MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Hackley Administration Building, which has sat vacant in Muskegon since 2020, will soon be a vacation destination highlighting Muskegon's history.
Construction has already begun to turn the building into a 45-room luxury hotel called the Hackley Castle Inn and Suites.
The Hackley Administration Building was built in the 1890s. The 55,000-square-foot building originally served as a school. The Muskegon Community College operated out of the building at one time, as well as the administration staff for the Muskegon Public Schools District.
Developers plan to keep the Hackley Castle a cultural hub by displaying exhibits and historical artifacts from Muskegon and the Hackley family.
The hotel will offer rooms that appeal to different types of guests and can accommodate groups of up to eight people.
“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 rentals facilities,” said Bob Lukens, director of Visit Muskegon. “Muskegon is a premier summer destination for families, and the larger room offerings will help us better serve the travel needs of visiting families.”
While developers aim to bring modern features to the building, many original features will be restored and preserved. Guests will also have the option to choose between modern or immersive, historical rooms.
“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,” said Vice President of Operations with the WheelFish Group Frank Peterson, who is overseeing the project. “We are committed to preserving the historical integrity of this iconic building while infusing it with contemporary comfort and style.”
Construction began on Aug. 5. Developers are planning to open the hotel in the fall of 2025.
The Historic Hackley Square Facebook page regularly posts photos of the renovations and any discovered artifacts—everything from historic toilet brushes to antique pop cans and writing on chalkboards dating from the 1940s.
To see more updates on the project, check out their Facebook page here.