In 1848, just a few years after Frankenmuth was founded, the Hubinger brothers built a flour mill on the banks of the Cass River, an energetic waterway. The mill was torn down in the 1950s and 30 years later, a replica was built in its spot. Once it closed, after several ownership changes and concepts, the facility sat empty for years, until the Zehnder family purchased it in 2022. No, it wouldn’t be another haven for chicken dinner lovers, but rather, upscale lodging — something the town could certainly use.
The Mill at Zehnder Park, a 13,700-square-foot boutique hotel, with four individually curated large suites overlooking the picturesque Cass River, is slated to open for bookings in early 2026.
“We were proud to acquire the property and very early on we sensed it would be cool to turn it into a small boutique hotel,” said Al Zehnder, CEO of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, at the media sneak peek of the hotel, located at 701 Mill St., on May 8.
“I remember my dad regretting the day when the original mill was torn down, but it was deemed obsolete,” he added, while toasting its new life in the hotel’s under-construction Landmark Lounge. The lower-level 1680-square-foot lounge will serve small bites and crafted cocktails using premium spirits from partner Ironfish Distillery Whiskey, made from grain grown on its Thompsonville property and nearby farms.
The inn is adorned with restored mill equipment placed in various spots, a large water wheel near the back deck, and an overall rustic vibe that flows from the welcoming lobby straight to the Landmark Lounge, which will be open to the public.
While the renovation team and the Zehnder family are preserving the mill’s heritage, they’re also bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic property, which is anticipated to attract guests celebrating family weddings, reunions, or smaller groups who just want to stay amid Frankenmuth’s fascinating history.
The property was taken down to the studs and added on to. “There are 18 types of stone, 24 types of tile, and 22 wallpapers in the facility,” said Ron Ross, Zehnder’s director of engineering and general contractor for this project. Four different types of custom-made paneling will also enhance the facility.
A palette of tans, grays, and blacks, with hints of rich blues, will adorn the suites, while huge windows offer guests bucolic river views and glimpses of the massive, restored mill wheel. All the suites have kitchenettes, and there is an ADA-compliant 900- square-foot suite on the main floor.
Overseeing much of the renovation under the overarching umbrella of dad/uncle Al Zehnder are several Zehnder siblings and cousins — the fourth generation of the renowned Frankenmuth family famous for its chicken dinners at the nearby Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth.
One of those Zehnder family members is Olivia Shelton, sales manager. She notes that the outdoor water wheel once powered the machinery that turned mill grain into flour. “It’s made of handcrafted Southern pine and will have a lot of visual impact.”
The mill vibe continues with various vintage pieces placed around the inn, including a huge flour filter.
Indeed, a sense of heritage and history seeps through the facility. “It’s fascinating that we’re in a spot where everything was driven by waterpower,” Al Zehnder said. Contemplating the new hotel’s transformation, he adds, “We’ve kind of become self-appointed historians.”
Learn more at themillatzehnderpark.com.
Images of The Mill at Zehnder Park
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