Historic East Shore Hotel, circa 1935 — Frankfort, through the years

FRANKFORT, MICHIGAN / OUR NEXT CHAPTER

WhyThe Maxwell?

A name rooted in our family.
A new chapter for Frankfort.

The rolling landscape of Crystal Downs golf course — A place close to our hearts

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The story behind the name

159years of history

14names
15 name changes along the way

So many stories. One special place.

Over its 159-year history, this property has carried 14 names through 15 name changes. Each has marked a chapter in its story. As we began imagining what comes next for the Hotel Frankfort, we wanted a name with personal meaning, one that honors the people and places we love while making room for everything we hope to create.

For our family, that name is The Maxwell.

Colin, whose middle name Maxwell inspired the hotel’s name — Colin Maxwell — a name, a creative spirit

FROM THE SKETCHBOOKThe Maxwell
A new identity, with a familiar name.

01 / A name in the family

It starts with Colin.

Maxwell is the middle name of our youngest son, Colin, who helped shape the design and branding for this new chapter. His creativity is part of the identity you see today, and his name is part of the story behind it.

A little of him, in everything you see.

02 / An ordinary evening. An extraordinary beginning.

And a first date.

It also connects to a beginning for our oldest son, Andrew, who went on his first date with his future wife, Claire, at Maxwell Park in Washington, D.C. To us, the name holds the promise of an ordinary outing becoming a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Some of the best stories begin with a glass of wine.

Maxwell Park wine bar in Washington, D.C. — Maxwell Park · Washington, D.C.

Andrew and Claire on their wedding day, holding their dog — Andrew & Claire — their next chapter

03 / A shared love of the game

A name on the links.

And then there’s golf, a shared passion in our family. The name is also a nod to Perry Maxwell, the golf course architect who worked alongside Alister MacKenzie on northern Michigan’s beloved Crystal Downs. It’s a connection to a game we love and a place that means so much to us.

The lay of the land. The love of the game.

Crystal Downs Country Club, hole 17, surrounded by northern Michigan hills — Crystal Downs — northern Michigan, forever in our hearts

Archival portrait of golf course architect Perry Maxwell — Perry Maxwell

04 / Room for what comes next

More than a place to stay.

We wanted a simple name that could encompass a bigger vision: a hotel, a restaurant, a golf lounge, a wine cellar, and the possibilities still ahead.

An architectural sketch of The Maxwell wine cellar

A table. A glass. A reason to stay a little longer.

A gathering place.

Above all, we envision The Maxwell as a gathering place.

Somewhere Frankfort residents feel at home and returning guests look forward to visiting year after year. A place to share a meal, raise a glass, reconnect with friends, and make new memories.

A Name With a History

We took over in 2025 and ran it as Hotel Frankfort until late 2026 when we changed the name to The Maxwell. Changing the name of a building this old is not something you do lightly. But look at the list. Frankfort House. The Saterlee. National Winkler. Yeazel House. The Inn. Frankfort Inn. East Shore Hotel. The PAC Inn. Hotel Frankfort. Betsie Bay Inn. Sleeping Bear Inn. Hotel Frankfort again.

Many names in 159 years. This place has always been named by whoever was willing to take care of it. Now it is our turn and we will honor the history while starting a new era.

—Steve and Janis Campbell

The story continues / Frankfort, Michigan

With a fresh look, a new identity, and a deeply personal commitment to this community, we’re carrying the property’s story forward.

Its 159-year history is the foundation for what comes next, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help write that next chapter.

Welcome to The Maxwell.

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