Boutique hotel coming to historic building in Grand Rapids
Photo courtesy of CWD Real Estate Investment
One of downtown Grand Rapids' most historic buildings is entering a new chapter as a destination for travelers and locals alike. CWD Real Estate Investment has partnered with the ownership group behind The Vault Hotel in Houghton, Michigan, to bring The Vault Hotel – Grand Rapids, a 63-room boutique hotel, to the historic Michigan Trust Building at 40 Pearl St. NW.
The project will transform four-and-a-half floors of the landmark building into a design-driven hospitality destination that celebrates the building’s history while introducing new lodging, wellness, dining, and gathering experiences to the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
The hotel will become part of the Michigan Trust Building’s broader mixed-use environment, complementing the commercial tenants that will continue to call 40 Pearl home. Hylant, NPF Financial Advisors and Verspoor Waalkes have all recently made long-term commitments to the building and will remain tenants as the hotel project moves forward.
"This is exactly the type of project we envision for downtown Grand Rapids – taking an incredible historic building and finding a new use that brings more people and energy into the heart of the city," said Sam Cummings, Managing Partner of CWD Real Estate Investment. "The Vault has created something truly special in Houghton, and we're excited to partner with them to bring that same level of creativity, hospitality and attention to detail to 40 Pearl."
The Vault Hotel concept was born from a focus on giving historic architectural landmarks new life through hospitality, blending preservation and storytelling with contemporary design and amenities. Its original property opened in Houghton in 2019 inside the former Houghton National Bank, an 1887 sandstone building in the heart of downtown.
The Grand Rapids property will build on that approach while creating an experience specifically designed around the Michigan Trust Building and downtown Grand Rapids.
“We’ve been acquiring some of Michigan’s most treasured historic buildings because we believe there are incredible stories inside them that deserve to be experienced by a new generation,” said Jen Julien, CEO and Co-founder of The Vault. “Grand Rapids has the architecture, culture, energy, and sense of place that make it a natural fit for The Vault. The Michigan Trust Building gives us an opportunity to create something that could only exist in Grand Rapids.”
Plans currently call for 63 uniquely designed guest rooms along with a fitness and wellness experience, spa, cocktail bar and private gathering space, as well as a distinctive event venue that takes advantage of the building’s historic architecture.
Completed in 1892, the Michigan Trust Building is one of Grand Rapids' most recognizable historic structures. Designed by renowned architect Solon S. Beman, the building has played a prominent role in the city's history for more than 130 years. Theodore Roosevelt delivered a campaign speech at the building in 1900, and future President Gerald R. Ford began his law career on its fourth floor.
CWD has previously restored the property while preserving its historic architecture and character. The addition of The Vault Hotel continues CWD's broader effort to introduce new uses and investment into historic downtown properties.
"Buildings need to continue evolving with the city around them," Cummings added. "With the recent long-term commitments of commercial tenants Hylant, NPF Financial Advisors and Verspoor Waalkes, the Michigan Trust Building becomes a truly vibrant, 24-hour addition to the block. Adding a fully amenitized hotel to the building makes it a remarkable destination that will be unlike anything else in West Michigan. We are excited to be working with the Juliens. Their passion for place and dedication to the communities in which they work align perfectly with our values and goals."
The partners recently finalized their agreement and are now moving forward with design and planning. Construction is currently targeted to begin in 2027. The hotel is anticipated to open in 2028.
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