Harbor Grand Hotel
New Buffalo, MI
The Harbor Grand Hotel originally opened as a Chipman Design Architecture project in the 1990s, establishing a strong connection between the firm and the property. After the building was struck by lightning in 2019, resulting in extensive water damage that required a full interior and exterior renovation, Chipman Design Architecture was brought back to support the restoration, leveraging its familiarity with the building and the surrounding Southwestern Michigan context.
Working in collaboration with interior design firm Curioso, CDA approached the project with the goal of restoring the hotel while advancing the original design intent. The property’s Craftsman-style architecture served as the foundation, with updated finishes and details that reinforce its character while supporting modern hospitality expectations.
The renovation required a careful and responsive process, addressing both the complexities of rebuilding after a natural disaster and the challenges inherent in renovating an older structure. Close coordination between teams ensured that new interventions aligned seamlessly with the existing building, allowing the design to evolve without losing continuity.
