What the future for the Landmark Inn looks like

In September, Minneapolis-based Graves Hospitality purchased Marquette's Landmark Inn, an 85-year-old property that has welcomed dozens of distinguished guests and, thanks to its prominent position on a bluff overlooking the Lower Harbor, remains the most imposing structure on the city's skyline.

Former day-to-day owners Christine and Bruce Pesola will retain a financial stake in the hotel, though they won't have any operational control over what happens there, according to Marquette-based reporter Brian Cabell, who first broke news of the ownership change.

Perhaps more importantly to uneasy Marquette residents who fret about the beloved Landmark's fate at the hands of out-of-state owners, the new ownership team has an important local member: Matt Mering, Graves' VP of food, beverage and development, who grew up in Marquette. Though he's now based out of Chicago, Mering visits relatives in Marquette often and has a deep respect for the area's culture and community.

"[The Landmark] is the living room of Marquette. We look at ourselves as long-term stewards" of the property, Mering told U.P. Second Wave shortly after the sale was finalized. The Pesolas wouldn't sell to anyone who didn't show a strong commitment to Marquette's heritage and economy, he says, meaning they ruled out larger hospitality chains that might cut corners with service or make other unwelcome changes.

Mering and the rest of the Graves team do have some ideas for improving the hotel. Few details have been released, but Graves plans on keeping all three of the Landmark's food and beverage outlets--the Northland Pub, Capers Restaurant and the North Star Lounge--open. Joe's Cakes will continue to partner with the hotel as well, and live music will remain an evening fixture.

Northland and North Star will likely remain open "with minor changes" such as menu updates and price changes, says Mering, but Capers could be in for a more thorough overhaul. The upscale establishment, though popular, feels exclusive and out of reach for many middle-class locals and visitors. In September, Graves president (and Mering's boss) Benjamin Graves said, "We look forward to repositioning Capers restaurant into a fun and approachable concept that appeals to both hotel guests and Marquette residents alike."

Changes could include a revamped, more affordable menu, an interior renovation, and a staff shakeup that brings fresh perspective and vision.

Incremental improvements to in-room amenities like cable and Internet access and basic infrastructure upgrades aside, it's unlikely that the hotel's look and feel will change significantly. The Landmark is protected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, limiting the new owners' ability to make structural or decor-related changes. But Graves will continue to look for ways to compete with the Hampton Inn and other new hotels around the area.

There's also no word on smaller, but still important details, like the Landmark's annual New Year's Eve blowout. The free, open-admission party is legendary in the Marquette area, but it's possible that Graves will make efforts to control costs through drink tickets or a door charge. However, the new ownership team will honor all reservations, including banquet rentals and corporate events, made before the transition.

The ownership change is a reminder that the Landmark Inn has seen its share of ups and downs over the years. The Pesolas and minority owners Al Hunter and Bob Cowell bought the then-vacant hotel in the late 1990s, nursing it back from a state of advanced disrepair. It's now the best-known hotel property in Upper Michigan, and a recent Today Show feature cemented its place in hospitality history. With a long-term commitment to the Landmark Inn, Graves Hospitality promises to put a fresh veneer on a true U.P. gem.

Brian Martucci writes about business, finance, food, drink and anything else that catches his fancy. You can find him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci