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Waterfront Marriott to Break Ground in Muskegon’s Harbor 31 Development

MUSKEGON, Michigan — Great Lakes Capital, in partnership with Schahet Hotel, Wolverine Construction and Henrickson Architecture, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Element by Marriott hotel in Muskegon, Michigan, marking a major milestone in the continued transformation of the city’s lakefront.

The five-story, 136-key extended-stay hotel will be located within the Harbor 31 master-planned community, a 31-acre mixed-use development along the shores of Muskegon Lake. Designed to serve both visitors and the local community, the project introduces a new level of hospitality offering to a market with limited comparable accommodations.

“This project fills a clear gap in the Muskegon market,” said Kristen Sawdon, managing director and principal with Great Lakes Capital. “We’re delivering a best-in-class hospitality asset that not only attracts out-of-town visitors but also creates a destination for the local community.”

The Element by Marriott brand will anchor the development. The hotel will feature a highly curated indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant concept that goes beyond typical Element offerings, intentionally designed to draw both guests and residents year-round.

Amenities will include 136 guest rooms, flexible meeting and event space, an indoor pool and fitness facilities, and a signature indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant experience.

The hotel’s location provides guests walkable access to Muskegon Lake, downtown and the waterfront.

The development is being delivered through a strategic public-private partnership, with financial support from both the State of Michigan and the City of Muskegon. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to economic growth, tourism expansion, and long-term community investment. Construction began in April with completion anticipated in mid-2027.

For more information, please visit greatlakescapital.com.