Otis Harbor Springs brings first-of-ots-kind luxury to the storied Northern Michigan resort town it calls home

22.05.2024 - 11:55 / traveldailynews.com / Theodore Koumelis

OTIS Harbor Springs is the inaugural σhotel project for Israel Hernandez and Ty Humpert, with Daniel Caudill, former Creative Director of Shinola, tapped to lead brand design.

HARBOR SPRINGS, MI. – In Michigan, going “Up North,” where idyllic small towns are surrounded by the natural beauty and pristine shores of Lake Michigan, is a summer ritual. Those who find themselves on the M-119 scenic route, also known as the famous Tunnel of Trees, emerge in Harbor Springs to find a hidden gem on the bluffs: Otis Harbor Springs, a meticulously restored and reimagined mid-century hotel with history stretching back nearly 100 years. Opening to reservations on May 31, the resort will come to life throughout the month of June, with outdoor-driven programming and cocktail service.

Originally settled by Chicago banker-turned-farmer Joseph E. Otis in the 20th century as the Birchwood Farm Estate, the farm land was transformed by new owners into an executive retreat in 1958, which eventually became the Birchwood Inn. The historic property has received a top-to-bottom renovation led by Israel Hernandez and Ty Humpert, honoring the rustic charm and pride of place, and ushering in a new era of service and design for this mid-century lodge. The team brings a brand-new vision to every inch of the property – from lush, layered interior spaces to the smallest of details, like custom designed furniture and a restoration to a native meadow landscape – creating a high-level hospitality experience not yet seen in the region.

“The original Birchwood Inn once served as the location of my family’s annual Fall road trip up the Tunnel of Trees some 25 years ago,” said Humpert. “We wanted to restore this legacy property and offer future generations of travelers the opportunity to explore this beautiful region, while creating their own lifelong memories.”

Drawing inspiration from the existing mid-century building and the surrounding natural beauty, the design was led by Humpert and Daniel Caudill who, as Creative Director of Shinola, also led the design of Downtown Detroit’s Shinola Hotel. Kenneth Blasingame, whose talents have reached the White House and Camp David, was of counsel in the design of the lobby and the lounge.”

“We wanted to create a space that honors the past and future of this historic land,” said Caudill. “The spirit and visual identity of Otis is grounded in a collection of experiences beginning in the 1950s and spanning to those of our present team, who are all local to the region.”

As guests drive up to the property, they are greeted by the facade of the building – one of the few works of mid-century architecture in Northern Michigan – with original stonework outside and beautiful interior beamwork. Once inside