Resort Revamp

By Ron Garbinski

see improved. Our goal with these renovations was to keep the authenticity of this historic structure and to focus on what it feels like to be on Mackinac Island. They told us we needed to lighten things up, and they shared comments on how they couldn’t see the water.”

Ware says the renovations were a labor of love. “We lightened the restaurant walls with fresh paint colors and furniture fabrics, to reflect the colors of the lake and the flowers outside. All the original wood beams were untouched. We took out the big stone fireplace because it wasn’t necessary — basically, that space was used as a service area for waitstaff. Guests now can see the water from the lobby and the dining room. The redesigned bar is larger, with new seating, which we doubled. It’s one big, round circle in the same location, so you’ll still have all your favorite views.”

The dining area was updated with custom-made chairs, new booths, flooring, windows, patio doors, and an energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

A big plus is the opportunity for al fresco dining. A heated pergola system with louvers and screens that can detect rain over the patio will allow guests to remain on the deck when the weather changes. “It’s so sophisticated,” Ware says. “The patio is a great place to enjoy our farmto-ferry dining and be outside all the time. We can turn on the night lights, which can change colors, (and turn on the) fans or heaters, even in the summer.”

The vaulted, rotunda-style log truss teepee lobby also underwent big changes. New blue carpeting and white paint tones, reflecting the floral colors outside, help brighten the entire area. The front desk was pulled out into the main space and was remade with rocks and stones from the island to match those found at Fort Mackinac, Ste. Anne’s Cemetery, and the island bluffs. Wooden planks found on the property, remnants of old bleachers, and 18 chairs from the original 1950s-era lobby were refurbished to use in the redesign.

The bell station was moved into a pavilion outside the lobby, freeing up more space inside, and the outdated library was painted and recarpeted to reflect a modern feel. All the books and cases remain.

“The huge custom-made rug, its inlays, new windows, HVAC in the lobby, comfortable new furniture, and more make this Mackinac Island’s newest living room,” Ware says. “It’s a fun, relaxed space to greet friends and family, play cards, sit by the fireplace with a glass of wine, or just hang out.

“Since purchasing the resort, we’ve put some $18 million into renovations, and we’ll continue to renovate our public spaces. Our huge fine arts building, for example, is underutilized, so there are lots of opportunities to grow and build there, and we’re continuing to make our food and beverage operations even more outstanding. Another project we completed over the winter was installing new carpeting in our biggest ballroom (the Sound Stage), which took it from dark and old to bright and beautiful. You’ll be blown away with it now. Our sales team was very happy with that one,” Ware says.

Progressive AE of Grand Rapids handled the architectural and engineering duties, while its design team assisted Ware, who served as the project lead, and Ware’s staff with integrating Mission Point’s brand guidelines and color palettes.

“It’s so important for us to do what our guests wanted, to elevate our facilities and remain authentic to Mackinac Island. I think this will be such an exciting season with all we’ve done. We’re becoming more in the public eye, and our team (roughly 290-320 summer employees) is really excited about that,” she concludes.

& LIE LER

“We pride ourselves in creating architecturally significant features within each space of a home. Often times, it is the windows or doors that create and highlight our design intent. Old Mission Windows has become a valued partner by providing the products, experience, and flexibility to allow our designs to become a reality. It is comforting to know we can trust in Old Mission windows to help bring our design to life.”

-Nicholas White Architect/President