Client
Ottawa Beach General Store
Location
Holland, MI
When the 90-year-old Ottawa Beach General Store reached the point where it could no longer be salvaged, they hired First Companies to demolish the existing building and construct a new one. The beloved structure had been enjoyed for generations, so the primary goal was to preserve the nostalgic appearance, layout, and flow so customers would feel like they walked into a new version of the old store.
To maintain the look so familiar to its customers, the new building includes skylights, faux wooden beams and columns, repurposed round windows, and some of the original shelving. The old signs were preserved and reused on the new building, and the red colored exterior was maintained. The building incorporates wood framing, a concrete basement, a metal roof, and siding with a wood-grain look that is similar to the original. All materials were carefully selected for their aesthetics and to withstand the elements. One-third of the 3,000 SF store is used to run the ice cream shop, with the general store utilizing the remaining space. After picking up food and/or drinks at the service window, customers can enjoy the spacious outdoor deck with benches and picnic tables.
Given its location near Holland State Park (between two lakes), the water table presented a potential challenge since a basement was needed for storage. Using a Design/Build approach, the team was prepared for a worst-case scenario, but all went according to plan. The biggest challenge was keeping work on track during the winter months when the site was not accessible due to snow. It was essential to have the new Ottawa Beach General Store open by Memorial weekend for the start of the summer season, and this goal was achieved!
“First Companies managed the entire project from the demolition of the old building to the construction of the new store. I absolutely love the Ottawa Beach General Store, and it was affirming to see their team treat this space with as much passion and attention to detail as I do. I appreciated their constant communication, positive attitude, and solutions to make the new space look and feel like the original, resulting in a great experience for our customers. I would recommend First Companies to anyone, hands down.”
– Linda Dykert, Store Manager
