Union Pier Inn on market for $2.5M
(Crain's) — The legendary Inn at Union Pier in Michigan's Harbor Country is on the market for $2.5 million.
The hotel, on a beachside site just steps from Lake Michigan, is being sold by Bill and Joyce Jann, who have owned the three-building property for nearly 10 years.
The Janns have been in the hospitality business for 20 years, first owning a bed and breakfast in Saugatuck, Mich., before purchasing the Harbor Country inn in 2000. "Our plan was that we would retire into this," Mr. Jann said. But they're stepping away from the business, he said, to give their full attention to treating Ms. Jann's cancer.
The Inn at Union Pier is known for its proximity to the lake; its quiet, adults-only atmosphere, and a collection of working antique ceramic fireplaces from Sweden.
When it was built in the 1920s, the inn was a summer destination for families, with 39 guest rooms, one bathroom and one outdoor shower. It was remodeled in the 1960s to 16 rooms with all the modern conveniences, including central air and heat — and bathrooms for each room.
When the Janns took it over, they made it a quiet escape for adults — mostly couples — looking for a summer getaway and for corporations seeking a weekend retreat during the off-season.
About 90% of the inn's clientele come from Chicago. It's also been host to a few movie stars and professional baseball players.
"It's not your typical meeting location," says Howard Hildebrandt, director of admissions operations at Columbia College Chicago, which has held numerous business retreats at the inn. "It's close, but it seems like you're far away from it all."
Inn at Union Pier will stay in operation while it's being sold, Mr. Jann said.
