This is the type of community news that just hits a little harder than most. It's the end of an era for the historic Holly Hotel, as its owners have officially announced the property is up for sale.

For over a century, the Holly Hotel has been a cherished landmark, steeped in history and tradition, but ongoing legal battles over a 19th-century property line have halted the hotel's rebuild after it was ravaged by fire two years ago. According to a post on social media, it's that legal battle that has forced the owners to list the legendary hotel for sale.

In an announcement nobody wanted to see, owners George and Chrissy Kutlenios shared the heartbreaking news.

"The Historic Holly Hotel is For SaleAfter 46 years of operation, we have made the difficult decision to sell the Historic Holly Hotel.The litigation with the owner of the adjoining vacant lot is continuing, and we await confirmation of another trial date.To all we have welcomed into our establishment, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you."

In August, we chatted with Chrissy and she filled us in on the ongoing battle to rebuild. We told you that after the devastating fire, the goal was to come back stronger than ever, and in August of 2023 the couple hit a roadblock over a property line with the new owner of an adjacent property. As a result, restoration had to be halted while legal issues were tended to.

The dispute centers around mere inches—yes, inches—from an 1891 property line that separates the Holly Hotel from its neighbor, the Arcade building. The new owner of the Arcade is at odds with the Holly Hotel’s rebuild, stalling progress and leaving the community in limbo.

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The couple had been waiting for the set September 26, 2024 court date, but it looks like the wait and the battle is just too much, and who can blame them?
As for now, we can just wish George and Chrissy the best, and that them for the many years of magical family memories and incredible times inside the wall of the historic Holly Hotel, and hope somewhere down the line a new owner will be able to bring the magic back to life.
For more information on the sale, please contact Larry Schultz at Friedman Real Estate in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

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