On Tuesday, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (GTRS) held an unveiling and ribbon cutting for its new-and-improved hotel, which recently underwent an extensive $10.5 million renovation. Per a press release, the project commenced last November and constituted a “total transformation” of the Resort’s original six-story hotel building, including aesthetic updates and new amenities for each room.

Though GTRS is most iconic for its 17-story glass tower, that part of the property didn’t open until 1986, six years after The Resort was first established. When GTRS got its start in 1980, it did so with just the six-story hotel and its 239 rooms.

In renovating the hotel, GTRS increased the guest room count from 239 to 242 – thanks to the addition of two “junior suites.” Other project priorities included updating the interior to bring a “modern, organic, refined feel” to every guest room, as well as to four hospitality suites and to all bathrooms, corridors, and elevators.

“Guest rooms provide visitors with exceptional comfort and quality, plus convenient amenities including refrigerators, tile showers, and expansive storage space,” the press release notes. “Interior finishes provide rich textures, nature-inspired neutral palettes, and inviting warmth.” According to Matthew Bryant, who serves as general manager for GTRS, one big goal was to bring “the beauty of northern Michigan into the rooms while also celebrating our owners, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, with artwork and décor.”

For the renovation, GTRS worked exclusively with Michigan companies, including Bouma Corporation, D&W Mechanical, Denoyer Brothers Moving, Northern Michigan Glass, Windemuller Inc., and TC Millworks.