By Patricia Measer
The Bemus Point Lodge (BPL) has been a staple in the village of Bemus Point for decades. Originally started as a fisherman’s getaway, this lodge on the lake evolved to offer rooms year-round for visitors with a variety of interests. The BPL is transforming again, and the next chapter in its story promises a new look for this landmark hotel.
“We want the look and feel to be more like a boutique hotel, while still offering all the same amenities,” said Adam Howard, one the new co-owners of the BPL. “And we want to make it inviting to families, so that customers who have been loyal over the past 40 years will continue to stay here.”
Adam and his wife, Katie, along with their business partners Bryan and Jeannette Strang, purchased the lodge last October. They are currently working on interior renovations to the thirteen rooms and main house. While the lodge has remained open throughout that time, they plan on having a Grand Opening later this Spring once the exterior renovations are complete.
The Howards are no strangers to working hard and managing change. Adam is the former – and original – head football coach at Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio. He left that job in 2015 to become Athletic Director at Berea-Midpark Highschool. In 2022, he reinvented himself again, taking a job as Sales Manager at BSN Sports. Katie works in fast-growing start-ups, building HR departments and creating unique cultures.
During COVID lockdown, Adam and Katie talked about the direction their lives were heading and whether they should make any changes. That’s when they decided to do something more. They created an LLC and invested in several rental properties in the Cleveland area. Through their work with the rentals, they discovered that they loved hospitality, and wanted to keep growing their personal business. The couple widened their search for more properties to anything within a 2-hour drive of Cleveland. They a found a rental in Lakewood, and fell in love with Lake Chautauqua. Then, they heard about opportunities in Bemus Point, and the rest, as they say, is history.
When they bought the lodge, they knew that they wanted to honor the prior owners, Tom and Jan Murray, and all their hard work, while putting their own spin on the place. “The Murrays are amazing,” says Katie. “They ARE Bemus Point.”
The BPL will continue to offer dock slips to guests at no additional charge, the same as when the Murrays owned it. The lodge will also continue to provide grills and other amenities that were offered by the Murrays. Changes include updated furniture and appliances, a new logo, and a new color scheme. The interior renovations should be complete by the end of April. While most of the decorating was done by Katie, she jokingly notes that Adam was her “intern” in that department, and after this project she will promote him. But in all seriousness, Adam agrees that they each have strengths that balance each other, making the work enjoyable. They look at the renovation as a weekend getaway for themselves, something different from their weekday lives.
The new owners are working with local fishing guides to target fishing excursions, since Chautauqua Lake is known for its fishing. They are also looking at drawing a range of customers from couples to families to corporate retreat groups. Between the units and the house, the property can host up to 40 people.
In addition, they want to offer new amenities, such as renting eBikes, and offering a guest guide with information on local activities and restaurants. The lodge may have swag for sale in the future. They are also considering building more individual units, similar to the Tiny Homes at Basecamp in Ellicottville. “We have a lot of property,” says Adam. “We are thinking of ways to expand the use of it.”
Katie adds, “We want this to be a place that is welcoming, where families can enjoy the lake and can make memories.”
Both Adam and Katie say they couldn’t have attempted this project without the support of the local community. “They have been incredible,” adds Katie, “providing support, advice and connections. Everyone has been very welcoming.” Because of that, the owners plan to have a community walkthrough, hopefully in early May.
Rates at the BPL vary depending on the type of unit. The cost is $175/night for a unit with a kitchen, and $140/night without. There are about 30 boat slips available. There is a two-night minimum between now and June 10, changing to a weekly minimum through the end of August. For more information or to make reservations, you can call 716-386-4275, or reach out on their new website, www.TheBemusPointLodge.com.