Today Maggie Kato took us on a virtual tour of the Sleeping Bear Inn in Glen Haven, a historic building Maggie and husband Jeff are in the process of renovating.
After many years with Habitat for Humanity downstate, Maggie and Jeff in 2018 formed a nonprofit known as BEAR (Balancing Environment And Rehabilitation) and undertook the restoration of the historic Sleeping Bear Inn. Originally completed in 1866, the Inn was part of the 13-acre Glen Haven Village Historic District and originally served as a frontier hotel providing shelter to business travelers and rooms to local workers. In 1928 the Inn was enlarged and modernized, the front porch was enclosed and a two-story garage was added. In 1979 Sleeping Bear Inn and Garage were individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In March of 2022 Maggie and Jeff signed a 40-year lease to begin the restoration of the Inn and Garage to their 1928 integrity. Completion of the renovation is slated for 2023. Once completed, the Inn will feature a spacious and functional kitchen and eight restored sleeping rooms with private baths. The original wood floors will be fully restored, and the parlor with 34 fully restored windows and two dining room layouts will be available.
The Inn will remain an inn, and the completion of renovation is anticipated in late 2023. As indicated in the BEAR website, weddings and whole inn rentals for family reunions or milestone birthdays can be booked now for 2024.