Ashuttle bus full of revelers rolled up to a new hotel on the splendid, winding M-119 on a beautiful evening, and out poured a group of Bay Harbor-area friends who belong to a dinner club and regularly enjoy restaurants and pubs in northwest Michigan’s Harbor Springs region. On this night, they were in for a treat more astonishing than the tunnel of trees they had just passed through: the warm and inviting Otis!
The iconic Mid-century-style facility has been a part of the Harbor Springs scene since the 1950s, but its history goes back to 1913, when Chicago banker-turned-farmer Joseph E. Otis established the Birchwood Farm Estate. In 1958, the farm’s third owner, Ernest L. Nicolay of the New Era Potato Chip Co., constructed the hotel’s current L-shaped lodge, turning it into an inn. It was sold again in 1962 to an auto executive who renamed it the Birchwood Inn.
Most recently, the hotel (now simply called Otis, after its founder) was transformed into a destination for locals and overnight visitors craving unique design, gourmet-with-a-twist bar fare, and seasonal craft cocktails that inspire patrons to linger. Original wood beams and a wood-burning fireplace add to the dreamy quality.
“We were after authenticity,” says Ty Humpert, one of the owners, who joined a few other entrepreneurs and investors who could see the facility’s potential. Their renovation goal for the hotel, which opened last June, was to “embrace the original Mid-century design and make it feel like a home away from home,” Humpert says.
Humpert, who grew up in Saginaw Township and now lives in Washington, D.C., adds: “I remember coming here and staying at this hotel 25 years ago with my grandparents.” Never did he dream he’d someday help make the Birchwood Inn into what it is today.
Humpert, who is also an artist and oversaw the facility’s look and style, brought various experts to the table. He and his partner, Israel Hernandez, also an owner, have a cottage in Harbor Springs, which made it convenient for them to be hands-on during the redo.
Those who contributed to Otis’ metamorphosis, and all the hotel employees, share a philosophy that its director of food and beverage, Shannon Welsh, coined: “If you do things the right way, then the whole experience of staying or dining here has soul. When a place is lacking soul, it’s something you can feel.”
Upon entry, guests will notice two head-turning paintings by noted Michigan artist Bernard Park, and a gallery wall in the lounge features pieces sourced from Humpert’s travels. Outdoors, stylish black steel tables and chairs (original Russell Woodard/“Sculptura”) make their home on the sprawling deck. Views of a horse farm, matte-black benches and planters, and cinnamon-red shade umbrellas create a serene feel. Overnight guests will discover a variety of layouts in the 31-room facility, from a pass-through style to family suites and smaller spaces.
“The rooms needed functionality and wearability, but they also had to look good and fit the style,” Humpert says. Working closely with Daniel Caudill, who helped launch the Shinola brand in Detroit, Humpert and the team selected textural window shades that open from both the top and bottom, allowing guests to take in pastoral views, while single-ball bubble pendant lighting from Australia adds whimsy. Custom beds and nightstands, plush armchairs, luxurious linens, high-end bath amenities, beamed ceilings, and huge breakfast pastries add to a memorable stay.
The team called on Michael Hsu, of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, to help them reimagine the front lobby and fireplace lounge areas. Landscape architect David Hocker created a lovely layout that balances the hotel’s architecture and site. Rows of purple salvia and fernleaf yarrow, and containers of boxwood and pines, star in the design.
A courtyard behind and between the buildings showcases interesting plant species, over which a sculptural pine tree reigns supreme. The Louis A. Hoffman Nursery Inc. of Harbor Springs also worked with the team and maintains the beautiful grounds, which include a bocce ball court.
If the walls could talk, it’s no doubt plenty of interesting stories would unfold. One woman told Humpert she got engaged in the lounge many decades ago, and “Now she and her husband come here for date night often,” Humpert says. Other locals, like Ron Barry, who lives up the road from Otis, also adore the spot. “We’re so glad it was remodeled,” he says. “The community is so happy.”
More information: otisharborsprings.com
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