and off-site Custom homes. Stuart first worked with his current partner engineer and developer, Sami Harb, on a joint venture in Troy called Windmill Ridge, which is the namesake of their partnership today. When he's not working for the Association or developing and building homes, he enjoys exercising and admits to playing "a lot" of golf. In fact, next year he plans to celebrate his 60th birthday on a golf course in Ireland. He also enjoys skiing in Snowmass with his wife, Judge Susan Borman, and their daughter, Johanna. Due to constant search for improvement, we reserve the right to modify the plans, elevations, exteriors or products without notice or obligation. Sizes shown are approximate. Prices and terms are also subject to change without notice. Renderings are an artist's concept and may not accurately depict actual elevation. |
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If Stuart Michaelson's staff hoped to see more of him in 2005 as he moves into his role as Past President of BIA, they are destined for disappointment. This high-energy leader has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. He's at the pinnacle of his career, and he seems to be enjoying every minute of it. He has enjoyed leading the third largest building association in the United States, as the 2004 President of the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan.