In the spring of 1994, members of Houghton College’s business faculty learned the college was preparing to build a motel at the entrance to the college campus. Four local entrepreneurs proposed that the college instead allow them to develop their own plans and build it privately on land leased from the college.
By July plans were approved, furnishings were ordered, and construction began on one of the first modular-construction hotels in the country. On August 29, fourteen units arrived in Houghton and were lifted into place. Exactly thirty days later, September 29, we welcomed our first guests, members of the James Irving family from New Brunswick, Canada.
While The Inn continues to be owned by what came to be known as The Houghton Development Group, since day one it has been operated by innkeepers, hired to live in The Inn and who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the business.
We’ve been pleased to partner with Charlie and Laura Wilson (1994-1995); Jim and Rochelle Bohm (1995-1999); Andy and Melissa Cahill (1999-2001); Chris and Noelle Winkens (2001-2004); David and Becky Samuels (2004-2006); Reuben and Bridget Samuels (2007-2010); and now Ben and Shannon Kitchen serve as our hosts to guests and passersby in our community.
