Lake Michigan Shores to Global Skylines: Andrew McCarthy of Freshwater Development Reinvents Luxury Living

In Traverse City’s burgeoning waterfront scene, Andrew McCarthy, Founder and CEO of Freshwater Development, is charting a new course for high‑end real estate. A Michigan native with 15 years of New York architecture and development pedigree—working on icons like 111 West 57th Street and 432 Park Avenue—McCarthy launched Freshwater in 2021 to fuse design excellence with hands‑on construction.

Today, McCarthy’s team of four is delivering turnkey, fully electrified residences that strike a balance between schedule, budget, and quality in a market ripe for “true luxury.” 

A Foundation Rooted in Design

McCarthy’s architectural roots run deep. After studying in Ann Arbor and practicing at JDS Development and Avery Hall Investments, where he oversaw projects such as 111 West 57th Street, he returned to Michigan to apply a design-driven ethos to every facet of development. Freshwater not only conceives each project in-house but also self-performs construction, ensuring coherence between the vision and execution. 

Long before buying his first lots, McCarthy tracked flight data into Traverse City to identify demand corridors—from South Florida to Texas and the Northeast. With 22 direct routes now linking the city, he recognizes the macro tailwinds: a planned 40% airport expansion, vibrant cultural amenities, and a moderate climate shielded by Lake Michigan. These insights underpin Freshwater’s selection of prime waterfront and corner parcels for its luxury homes. 

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Lifestyle by Design

At 111 State Street, each 3,500-square-foot residence is conceived as a live-in gallery of natural materials: thermally modified pine that patinas over time, Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, white oak flooring, and heated marble bathrooms. Oversized elevators whisk residents from the lobby to their units to the rooftop deck—pre-wired for saunas, cold plunges, and outdoor kitchens—creating a seamless journey that elevates everyday living. 

Electrified Sustainability

Freshwater’s buildings are among Traverse City’s first fully electrified residential projects. With induction cooking as powerful as gas, EV chargers in the garage, and all-electric HVAC systems, McCarthy opted for a carbon-free approach, driven purely by a responsibility to future residents and the environment, without relying on subsidies. This commitment to sustainable design will extend to every Freshwater project. 

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Full‑Stack Craftsmanship

“What makes us different is DNA,” McCarthy explains. By wearing multiple hats—developer, architect, general contractor—Freshwater controls every detail, from brick corbelling that mirrors century‑old cornices to contemporary glass facades above. Interiors follow suit, featuring two distinct, custom designs per building that echo exterior motifs, ensuring no two homes feel like cookie-cutter copies.

Contextual Architecture

True contextual design, McCarthy insists, “means building as if it always belonged.” Freshwater marries modern innovation with community character, crafting structures that feel as timeless at ground level as they do cutting‑edge at the skyline. The firm’s guiding principle: make an impact that the community will celebrate 100 years from now. 

A Second‑Home Destination

Drawing parallels to Aspen, the Hamptons, and Jackson Hole, McCarthy believes Traverse City is on the cusp of a second‑home boom. With its arts scene, wineries, trails, and mild climate—protected by Lake Michigan’s vast waters—it offers a compelling alternative to wildfire‑prone or flood‑risk markets. For buyers seeking a secure 30‑year investment in lifestyle, Traverse City has emerged as a prime choice.

Parallels of Peak Performance

McCarthy’s exploits on Kilimanjaro, Denali, and Rainier mirror the demands of development: calculated risk, team coordination, and adaptability over long timelines. “Climbing a mountain and building a luxury home both require navigating uncertainty and emerging stronger,” he reflects—underscoring the endurance and vision needed to shape skylines and peaks alike. 

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Advice for Next‑Gen Developers

To aspiring developers, McCarthy has one message: start. “Begin with a small project, commit your resources, and learn through every challenge. You can’t fail—you’ll only grow.” His counsel emphasizes integrity, informed risk‑taking, and the invaluable lessons that come from hands‑on experience in both architecture and construction. 

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Rapid‑Fire Insights

• Favorite Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
   
• Recent Read: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
   
• Dream Project: A Manhattan residential high‑rise, completed in a day
   
• Material Wish‑List: Authentic, imported hardwoods like thermally modified pine
   
• Forever Home: New York City