manistee historic boutique hotel

Reed Walker Design Collective developed the interior design concept and is leading the historic tax credit process for the adaptive reuse of the Manistee County Savings Bank into a boutique hotel in downtown Manistee, Michigan. Located at 375 River Street, the 1906 Second Renaissance Revival landmark is being reimagined as an elevated hospitality destination rooted in the city’s lumber, salt, maritime, and commercial history.

The design strategy balances historic preservation requirements with modern guest expectations, transforming former offices, lodge rooms, and underutilized upper floors into guest rooms, suites, amenity spaces, and a street-level food and beverage concept. Warm woods, mineral-inspired textures, watery blues, forest greens, brass accents, layered lighting, and curated regional details create a guest experience that feels specific to Manistee rather than generic hospitality design.

By pairing hospitality interiors with preservation strategy, RWDC is helping guide a thoughtful rehabilitation that supports historic tax credit compliance, strengthens the building’s long-term viability, and contributes to downtown revitalization. The project activates one of River Street’s most recognizable historic buildings with lodging, social gathering space, and a stronger connection between visitors, locals, and the surrounding lakeshore community.