Mold Remediation in Saugatuck, MI

SAUGATUCK, MI -- One Saugatuck mermaid is swimming no more.

Mermaid Waterfront Bar & Grill and neighboring restaurant Baldy’s Smoked Meats, both at 340 Water St., have been sold to a local group of investors.

The restaurants — on the banks of the Kalamazoo River less than a mile from Lake Michigan — have been closed since late 2023.

But new life is coming, as a waterfront dining and cocktail spot called Marker 14 will open in the space, according to a news release from Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty.

The new owners of the property, Boat Shed Properties, LLC, plan to restore the property with “nostalgia and industrial character,” the release said. Plans include full glass doors that open up to the waterfront.

The goal is to open Marker 14 in time for the 2025 tourism season.

Ownership declined to share more on the project at this time when contacted by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.

The LLC acquired the property in December 2024 for $2.4 million, according to Crain’s Grand Rapids. The owners anticipate also opening a second restaurant concept at the spot, per Crain’s.

In years past, the property has had many lives including housing a warehouse, blacksmith shop, boat livery, fruit store and motion theater.

The building, as it stands now, was constructed before 1955 and remodeled in 1998, the release said.

All seats at the Mermaid were outdoors, so it was only open during the summer during nice weather. The restaurant offered a variety of seafood favorites from Alaskan halibut to the Mermaid roll — which was a lobster roll with lobster, crab, shrimp and garlic-herb butter.

The deal was closed by Stephen Phelps, a real estate investor and owner of The Butler at 40 Butler St.; Phil Sauve, owner of Phil’s Bar & Grille at 215 Butler St. and Chad Van Horn, a real estate broker with Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Less than an hour from Grand Rapids near the Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Michigan provides everything residents and visitors need for the perfect small-town experience – in fact, it’s been named the nation’s best weekend escape by USA Today.

With award-winning beaches, unique downtown shops, and access to scenic Lake Michigan dunes, Saugatuck is the type of small town in Michigan that will leave you in awe the first time you visit and keep you coming back.

Getting to Know Saugatuck

Saugatuck – which sits within Saugatuck Township – was originally known as “Kalamazoo Village” when it was settled by William C. Butler in 1830.

The Kalamazoo name was given to its current namesake in 1836, and the village was rechristened Saugatuck – a Native American word said to mean stream outlet — in 1868.

While it originally thrived as a lumber port, Saugatuck (and nearby Douglas) became a thriving art colony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was also the site of the famous Big Pavillion – a popular dance hall that attracted visitors from all over the Midwest for nearly 50 years.

Outdoor Things to Do in Saugatuck

With its proximity to the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan, being outside in Saugatuck just seems natural.

Whether visitors want to explore scenic dunes, take a comfortable boat or kayak ride on the river, or soak up the sunshine on a local beach, Saugatuck is an outdoor haven.

Located just minutes from downtown, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers incredible beauty and recreational opportunities as a true outdoor haven.

Saugatuck’s expansive dunes provide breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and a chance for solitude and reflection. Visitors can also hike scenic trails, bird watch, or relax on the sandy shores.

Beachgoers will find calm, clear waters and soft sand at one of the most popular beaches in the state. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking along the shore or walk through the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area to a nearby pier.

RELATED: Explore more of the best Lake Michigan beaches in Michigan

Visitors who like scenic views won’t find a POV any more majestic than the summit of Mount Baldhead at Mount Baldhead Park.

Climb the 282 steps to the top for a stunning view of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Lake Michigan. It’s a bit of a workout, but trust us, the view is worth it.

While you’re there, visit the Mt. Baldhead radar station and learn about its role during the Cold War.

Seeing the Saugatuck Dunes from a distance is fun — but it’s even more fun to ride on them.

One of the Lake Michigan shoreline’s premier attractions is 40 minutes of non-stop fun as kids and adults alike enjoy an exciting and educational ride through the Saugatuck Dunes.

It’s a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area and gain an appreciation for the majesty and power of nature.

RELATED: The Saugatuck Chain Ferry offers a fun and historic ride on the Kalamazoo River on a hand-cranked ferry.

Located in nearby Fennville, this local vineyard and winery offers a tasty array of vintages that were made right along the shores of Lake Michigan. Customers can choose from red, white, fruit, and sparkling wines and enjoy family-friendly tours, too.

Some of the best golf courses in Michigan are found on the Lake Michigan shoreline, and both Clearbrook Golf Club and Ravines Golf Club offer challenging rounds on incredibly scenic courses.

For youngsters, Saugatuck Mini Golf offers family fun on a competitive mini-golf course.

Saugatuck’s location on the Kalamazoo River makes it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to spend a day on the water kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing at their own pace.

But a ride on the Star of Saugatuck allows visitors to see the river in a whole new way. This authentic sternwheeler allows passengers to take a relaxing cruise on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan as they enjoy scenic views of boats, historic homes, and scenery, all with a narrated tour.

Indoor Things to Do in Saugatuck

Visitors looking for a change of pace from the sunshine or rainy day fun have plenty of options in Saugatuck and the surrounding area, including museums, art galleries, and lots of unique shops.

Saugatuck, Douglas, and the surrounding area have a vibrant history. The History Center in Downtown Douglas and the History Museum at Mount Baldhead Park are both filled with interesting exhibits and displays that give visitors a glimpse into the fascinating past of these Lake Michigan communities.

One of the best parts of exploring any lakefront town is exploring unique shops in the heart of downtown. Saugatuck is no exception, offering visitors a mix of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Some of our shop recommendations include:

This hidden gem of West Michigan history sits on Shores Acres Farm, is the former home of Dorr Felt and his family, and has been a mainstay in the dunes since 1928.

The estate offers both guided and self-guided tours where visitors can explore the art-deco-style decor, hardwood floors, and numerous rooms in the sprawling mansion.

Saugatuck has long been a hub for the arts and was a tourist destination during the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th century.

That history of devotion to the arts can be felt at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Visitors can view local art exhibits, watch live performances, or participate in family-friendly workshops.

Places to Eat in Saugatuck

Hungry visitors to Saugatuck have plenty of options to choose from, including waterfront restaurants, comfort food joints, and quaint coffee shops. Some of our recommendations include:

Where to Stay in Saugatuck

If you’re planning on spending at least a few days in Saugatuck, the city has plenty of comfortable accommodations for everyone.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park: Home to 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline and multiple trails, visitors can camp right in the heart of the

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Located just a short drive away in South Haven, the park offers fun for the family and a range of accommodations from primitive campsites and hook-up spots to cozy cabins and cottages.

The Hotel Saugatuck: One of Saugatuck’s most well-known B&Bs offers a luxurious experience just a short distance from downtown.

Wickwood Inn: Saugatuck’s first B&B offers plenty of comforts, including a farm-to-table breakfast, cozy accommodations, and plenty of space to relax just minutes from downtown and the Kalamazoo River.

Blue Star Motel: Located in Douglas, this roadside motel offers a comfortable stay with modern accommodations, including patio rooms, a fire pit, a pavilion, and a hot tub.

Starlite Resort: Situated on six acres, Starlite offers all visitors need for a comfortable stay with spacious rooms with porches as well as yard games, fire pits, and a heated pool.

Sightsee & Sit Back in Sunny Saugatuck

No matter if you’re searching for sunshine or love exploring new places, Saugatuck Michigan is the perfect getaway for lakeshore adventures.

Trek to the summit of Mt. Baldhead and ride the dunes for scenic views of Lake Michigan. Take your time walking through downtown or exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.

Whatever you choose, Saugatuck is a Sunset Coast destination waiting to be explored.

FENNVILLE, Mich. — 5,200 households across Fennville, Douglas, and Saugatuck in Allegan County remain without gas service following Wednesday afternoon's natural gas line leak.

A third party contractor was digging and hit the transmission line for the gas main, which carries gas from Canada to homes in Allegan County, officials said.

“We have no heat. We have no hot water. So we're using fireplaces, grills and electric blankets to stay warm," Donna Johnson, a Fennville resident, said.

Multiple agencies responded to the initial gas leak, with the Allegan County Sheriff's Office closing several roads and the nearby railroad system while it was being contained.

Now, restoration efforts are underway.

To begin, Michigan Gas Utilities brought in crews from all over the Midwest to assist, with more than 100 workers in total, according to Fennville's City Administrator, Katie Beemer.

Some crews are currently going door-to-door turning off home meters, while others are simultaneously working to repair the transmission line.

After that, a number of safety checks need to take place. Once those checks are complete, crews can begin turning people's gas back on, starting near where the break first occurred.

"It's kind of a multi-stage process,“ Beemer said. "And we will be working 24/7 until this is repaired.”

In the meantime, Beemer said there are a number of resources available for those who have been affected.

The American Red Cross has options for shelters and warming centers, and the city is compiling a list of locations to take showers or use hot water.

"The Red Cross will be opening a shelter this evening for those impacted by the gas leak outage. The shelter will be at Third Coast Community Church, 6069 Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck," said David with the Red Cross.

“We want to make sure that all our residents that are affected by this, feel that they're supported throughout this, however, they need to be supported,” Beemer said.

Michigan Gas Utilities was able to turn off the gas line in the affected area Wednesday night, and the Allegan County Health Department said Thursday that service may not be fully restored for several days.

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Impacted residents are advised to contact Michigan Gas Utilities with inquiries concerning restoration times, and those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

Holland Aquatic Center offers free showers, how to support local businesses

According to various releases from officials, Holland Aquatic Center is offering access to their facility for showers for any affected residents for free. If you wish to use the pool, you can pay the resident rate, rather than the non-resident rate. Be sure to bring proof of address.

Holland Aquatic Center is located at 550 Maple Ave. The center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.

The Saugatuck/Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau is also asking for community support for local businesses that have been forced to close during the natural gas outage, in particular restaurants.

“Our local restaurants are the heartbeat of this community,” wrote Bureau Executive Director Lisa Mize. “They’re the places where we gather, celebrate, and connect. Right now, they need us more than ever.”

Suggestions include buying a gift card, rescheduling reservations rather than cancelling, ordering from limited take-out menus, tipping generously and spreading the word.

Emergency shelter open for those without heat

In response to the ongoing natural gas outage affecting households in the Fennville, Douglas and Saugatuck area, local municipalities have coordinated to open a community emergency shelter, according to Allegan County Emergency Management.

The shelter opened at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Third Coast Community Church, 6069 Blue Star Highway. The shelter will offer essential services and support, but residents planning to stay are encouraged to bring medications, identification, personal hygiene supplies, bedding if possible, changes of clothing and important documents.

For transportation assistance (hours ended at 9 p.m. Thursday), call Allegan County Transportation at 269-673-4229 or the Interurban Transit Authority at 269-857-1418.

Allegan County Emergency Management provides safe warming tips

Allegan County Emergency Management has released safe warming tips for locals without heat during the natural gas outage. They include:

Officials remind locals to never:

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or weakness. If symptoms appear, seek fresh air and medical attention, officials said.

Those in need of housing assistance, officials said, should call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Open hotels, homes for warming

Mill Pond Realty has several large homes on propane or Semco service for families or those who are willing to share. Call 269-857-1477 for more information.

Saugatuck Township confirmed both AmericInn by Wyndham Douglas/Saugatuck and Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck are unaffected by the outage.

Campit Outdoor Resort has a limited number of heated cabins available for free to those without heat at home. Call 269-543-4300 for more information.

Officials advise residents not to touch meters

In an update, Michigan Gas Utilities said crews will begin to circulate the area Thursday, April 10, shutting off gas at each customer's meter. Once the pipeline is repaired, the company said, crews will visit again and safely restore service.

Customers should not turn off their own meters, officials said.

MGU added customers don't need to turn off gas service to their appliances, since natural gas is no longer being fed into the pipeline.

Lows in 30s, highs in 40s until Sunday

The temperature was 32 degrees, the weather wet and snowy, when Michigan Gas Utilities confirmed 5,200 households in Saugatuck, Douglas, Saugatuck Township, Ganges Township, Clyde Township and Fennville would likely be without natural gas for multiple days.

Warmer weather is coming, but it will be a difficult stretch for residents in the tri-communities area. According to The Weather Channel, the forecast has lows of 32, 32 and 39 degrees Thursday, Friday and Saturday, respectively. Corresponding highs were forecast at 46, 46 and 49 degrees.

Allegan County Emergency Management is working to establish warming stations for impacted residents.

'Major' gas leak could leave residents, restaurants without heat for days

A major gas line leak was reported this afternoon in the area of Fennville and Clyde Township, according to a release issued by Saugatuck Township.

According to a social media post from city officials in Fennville, approximately 5,200 customers of Michigan Gas Utilities in Saugatuck, Douglas, Saugatuck Township, Ganges Township, Clyde Township and Fennville are without natural gas.

MGU, in a recent update, said gas is no longer being fed into the damaged pipeline.

"MGU is working closely with the transmission pipeline operator to ensure service is restored as quickly and safely as possible," the company wrote. "Due to the type of damage, service may not be fully restored for several days."

There are no longer any roads closed due to the leak, and any residents that were evacuated are able to return to their homes.

Allegan County Emergency Management is working to establish warming stations for impacted residents.

Various businesses posted they're closed without gas. The Sentinel is working on a list of eateries that remain open and serving customers.

Saugatuck Brewing Co. (SBC) is supporting conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the state by once again partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Launching today, April 1, the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program is a collaboration between SBC and the Michigan DNR designed to raise awareness and support the conservation of Michigan’s lake sturgeon population. A portion of proceeds from every Lake Street Light sold will be donated to DNR efforts aimed at restoring the lake sturgeon’s habitat and boosting its population.

The new light lager, Lake Street Light, is a crisp, refreshing brew with only 96 calories and 4% ABV, inspired by the beauty of Michigan’s lakes and waterways.

“Lake Street Light is more than just a beer — it’s a nod to Michigan’s wild heart,” said Sara Van Splinter, Director of Marketing at Saugatuck Brewing. “These shores, our ‘Lake Street,’ are home to countless species, and we’re proud to help protect one of them: the lake sturgeon, living fossils that have swum since the time of dinosaurs. This partnership with the Michigan DNR allows us to give back to the waters we love while sharing the story of these remarkable creatures.”

Lake sturgeon are critical to Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems, but their population has declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. The program’s proceeds will directly support the DNR’s sturgeon conservation projects.

“To say that lake sturgeon are a major part of Michigan’s aquatic history doesn’t quite do them justice,” said Patrick Ertel, with the Habitat Management Unit of the DNR’s Fisheries Division. “These fish have been around for more than 100 million years, which may be hard to even comprehend. In terms of more recent generations, there are individual sturgeon in our waters today that are older than anyone reading about this partnership. We’re excited to partner with Saugatuck Brewing Company to highlight this incredibly persistent fish and the fact that some lake sturgeon currently in Michigan waters have been there since before the invention of the automobile. Think about that!”

SBC is planning to extend the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program to neighboring Great Lakes states, collaborating with other DNR agencies on lake sturgeon conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the region.

This announcement comes on the heels of a successful partnership between Saugatuck Brewing and the Michigan DNR through the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program. From May through October 2024, the initiative raised $10,000 to support habitat restoration projects focused on Michigan’s trout population.

“Working alongside the Michigan DNR was an incredible experience and a true team effort,” said John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company. “Together, we raised not only funds but also awareness about the importance of protecting Michigan’s natural habitats.”

Saugatuck Brewing also highlighted this important initiative through its sponsorship of the West Michigan Whitecaps Bunghammers game, spreading the message to baseball fans across West Michigan. Both the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program and the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program are part of Saugatuck Brewing Company’s vision to promote sustainable practices and engage the community in preserving Michigan’s natural resources. For the latest news and announcements on Saugatuck Brewing Company’s 2025 programs, follow the brewery online at www.saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.