A Luxury Overhaul for Otis Hotel

Situation

Heading “up north” is a tradition for Michiganders. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, or relaxing by the lakeside, there's always a bustle of visitors through every season. This steady stream of travelers has always needed a place to stay and the team behind the Otis Hotel set out to be just that and more. Their goal was to create a modern retreat that captured the charm of northern Michigan. Leading the charge were some of the most experienced minds in the interior design industry. As the hotel neared its anticipated grand opening, the team searched for a local partner to help design and craft some of the featured pieces of their guest rooms with a clear vision in mind. As the Otis Hotel team approached us with the idea, our team jumped at the chance to become part of this tribute to Northern Michigan.

Solution

The plan was to reimagine the historic Birchwood Inn with a nostalgic twist, renovating the building top-to-bottom to inject it with a sense of mid-century modern charm. With the project underway, our woodworks team used their vast experience with architectural millwork to handcraft each piece and we worked with their design team every step of the way. We built the beds, tables, retail fixtures, credenzas, a bar and more for each unique space of the hotel. Every element was designed to align with the upscale antique feel that the Otis planned to deliver. Our pieces were coupled with works by local artists, vintage findings, and carefully selected details from Michigan-based craftsmen and makers, creating a cohesive mid-century modern environment with a warm aesthetic.

Impact

The Otis Hotel’s debut quickly made waves, sparking conversation across the region and drawing interest from out-of-state visitors. The space captured a timeless blend of 1950s character and contemporary comfort, grounded in pride of Michigan’s culture and community. Beyond the features that contributed to its early success, the Otis Hotel is still evolving. The team continues to implement amenities as the hotel's lifespan widens, guided by guest feedback and a deep commitment to serving their community. Today, the hotel stands as a heartfelt love letter to northern Michigan, identifying itself as a modern destination with a nostalgic soul built with care from fellow Michiganders.

Check out the Otis Harbor Springs to see our work in action!