MUSKEGON, Mich. — The DeVos and Van Andel families are diving into Muskegon.
The VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Shoreline Inn and Conference Center, Terrace Point Marina, Lake House Waterfront Grille, Walker’s an American Brasserie and the Lake Effect Bistro in Muskegon have all been managed by Parkland Properties.
Parkland just announced that AHC Hospitality, owned by two of Grand Rapids' wealthiest families, will be coming on board to also help manage the portfolio in Muskegon.
“We are excited about the opportunity to add these staple properties to our managed portfolio and to grow our AHC Hospitality brand in the Muskegon market,” said George Aquino, Vice President and Managing Director of AHC Hospitality.
The DeVos and Van Andel famiy-owned AHC Hospitality is the operator of the Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott Grand Rapids, Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, the Ada Hotel (opening 2024), AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown, the DoubleTree Port Huron, Ruth Chris Steak House, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, MDRD, Rendezvous, IDC and Freighters.
“AHC Hospitality is well known and respected for their unique and quality hospitality experiences,” said Rory Charron, Director of Operations and Real Estate for Parkland Properties. “With the growth of our organization in recent years, it made sense for us to collaborate with a proven and leading hospitality management company that could support our team, and continue to implement and expand upon our goals for Muskegon.”
Parkland said there was no sale involved with AHC's management of their portfolio in Muskegon. The undertaking of new projects prompted them to seek a third-party manager to help support their operations, staff say.
Among those new projects, a renovation of the former Shaw Walker Furniture Company and the former paper mill site known as Windward Pointe. Both of those projects are planned to begin in 2024.
“We have a great team that cares about their community. The engagement of AHC Hospitality will allow us to reallocate resources toward our new development projects while at the same time continuing to grow our hospitality footprint in Muskegon," said Charron.
Parkland Properties began operating in Muskegon in 2009 when it acquired the Shoreline Inn and Conference Center. Projects they took on include the renovation and rebranding of the Lake House Waterfront Grille, converting the Holiday Inn Muskegon to a Delta Hotel by Marriott and building the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center.
Both Parkland and AHC said they believe the growth of tourism in Grand Rapids and Muskegon are important drivers in the continued growth of West Michigan. They believe that their collaboration will create long term benefits to the Muskegon and West Michigan region.
“The engagement of AHC Hospitality will bring a new level of expertise and sophistication to Muskegon’s expanding tourism and hospitality sector,” said Bob Lukens, Director of Visit Muskegon, the county’s marketing organization. “Adding Parkland’s lodging and restaurant properties and the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center to AHC Hospitality’s portfolio of managed hospitality assets will aid in Muskegon’s continuing development as a premier lakeshore destination.”
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