Huron lodge debuts new look

HURON — It's an update 200-plus years in the making. Earlier this month, those overseeing Captain Montague's invited select community members inside for a grand opening of the revamped property in Huron's Old Plat neighborhood. All throughout 2022, crews employed by Ortner's Construction pursued a top-to-bottom overhaul for this multi-story, 6,800-square-foot Victorian-era home stretching from Center to Ohio streets. "This is the biggest renovation that's ever happened here," co-owner Greg Hensel said. "Every single room has been renovated." Records show several businesses, namely a dance studio, operating from there in the late 1800s. Tracing further back, the property's origins rewind to as early as 1814 as indicated in newspaper reports. The company's management team — Greg and his wife, Kerri, along with their business partner, John Campbell — pegged the private investment at about $800,000. All three credited past owners — directly referencing spouses Nancy and Bruce Brotherton along with former Huron city manager Mike Tann and his wife, Judy — as "wonderful stewards" of the site. Even with the enhancements, the entire building still pays respect to its rich past in Huron, Greg said. Beyond the name, its layout remains largely unchanged. And many of the classic features, such as a pristine chandelier and hardwood floors, carried over in this transition. "It meant a lot to me to revitalize this property," said Greg, who grew up in the neighborhood and, later, his family purchased a home right across the street. "While it needed a lot of work, it was extremely important to me, my wife and many others here in Huron that it was brought back up to the high standards it deserves to be." Among those impressed with the look during a walkthrough included Huron city manager Matt Lasko. "This property is known as much by its architecture as it is its past owners, and we are so thrilled to see it transition to a family that honors the past but begins their own legacy moving forward," Lasko said. "Huron is grateful for their investment." More bed, less breakfast A lodge since at least the early 1980s, Greg reiterated his team intends on keeping the Captain Montague's name and retain its primary purpose of accommodating overnight guests. But they enacted many changes, such as this property no longer acting as a traditional bed and breakfast. For starters, the booking model received an overhaul with assistance from its management company, Simply Better Property Management. Overseen by director Amy Roldan, the company manages higher-end properties across Huron and Sandusky. Now open to guests, people can search for Captain Montague's online across travel-lodging sites, like Airbnb, to rent out one of two available sides. Split into two halves, the property offers eight total suites with bedrooms and bathrooms present. "One side, Old Plat, pays homage to the history of this house and the community," Greg said. "And the other side has more of a modern coastal vibe." And when checking in, guests should notice completely new or vastly modernized amenities furnished with products from local businesses. Other than the rooms, this would include fresh appearances for the two kitchens, gathering spaces in common areas, the pool, among other spaces. Greg and his management team plan on evolving the property by hosting private events, such as wedding receptions there. The ownership contingent also desires to partner with local organizations for public functions there. It's important to give back and stay active said Greg, a 1987 Huron High School graduate. Kerri is also an alumna, receiving a diploma from there a year later. "We are going to open for local sports teams, so they can bond, and others in the area for things like fundraisers. We'll work with them in this space to help with their causes," said Greg, who also owns Simply Better Realty. "We're just really excited about what we have here. And we think people will, too." What's in a name? How did Captain Montague's get its name? Accounts from locals say it came from the property's second owners, Captain C.Z. Montague and his wife, Sarah.