The owners of a historic Michigan hotel undergoing reconstruction following a 2022 fire are going to court because a dispute over an 1891 property line is preventing the hotel from reopening.
According the WCRZ.com, the Holly Hotel was among the businesses in Holly, Michigan, that were damaged in a fire two summers ago that started in an adjacent property. Hotel owners George and Chrissy Kutlenios hoped to reopen their venue last Christmas, but the reconstruction of the property has been delayed by Jeremiah Roberts, the new owner of the adjacent Arcade building who claimed the hotel extends a few inches over the property dividing line that was drawn in 1891.
“The new owner claimed we protruded by inches onto his newly acquired property and wanted the entire west wall removed and the west side eaves cut off. Until we did so, he would not allow our crews on his newly purchased lot,” said Krissy Kutlenios. “You cannot imagine how we both feel seeing our building sit, ignored and lifeless, and know the absolute frustration of waiting a year for the courts to sort out this travesty over mere inches.”
The hotel dates to 1863 when a two-story wood building called “The Washington House” was located at the site where the Holly Hotel now stands. Over the years the hotel attracted prominent guests, most notably President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush in 1992.
A court date has been set for Sept. 26 and Krissy Kutlenios added, “It never should have been this way—not for us, Holly, or the stately and resilient Historic Holly Hotel.”
Photo: The Holly Hotel prior to the 2022 fire, courtesy of the hotel
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What a shame! May be they should contact the Bush fam. Im sure they can convince the neighbor to cooperate.
The judge will give the hotel owners a prescriptive easement due to the age of the properties. This is super common in historic areas where the buildings go to the lot lines. The owner of the arcade has no case here and just looks like an ass. It’s a shame they have to go through all of this.
Why can’t the Holly hotel owners claim adverse possession?