The Pete Marquette Railroad established extensive operations in New Buffalo, MI in the early 20th century including new tracks, coaling stations and a round house.  As part of this development in 1921, the railroad constructed a 56 room hotel to serve passengers and railroad employees.  This hotel was associated closely with the railroad yard, which was a major stop on the Pete Marquette mainline west line, providing lodging and amenities for passengers and staff.

     The hotel contributed to New Buffalo’s growth as a rail hub and complemented the town’s broader transformation as a lake resort.  While the surrounding area had earlier resort hotels and summer camps dating to  1893 and the late 19th century, the Pete Marquette Hotel was uniquely tied to railroad operations and designed to accommodate the increasing number of travelers during the railroad boom. The hotel’s construction coincided with other railroad improvements, such as engine facilities and coaling stations, marking 1921 as a pivotal year in New Buffalos railroad linked development.

     Architecturally, the building is rectangular with brick construction. Its design emphasized stability and durability.

     The Pere.Marquette Hotel in New Buffalo , Michigan was built in 1893 by termed and entrepreneur Isaac O. Smith to accommodate travelers heading to the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago

     The upper floor closed years ago.  The lower level of the building continued to serve rail road related functions. It has integrated into the New Buffalo Railroad Museum

    The Hotel Rio (often.called.The Rio on the Beach ) was a landmark restaurant and hotel built on the sand dunes of New Buffalo, Michigan, around 1930.  Local.lore suggests parts of the structure originated from.the 1893 Chicago.World’s Fair.before being moved to the New Buffalo Shoreline.

Origins and Operations

   Establishment:  Built.on the dunes and current beach park.area in.1930, operating as popular gathering spot and resort destination.

     Community. Hub:served as a local touchpoint , including hosting the initial 1956 meeting that established the New Buffalo Yacht Club

   Tourism and local sign fiance

The Rio contributed to New Buffalo ‘ transformation from a small railroad town into vacation destination. 

     The Hotel operated for at least 25 years before closing.

     The Engineer Castle was built in 1937 by the WPA.  It is a literal stone castle. It was designed as a scaled replica of the official insignia of the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers.

     Architecture

    It features prominent limestone battlements, parapet walls and medieval style turrets.  It underwent full historic preservation and restoration that was completed in 2019
     What’s inside

Today the climate controlled interior serves as an educational exhibit housing small mammals and reptIles, including fennec foxes and cold blooded species.

     It was listed.on.the National Register of Historic Places in 1991

     Harbert Community Park is a highly rated , family friendly park located in Sawyer, Michigan.  It offers a a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, updated amenities, and dedicated spaces for children and pets

Park Highlights and Activities

     Playgrounds: Separate play structures for toddlers and older children featuring  swings and slides

    Sports Facilities: Includes a baseball field, a sand volleyball court, and a wInter skating rink

     Fishing and Scenery: A beautiful central pond featuring a water fountain  and surrounding walking paths

     Dog Park: A fully fenced in dog run area (requires a local permit and current rabies vaccinations)

     Picnic and Gathering : Screened gazebo , a modern pavilion, public rest rooms and picnic tables with two barbecue grill areas

     Accessibility: Wheel chair entrance , parking lot, seating, and restrooms

Stetson Mansion

This is a commercial building located at 110 N. Whittaker New Buffalo, MI. It was built in 1880. It features a Late 19th.century Vernacular Commercial architectural style.

Key Architectural Elements

     Brick Facade Built originally with traditional red brick masonry.

     Commercial Storefront

Traditional large display windows designed to attract passing pedestrian, paired with an integral street level entrance

        Vintage Coastal  The exterior has been updated with modern aesthetic touches such as classic painted awnings and minimalist custom signage to match its current identify within the Mercantile Collective..

    Prior businesses at this site include

Third Coast Surf Shop.  A surf and swimwear retail store catering to locals and visitors, offering sand board rentals and beach apparel

     Sailors Wife another retail establishment at the same address, likely focused on apparel or speciality items.

     Elmer’s, Inc. A registered business entity associated with 110 N. Whittaker St. Filed in 1989. Current status Automatic Dissolution

Current Businesses

     Eastern Standard Time premium casual retail store offering graphic driven apparel, sweat shirts, hats, curated life style items and home goods tailored around Great Lakes and shoreline life.

    110 C Cool Pepper. A specialized boutiaue/food establishment

    This building was built in 1950.  It is a 2 story commercial brick structure. It is 4,448 square feet. It is mid century commercial or industrial style. This is characterzed by functional boxy forms,flat or low pitchy roof, use of modern materials ie steel, glass, and or concrete, straight lines and geometric shapes, large windows or storefronts to maximize light and visibility.

     Current owner owned by Standard 1208 , LlC since 6/2022

     Previous ownership before that.It was owned by.a company from November, 2010 to June, 2022

    Earlier private owner ship. The.property changed hands multiple times between 1996 to 2008