Otis Harbor Springs is a blend of history, comfort, and luxury. January 11, 2025
We’ve all heard that history repeats itself, but when it comes to Otis Harbor Springs, a boutique hotel that’s occupied 10 acres for more than a century, everything is brand new, from the atmosphere to the on-site amenities.
“We love to please and inspire people because[The Otis]is so different,” says co-owner and founder Ty Humpert. “You can’t compare us to other facilities in Michigan. We’re trying to embrace an authentic brand that’s developing.”
Opening in May 2024, The Otis is located on scenic M-119 in the building that once housed the Birchwood Inn. Close to seasonal attractions like Little Traverse Bay and Tunnel of Trees, the hotel’s blend of sophistication and peace makes it a popular destination for overnight travelers and locals alike.
And it all started with a fireplace.
A relaxing space
In fact, there are three fireplaces. This is the same number of fireplaces on the hotel grounds.
The Otis design team, including co-founders Humpert and Israel Hernandez, was huddled around one of these during a pre-construction brainstorming camp. Daniel Caudill, former creative director of Shinola Detroit and owner of Olean’s Pharmacy; And Texas-based architectural experts David Hocker (landscape architecture) and Michael Hsu solidified their vision for the property.
“One of the words that came up[during our conversation]was ‘lingering.’ We wanted the fireplace to draw attention and make the space feel inviting,” Humpert says.
They also fixed the finish line in summer 2024, which Humpert emphasized was a make-or-break factor in determining the hotel’s success.
An extensive stud-to-ceiling renovation has since taken place, with staff cleaning up the building’s interior (with a few notable exceptions, such as the solid red pine ceiling details and vaulted guest room structures). ), the layout has been redesigned from scratch. The focus is on combining up-north charm with elements of upscale comfort.
This includes many structural updates, from replacing the roof and plumbing to modern wiring and updated air conditioning controls. It also includes some functional adjustments, such as leveling some walls in the lobby to open up the space and emphasize its structure.
historic property
According to Humpert, the framework has some great “bones,” particularly well-constructed features such as the steel frame and basement, and a distinctive mid-century aesthetic that Otis’ team fought to preserve. I was there. In fact, the reconstructed footprint is almost the same as the original footprint.
The story goes that the property, which has been in operation for almost a century, began as a farm when Chicago banker Joseph E. Ortiz, the hotel’s namesake, purchased about 1,000 acres of land in early 2015. I did. 20th century. The farm underwent several improvements, including both livestock and potatoes, and was acquired by the snack company New Era (now part of Frito-Lay) as a corporate retreat in the late 1950s.
As part of that acquisition, the group built a conference center, which was eventually sold to a hotelier. From there, it was converted into a lodge, Humpert said, and changed hands several times, eventually opening as the Birchwood Inn and serving northern Michigan travelers for many years. Humpert also stayed here several times in his youth.
“Even back then, I remember imagining what it would be like, because it was loved and celebrated by so many people,” he says.
Renovation from top to bottom
So when the opportunity arose to renovate the place, he and Hernandez got to work right away. The layout is as follows:
The hotel has 31 guest rooms (down from the original 43), ranging in size and configuration from studios for solo travelers to classic queen rooms and several family suites. Most are also “pass-through” style, allowing guests to enter from the outside and access the central courtyard at the back.
Other room amenities include custom beds and nightstands courtesy of Britten of Traverse City, as well as little luxuries like luxurious Italian sheets from Frette and top-of-the-line bath amenities from Flamingo Estate.
“I think of it as a balance of highs and lows,” Humpert says. “We’re still a mid-century addition motel, but it’s the attention to detail in fabrics and furnishings and the great Americana structure that creates a truly wonderful experience.”
Authenticity was also important, he says, and the team achieved this through a “painter’s approach” of restoring the building with carefully selected period-appropriate decorations from around the country.
Notable pieces here include a series of Frederick Weinberg barstool bases with custom swivel seats (obtained in “onesies and twosies,” Humpert says); Additionally, there are seating options by Milo Bowman, a custom 14-foot credenza designed by Kenneth Blasingame (Fort Worth, Texas), and even a vintage tuxedo sofa renovated from the hotel’s basement.
But pure midcentury aesthetics often feature harsher lines and materials than Otisteam envisioned. To up the luxe factor a bit, the finished space also incorporates nods to more contemporary colors and textures, headlined by plush velvet upholstery, nickel crevice siding, and a collection of contemporary art. I am.
“[The goal was]to be timeless rather than bound by time,” Humpert says. “We wanted the living room extension to feel like a collection, so we kept it mid-century in mind, but elevated it to make it relevant for modern times.”
community gem
The concept of a unified “living room” that is one of gathering and collaboration extends to Otis’ public spaces, which are open to both guests and community members.
First, there is a retail area that can be accessed from the main lobby of the lodge. Here, guests and community members can read or work at Otis Café while sipping La Colombe coffee or espresso with local pastries. Birchwood General Store, located opposite the entrance, has everything from a selection of souvenirs with a focus on vintage barware, to grab-and-go snacks and drinks, a selection of books and outdoor gear. .
Beyond the lobby is a fireplace lounge that has the feel of a study and a stylish hangout. The restaurant’s leather-touch marble bar offers a variety of craft cocktails (don’t miss the signature Otis Fashioned), as well as a menu of small plates and other light bites. “As soon as you walk in, you feel a sense of peace and comfort,” Humpert added.
Outdoor common spaces include a landscaped courtyard with seating and fire pits, and a 2,500-square-foot ash deck surrounding the hotel’s entrance, where guests can sip cocktails while relaxing on midcentury Russell Woodard furniture. You can enjoy appetizers while you eat. .
During that first summer, Humpert said there was almost no empty seating on the patio. It was a pleasant surprise for Otis’ crew. For Otis’ crew, there was no precedent for how a front-facing addition like a deck would be constructed. Indeed, many of the hotel’s services, particularly on-site dining and liquor licenses, were initially challenged because there was no historical blueprint for the most likely successful options.
“We opened with an entirely new offering that goes beyond hotel rooms,” Humpert explains. “So it feels like we’re in the middle of rewriting a new history for this facility.”
busy future
What about the next six months of its history? The Otis team is just getting started.
Learning difficulties aside, Humpert emphasizes local collaboration, with the hotel offering this winter alongside on-property services such as wine tastings, guides to area landmarks, and other Mitten-centric services. , we plan to highlight this with our Nobu ski resort packages.
What lies ahead, Humpert said, is an expansion focused on adding amenities in response to local demand. Plans here include the development of a renovated pool and a full-scale kitchen for food service and prix-fixe functions. A small gym and steam room are also included in the plans (and perhaps an accompanying membership), as well as additional space to host parties and other private events.
“We care about our community and are committed to supporting others who love Northern Michigan,” Humpert concluded. “We are committed to this curated offering to guide our guests and keep them aware of everything this area has to offer.”
Otis Harbor Springs is located at 7291 S. Lakeshore Dr. in Harbor Springs. (231) 270-6090. otisharborsprings.com
