Muskegon landmark to become boutique hotel

A downtown Muskegon landmark will be turned into a destination that will give people one more reason to stay in the Lakeshore community.

The historic Hackley Administration Building will undergo a transformation into a one-of-a-kind 45-room boutique hotel, aptly named the Hackley Castle Inn and Suites. 

The Hackley Castle will blend the building’s storied past and historic architecture with contemporary luxury, offering a unique stay in the heart of downtown Muskegon.
 
Built in the 1890s with a gift from philanthropist Charles Hackley, the 55,000-square-foot sandstone building has stood as a testament to Muskegon’s rich history and architectural heritage. It originally served as the Hackley Manual Training School — the first vocational high school in Michigan — and most recently housed the Muskegon Public Schools’ administrative offices.
 
Owners already active in community

The estimated $11.5 million project will be undertaken by the WheelFish Group (WFG), a Muskegon-based an investment management and philanthropic office of Brad and Kathleen Playford. The school was acquired in 2021 by Reset Ventures, the private foundation of WFG, for $1. 

Formed in 2021, WFG has provided significant support to several Muskegon-based organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, the Muskegon Museum of Art, the Frauenthal Center, the West Michigan Symphony, Trinity Health Muskegon, the Lakeshore Museum Center, and the Muskegon Public Art Initiative.  
Courtesy of WheelFish GroupThe historic Hackley Administration Building will undergo a transformation into a one-of-a-kind 45-room boutique hotel, aptly named the Hackley Castle Inn and Suites.
WFG is also supporting several economic investments in the area, including the Muskegon Growth Collaborative, the 89-site Atwater Springs condominium development, the development of Muskegon Midtown Center, the redevelopment of the former Nims School building, and the construction of more than 100 affordable housing units.

“The transformation of the Hackley Administration Building into the Hackley Castle Inn and Suites is a celebration of Muskegon’s history and a bold step towards enhancing the city’s hospitality offerings,” says Frank Peterson, vice president of operations with the WheelFish Group. He will oversee the project. 

“We are committed to preserving the historical integrity of this iconic building while infusing it with contemporary comfort and style.”

Blending old and new

The redevelopment project will restore many of the building’s original architectural features, including its distinctive façade and ornate interior details. 

Its rooms will accommodate a diverse range of travelers, including business travelers, couples, wedding parties, and families/groups of up to eight people.

Guests will be able to choose between traditional modern rooms and fully immersive rooms that allow guests to step back in time to experience the luxury of early 20^th century Muskegon.

Courtesy of WheelFish GroupBuilt in the 1890s with a gift from philanthropist Charles Hackley, the 55,000-square-foot sandstone building has stood as a testament to Muskegon’s rich history and architectural heritage.

“We’re excited to bring another unique lodging experience to downtown Muskegon.  The Hackley Castle will complement our county’s existing hotels and short-term rental facilities,” says Bob Lukens, director of Visit Muskegon, the county’s convention and visitors bureau. “Muskegon is a premier summer destination for families, and the larger room offerings will help us better serve the travel needs of visiting families.”
 
The Hackley Castle Inn and Suites will feature an on-site gallery of historical exhibits related to the Hackley family and Muskegon’s heritage.  It is located just a short walk from several cultural amenities, including Hackley Park, the Hackley Public Library, the Muskegon Museum of Art, the Lakeshore Museum Center, the Heritage Museum, and dozens of pieces of public art. 
 
The Hackley Castle Inn and Suites is scheduled to open its doors in the fall of 2025.