The Neighborhood Hotel team delights in the collision between new and old. We love preserving and honoring the history of each hotel’s original building before/after the renovation process. We also appreciate being close to other forms of restoration/preservation taking place in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (near The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach and The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo). One of the best things about our Southwest Michigan locations is how guests are immersed in nature while close to excellent dining and shopping. It truly is a place to escape and connect. Our favorite hikes are throughout Warren Woods and the Indiana Dunes as each hotel is situated within minutes of these natural beauties.
A recent article from the NWI Times shed light on current Northwest Indiana projects that aim to revitalize the area while preserving (ultra important) nature. The following are excerpts from the previously mentioned NWI Times article.
1. The Indiana Dunes National Park is partnering with Decay Devils, a preservationist group that hopes to restore the historic Union Station in Gary, Indiana. “Gary’s Beax-Arts style Union station is located near the edge of the national park and could serve as a “gateway” to the Dunes,” says Indiana Dunes Superintendent, Paul Labovitz. “Gary’s proximity to the Dunes is an “untapped resource” for the city — we’re hoping that the national park can be a part of (Gary’s) rebirth.”
2. Indiana Dunes is also working with the Northwestern Regional Planning Commission on the Marquette Greenway bike trail and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District on the South Shore Line Double Track project. Soon, the Marquette bike trail will run from Calumet Park in Illinois to New Buffalo, Michigan [right down the road from The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo]. 3. Labovitz adds that some of the South Shore train stations will have ramps which will make it easy for riders to bring their bikes. “Hopefully in five years or less, you’ll be able to ride your bike from New Buffalo to Chicago. We hope people don’t just ride through town but that they stop and visit places along the way,” Labovitz said. “We have to get people out of their cars!”
3. The Indiana Dunes’ financial impact on the Region is major. “We are less than 1% the size of Yellowstone, but we get more visitors than Yellowstone,” Labovitz told attendees during a Lake County Advancement Committee luncheon Friday. “It’s not surprising; you can see the third-largest city in the country from the beach.”
4. Labovitz highlights how the Dunes also provide important environmental services such as clean water and oxygen. “We provide a place for you to reset your mental health clock. There’s value to that intrinsically and financially,” Labovitz said. “We’re part of what keeps you healthy here in Northwest Indiana.
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded by travel enthusiasts who enjoy spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchenettes, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel aims to transform old buildings with cool history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh + fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The Neighborhood Hotel serves as a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill.The suites are simple + clean punctuated by accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2025 opening), New Buffalo, MI and Grand Beach, MI.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living, and CN Traveler at the link here: Media
About the Indiana Dunes State Park
[excerpt from: www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/indiana-dunes-state-park/]
Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic, and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists, and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.
Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides a habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.
Visit the beautifully restored Dunes Pavilion to reserve event space, enjoy a meal, visit the rooftop bar and grill, or buy beach supplies, snacks and ice cream. (Hours may vary.)
During the summer, swimming hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
