Historic Frankenmuth Mill to Become Luxury Boutique Hotel

May 25, 2024

Frankenmuth is one of the top tourism destinations in Michigan. The Zehnder and Bronner families have committed much of their life's work to making Michigan's Little Bavaria what it is today.

Now, the Zehnder family has started another unique project rooted in hospitality and the preservation of Frankenmuth's history.

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Sitting along the Cass River, just across from The Fortress Golf Club, not far from Zehnder's Restaurant is the old Nickless-Hubinger Flour Mill and Store.

The building has sat vacant for the last few years. It was most recently (2018) Lager Mill Beer Store & Brewing Museum.

Considering the flour mill was constructed shortly after Frankenmuth was established in 1846, you can imagine it needs lots of TLC.

Since 2019 the building has been vacant, notice (below) the Lager Mill sign was removed.

That's a good number of weeds and moss growing on the roof in just one year. By 2023 vines are growing up the side of the building and the roof looks like it needs attention.

Zehnder's CEO, Al Zehnder, told WNEM TV-5, they're starting work on the structure's roof now. Eventually it will be four luxury suites with views of the Cass River.

Zehnder said the building was full of old milling equipment which has been moved to storage and will be incorporate into the building to "tell the story of the milling history" of Frankenmuth.

There isn't an official timeline for completion on this project, at this time. We'll update down the road as construction progresses.

Considering Frankenmuth is a top 50 family vacation destination in the country and has Michigan's Best Small-Town Restaurant, they can always use the hotel space.