Tulip Hotel proposes 31 room expansion amid downtown Holland growth plans

The Holland City Planning Commission convened on August 13, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the proposed expansion of the Tulip Hotel located at 61 East Seventh Street. The meeting featured representatives from 6PM Hospitality, including civil engineer John Tempus, who outlined the details of the project.

The Tulip Hotel, currently a five-story facility with 56 guest rooms, is seeking to add 31 new rooms to meet growing demand. The expansion will extend the existing building to the west, resulting in a net loss of 12 parking spaces, as 30 spaces will be demolished and 18 new ones created. This will leave a total of 76 parking spaces on-site. The project also includes a shared parking agreement with EV Construction, which could potentially increase the total parking count to 86 spaces, factoring in a 20% reduction.

Concerns regarding parking were raised during the public outreach workshop, and the project team is actively addressing these issues. The expansion will also involve reconfiguring the storm sewer system and closing one of the driveways on Seventh Street to streamline access.

Commission members inquired about the market study supporting the addition of 31 rooms. Peter Buickama, a partner at 6PM Hospitality, explained that the decision was based on the unique market dynamics of downtown Holland, which experiences high occupancy rates during peak seasons. He noted that the addition would enhance the hotel's economic performance and contribute approximately $4.4 million annually to the local economy through increased guest spending.

The total investment for the project is estimated at over $9 million, which includes renovations to the existing rooms. The hotel aims to elevate its offerings under the Tapestry brand of Hilton, ensuring a unique guest experience while benefiting from the brand's marketing power.

The Planning Commission will continue to review the proposal, with further discussions anticipated as the project progresses.