A historic hotel redevelopment in downtown Fennville is moving into its next construction phase after EV Construction was selected to complete renovation work at the Wine Trail Inn. The project involves restoring the former Stevens Hotel and converting it into a hospitality destination while addressing challenges associated with the existing structure.
The DePrees family is redeveloping the former Stevens Hotel at 312 E. Main Street in Fennville. The completed Wine Trail Inn is planned to include boutique hotel accommodations, with suites and single and double rooms, along with a restaurant, bar, speakeasy and event space.
Work on the property has already included lowering the floor in the lower-level event space and adding an extension at the rear of the building to accommodate functions such as bathrooms and housekeeping.
The redevelopment has faced delays related to severe winter weather, structural conditions involving the building's porch and the transition to a new contractor. EV Construction is now expected to advance the renovation work.
Renovating the historic structure requires a different approach from constructing a new hospitality facility. Existing conditions can become more apparent as work progresses, requiring project teams to coordinate repairs and modifications while preserving the character of the building.
EV Construction expects to begin its work in September and continue through the winter. The contractor's involvement comes as the project moves beyond its original summer opening target.
The ownership group is now looking toward a 2027 opening, although no firm grand-opening date has been established. The project team is continuing work toward completion while accounting for the building's existing conditions.
Once completed, the Wine Trail Inn will add lodging, dining, entertainment and event uses to downtown Fennville. The redevelopment also preserves an existing historic property while adapting it for contemporary hospitality operations.
For contractors and developers working on adaptive-reuse projects, the renovation highlights the additional coordination required when converting older buildings into new commercial uses. Managing unforeseen structural conditions, maintaining historic elements and sequencing work around existing spaces can affect schedules and construction planning.
The Wine Trail Inn project is expected to continue through the winter, with the ownership group targeting completion in 2027.
Source: EV Construction.
