Northland Notes

Client story and recently closed loans

North of North Resort & Outfitters

Couple’s perseverance and partnerships bring accessibility to northeast Minnesota’s great outdoors

a series of three photos show an aerial view of a long wooden boardwalk leaing through trees to a a lake, a beautiful cabin exterior with screen porch, patio and sauna, and a bright, open wheelchair accessible cabin interior with a two story ceiling and large windows
The Learys spent over two years building their resort to universal design standards to offer a wilderness destination, adaptive outdoor activities, and BWCA access for people with or without physical handicaps. Cabin main levels, patios, screen porches, boardwalk, dock, and trails are wheelchair accessible.

Sean and Jill Leary want you to know that the newly opened North of North Resort & Outfitters offers a true northwoods experience for everyone, including people with physical disabilities.

Their three-unit property sits on 11 acres with over 1000’ of lake front on Birch Lake. Although it’s only about 15 minutes from Ely proper, you’d never guess it from the miles of natural, unoccupied shoreline abutting Superior National Forest and, just beyond, the Boundary Waters.

Besides the stunningly peaceful setting, what sets this resort apart is its universal design. Each of the three cabins sleeps up to eight with main floor living, kitchen, bedroom and bath that are fully accessible for guests using wheelchairs, walkers, etc. An accessible boardwalk leads visitors to dock and lake access. All trails accommodate wheelchairs, too.

The couple emphasizes, though, that North of North isn’t only for people with disabilities.

jill and sean leary are pictured in a campsite setting. sean is seated in his chair and jill is leaning over next to him with her arm around his shoulder. they are smiling.
Both Jill, a teacher, and Sean, an environmental
consultant, are lifelong outdoors adventurers.

“Universal design means it works for parents with young children in strollers, grandparents, people of any age with or without adaptive equipment,” said Sean, who has been wheelchair-bound since a car accident at age 18.

Both Jill, a teacher, and Sean, an environmental consultant, are avid, lifelong outdoors adventurers, a love they’re passing on to their two children. It was during a trip to Montana that the couple began to think seriously about how to bring wilderness access to more folks back home in Minnesota.

They found totally undeveloped lakeside acreage in 2021, but the price seemed out of reach. Undeterred, they wrote a “love letter” to the seller that moved her to work with them. Still, acquiring the land was just the first step.

“We didn’t have a ton of equity,” admits Sean. “I understand the concept of loan risk and knew that even with strong backing from our bank, we would need extra help.” explained Sean.

“That’s where Northland Foundation was really critical. Amanda and Michael were awesome to deal with, start to finish.” — Sean Leary

Sean and Jill put in all the money they could, along with hours of sweat equity, and got connected with non-traditional lenders to bridge the financial gap. Northland Foundation was among their financing partners, coming in with two separate loans for construction. Community support has marked every step of the journey. Sean and Jill worked with local contractors, hired a local property manager, and developed great relationships with service and resource providers.

Each unit includes a private sauna.

The Learys are also helping reduce another barrier: cost. They founded Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach to help lower expenses for individuals to expand ADA access to the BWCA, Superior National Forest, and activities like kayaking, fishing, cycling, and dog sledding.

“The most satisfying aspect of this job is meeting people like Sean and Jill,” said Amanda Vuicich, “and being part of a small-but-mighty group of lenders all focused on helping the Leary’s realize their goal. The end result is a sight to see.”

Ely’s shops and restaurants are nearby, but North of North is a world away. A peaceful, pristine lake. Protected forests. Abundant wildlife. Starry “dark skies” at night.

“By building an accessible property, folks of all ages and walks of life can experience all this without the barriers they would normally face,” said Jill. “It’s incredible to share this special place with others.”

Over $1.1 million in loans made to six area businesses

Six northeast Minnesota businesses recently closed on loans from the Northland Foundation, in total receiving $1,157,500. Borrowers include five existing businesses seeking financing to sustain and grow, and one established business transitioning to new ownership.

  • Heartwood Center for Child and Family Therapy, LLC, Hibbing
  • Northland Special Events, Inc., Duluth
  • Eye Clinic North, PA, Virginia
  • Paradigm Sports d/b/a Stewarts Bikes and Sports, Duluth
  • JEND Property Investments, LLC, Warba
  • Bowlz N Thangz, LLC, Duluth

To learn more about Business Services and all the financing tools available, please email Amanda Vuicich or Michael Colclough.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

From traditional, ancestral & contemporary lands of Ojibwe, Dakota, Northern Cheyenne & other Native people. See a more detailed acknowledgement of this land and its history.

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