Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor gets approval for rooftop patio /  by Tamara Burns

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Pretzel Bell may be elevating its services, literally.

The downtown restaurant received unanimous approval from Ann Arbor’s Historic District Commission on April 11 for a new rooftop patio.

Pretzel Bell, 226 S. Main St., is a reincarnation of the original restaurant that opened in 1934 and has become known as a place to enjoy comfort food with a side of University of Michigan nostalgia.

Plans for the rooftop expansion include dozens of tables, a kitchen/bar addition, bathrooms, two new stair enclosures and four-foot-deep planters with guard rails around the edge of the building.

“The idea of the rooftop patio is very compelling in this location,” said David Rochlen, chair of the commission. “I think it’s just a great idea and the execution of the design shows a thorough knowledge of the HDC standards.”

Check out the renderings.

The application shared some history about the building, including that it was built as a three-story Italianate commercial building in 1860 and was occupied by the Mack and Co. department store.

Eventually a fire damaged the building in 1899, causing it to become a single story. Since then, there have been a handful of businesses that have been in the space.

HopkinsBurns Design Studio is the architect group behind the design plans and was enlisted to keep some of the historical integrity of the area with the addition.

“Our goal was to obviously be historically appropriate in the downtown historic district (and) minimize any negative impact but yet utilize a wonderful outdoor, urban space for the public to enjoy,” Principal and Co-Founder of HopkinsBurns Design Studio Eugene Hopkins said at the meeting.

Although the plans have received approval, Jon Carlson, one of the owners behind Pretzel Bell, said there isn’t much else to share at this time.

“(There’s) lots of excitement on our side but a lot more to figure out. We are cautiously optimistic on the future construction of this project,” he wrote in an email to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. “It is a wonderful corner with views in all directions (and it’s) pretty neat to see the Michigan Theater and the Big House at the same time.”

It would join other Main Street businesses, including Jolly Pumpkin and Palio, with rooftop patios that are popular dining and drinking destinations in the summertime.

South County News: More downtown Vicksburg restoration to begin /  by Tamara Burns

Vicksburg native Chris Moore, responsible for a multi-million-dollar restoration of the former Lee paper mill, is restoring three adjoining buildings on Vicksburg’s Main Street.

Construction crews are expected to begin the work at 106, 108 and 110 South Main in coming weeks. Exterior renovation will last through the summer. Interior renovations will continue over the next 12 to 24 months.

Vicksburg-based Frederick Construction serves as general contractor. HopkinsBurns Design Studio of Ann Arbor serves as the historic architect. Both are longtime collaborators with Moore. Eckert Wordell of Kalamazoo serves as the architect for interior renovations.

In 2022, Moore and his local staff collaborated with the village and historical consultant Cheri Szcodronski to place hundreds of commercial and residential properties on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation allows downtown developers to pursue tax credits for their projects.

Restoration of the three buildings follows Moore’s most recent endeavor to fully restore nearby buildings on Prairie Street into the popular Mackenzies Bakery and Prairie Ronde Artist Residency. These buildings have been designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

Moore is proud of the National Register designation. In the 1980s, his mother, the late Sue Moore, owned a nearby building that was eventually sold and torn down to make room for a parking lot. Witnessing the loss of a historically significant building inspired Moore to save as many buildings as possible.

“I strongly believe that small towns are going to rebound and be highly desired places to live and socialize in the future,” said Chris Moore. “A strong factor in bringing business and people back to ‘Main Street’ will be the charm and aesthetic appeal that historic buildings in small towns offer, compared to the cookie-cutter, generic atmosphere of suburban retail areas.”

Read more!

Grand Hotel Wins 2024 Build Michigan Award /  by Tamara Burns

The renovation and restoration of the Grand Hotel Façade, Jockey Club, and Woods Restaurant has been awarded a 2024 Associated General Contractors (AGC) Build Michigan Award. The Spence Brothers project team was thrilled to attend the AGC Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony on February 23, 2024, alongside owners, architects, and other industry colleagues to celebrate this achievement.

Spence Brothers served as Construction Manager to complete the project on behalf of the Grand Hotel, with partners from HopkinsBurns Design Studio. Notable subcontractors include Murray Painting Company, Johnson & Wood, The Lumber Shed, Absolute Building Solutions, Northern Power Electric, Belonga Excavating, and G&J Site Solutions.

Build Michigan Awards

According to the AGC, “the Build Michigan Award was established in 1995 by the Professional Service Provider Member Council of the AGC of Michigan as a way to recognize the excellence of an entire project team.” A panel of judges consider awards fo​r new construction and renovation work in the following areas: Building Construction $10 Million and Over, Building Construction $10 Million or Less, Federal and Heavy Construction, Construction Management, Design-Build, and Environmental.

Grand Hotel Façade, Jockey Club, and Woods Restaurant Renovation and Restoration Project Summary

Located in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a well-known and famous tourist attraction. Named the 2023 USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Best Summer Travel Destination and 2022 Travel + Leisure Best Island in the Continental U.S., this island has cultivated an image of “standing still in time.” On the island is the iconic Grand Hotel, one of the last surviving Grand Dames of the Gilded Age, best known for its distinctive Victorian architecture. This hotel is an essential part of the island’s historic identity. Originally constructed in 1887, the hotel beckons its guests to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm. During this project, Spence Brothers aimed to restore and preserve the National Landmark and top resort in the Midwest, successfully delivering an award-worthy feat.

Façade and Porch Restoration

Exterior improvements took place to the hotel’s iconic porches, balconies, and façade. Work included new siding, window restoration, replacement of lobby and parlor level awnings, and reconstruction of the historic porte cochere. While maintaining accurate historical building practices the historic facility renovations and restorations were accomplished within a strict timeline to meet the seasonal tourist demands of the hotel and the island itself.

Woods Restaurant Renovation

In an effort to preserve and enhance the facility’s historic Bavarian charm for years to come, work included the replacement and expansion of the existing exterior dining deck, as well as the construction of a new, canopied timber pavilion area. The interior experienced minor renovations, including new finishes and expanding ADA-compliant restrooms. The main dining room retained its existing Bavarian theme with a new furniture refresh, but The Chalet, the Trophy Room, and Bobby’s Bar received extensive renovations. The renovations feature new indoor and outdoor dining areas, including additional deck seating, a covered pavilion with a firepit, and a partial glass roof.

Jockey Club Renovation

A multi-year winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, work at this casual restaurant included the addition of a new steel-framed canopy pavilion, with site modifications to the existing terrace, as well as remodeling to the interior bar area within the historic restaurant. This revamping also included the addition of ADA-compliant restrooms with exterior access. A new open-air pavilion replaced the former tent and now offers more seating and expanded alfresco dining options. A new lantern lounge at the terrace entrance accommodates the outdoor dining seating and features a tree covered in overhead lanterns, creating a captivating, suspended glow.

As a member of the Historic Hotels of America since 2001, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is a source of nostalgia for many. Its continued operation and commitment to historical preservation allows visitors to experience a moment of the past for many years to come. Spence Brothers is proud to partner with the iconic property to maintain and restore, while meticulously preserving its historic character for all to appreciate when visiting this award-winning vacation destination.

Planning Commission Approves Conversion of Carrousel Mall to Grand Hotel Arcade /  by Tamara Burns

Plans to turn the Carrousel Shops building on Market Street into a single purpose arcade were submitted to the Mackinac Island Planning Commission for review during their meeting Tuesday, April 11. The property is owned by BSI Carousel Holdings and is operated by KSL Capital Partners LLC (KSL), who also operate Grand Hotel and The Gate House.

Architect Tamara Burns of HopkinsBurns Design Studio presented the plans to the commission, stating that their goal was to keep the outside of the building as similar to the current façade as possible. The building is a non-contributing property in the Market and Main Historic District, but Ms. Burns recognized that it is a familiar sight on the street. To create the arcade, the five shops within the mall and the open-air walkwy will be combined into one space.

The use of the space came into question during Ms. Burns’ presentation, as the plans mention a bar as part of the intended use of the space. Commissioner Trish Martin noted that, traditionally, restaurants and bars have not been permitted on Market Street. Commissioner Jim Pettit pointed out that the city does allow bar and restaurant use on Market Street, but Ms. Martin was hesitant to agree. The commission determined that the zoning ordinance does, in fact, allow for commercial use, including restaurants. David Jurcak, president of operations at Grand Hotel, told the commission the arcade will not be equipped to prepare or serve food or drinks, but such service may be added in the future.

Mr. Pettit noted that if the space were to be used as such, additional considerations would have to be examined, including where trash would be disposed and how much seating could be provided.

Read the full article here.

Lantern Lounge, Glow Golf: What’s new at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel for 2023 /  by Tamara Burns

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel has an expansive list of new looks, new restaurant spaces to enjoy and new shopping and activity options as the landmark resort opens for its 137th season.

There’s a little something for everyone: History and architectural buffs will love that the resort’s team has kicked off a five-year plan to restore some original hotel design details. We’re betting outdoor fans will be intrigued by the new Glow Golf at the Woodlands Activity Center’s miniature golf course. And foodies are probably going to make a beeline for the new Detroit-style Mackinac Island Pizza Company. And night owls? The new Lantern Lounge just might be your favorite evening hangout.

Read more!

AIA Huron Valley 2023 Award Winner /  by Tamara Burns

HopkinsBurns Design Studio is happy to announce we are a recipient of a 2023 AIA Huron Valley Award for Historic Preservation for the Michigan State University’s Cowles House.

Cowles House is Michigan State University’s oldest standing building. Built in 1857, two years after the institution’s founding, it served as a faculty residence, official president’s residence, and a hub for student life and interaction with faculty.

By the 1900s the house transitioned to administrative use, which continued until 1941, when President John Hannah designated it once again as the official residence of the president, and implemented a major renovation, completed in 1949 by Architect Ralph R. Calder.

The Midcentury Modern movement was then in full bloom, with Michigan at its center. Not surprisingly, the renovation reflected the influence of what has come to be known as “Michigan Modern” design, transforming the house into a mix of historic Italianate and carefully executed modern styles.

In 2017, the University undertook a rehabilitation of the Cowles House to upgrade it as a first-class event venue. Cowles’ enduring history on the campus led the design team to treat the project as an historic rehabilitation, addressing programmatic and functional needs, while also celebrating the house’s connection to the “Michigan Modern” movement.

The rehabilitation of Cowles House preserves and revitalizes a building that has served and evolved with Michigan State University since its birth. After decades of changes, it is once again an elegant venue for important events as the official residence of the university president, a welcoming setting to receive distinguished visitors, and a place where the university community gathers to celebrate student, faculty, and staff accomplishments. The rehabilitated Cowles House connects with and celebrates its past, and with modern upgrades, looks to the future–and another 160 years of relevance.

View this award (and other winners) here.

Grand Hotel Opens New Activity Center /  by Tamara Burns

The Woodlands Activity Center has opened to the public, the newest addition to the amenities offered at Grand Hotel. The area features a new greenhouse, bicycle rental pavilion, and miniature golf course.

The activity center project was delayed by weather and supply chain issues, Grand Hotel President of Operations David Jurcak said at the ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning, July 20. Grand Hotel had hoped the activity center would be open by Memorial Day. It opened in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

The nine-hole golf course is named The Gem, in reference to Grand Hotel’s 18-hole golf course, The Jewel.

The greenhouse is used for plants used by the grounds crew at Grand Hotel. Eventually, the space will be filled with plants indigenous to Mackinac Island, as well as non-native staples like geraniums and lilacs. Interpretive panels will also be added, explaining the natural history of the Island.

“You’ll be able to see the plants we have in our gardens and the native flora of the Island, and learn about them more in depth,” said Drew Butterfield, the senior director of landscaping. “This will primarily be so people can learn more about the Island.”

A new path will be added next year, connecting the greenhouse to the hotel’s Secret Garden planting in the woods that features a view of the hotel’s cupola.

The greenhouse also features stools made from wooden stumps decorated with wood burnings of Mackinac Island scenes. The stumps were created by artist Erynn Rice, Mr. Butterfield’s sister who lives in Ohio and visits the Island many times a summer.

Next year, the activity center will continue to grow, Mr. Jurcak said, with the addition of the Cedar Grove Bike Track. The bike track will be a molded mountain bike trail intended for older children and teenagers.

The tennis courts were also improved this summer, and two were converted to pickle ball courts. Four more pickle ball courts will be added in the future.

Read the full article here.





Climate change threatens Michigan’s Fishtown and its historic shanties /  by Tamara Burns

Preservationists in a tiny lakeside community in Michigan are using new approaches to fight the threat of flooding caused by climate change. While the fishing industry has struggled in the region, saving the historic buildings in Fishtown is critical to the region’s local economy. Hari Sreenivasan reports as part of our ongoing series ‘Peril & Promise: The Challenge of Climate Change.’. The story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center. Watch/read more on PBS.