A 140-year-old hotel in Bayfield, Wisconsin, has been completely restored and reopened as St. James Social, a boutique establishment with eight rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop lounge. The project, led by owners Annalisa and Cody Bermel, aims to blend historical preservation with modern hospitality on the shore of Lake Superior.
The multi-year renovation focused on preserving the original character of the 19th-century building while introducing contemporary design and amenities. The business now serves as a new hub for both tourists and the local community, emphasizing locally sourced food and regional culture.
Key Takeaways
- The former St. James Hotel, a 140-year-old building in Bayfield, Wisconsin, has been reopened as St. James Social.
- Owned by Annalisa and Cody Bermel, the property now features eight boutique rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop lounge.
- The restoration preserved historical elements like original beams and timber joists while adding modern features.
- The hotel's restaurant, led by Executive Chef Leonard Colton Burton, focuses on ingredients from local farms.
A Landmark Reimagined on Lake Superior
In the small town of Bayfield, Wisconsin, a significant piece of local history has been brought back to life. The St. James Hotel, a structure dating back approximately 140 years, had fallen into disrepair, with boarded-up windows and structural issues. A local couple, Annalisa and Cody Bermel, purchased the property with the goal of revitalization.
After years of experience elsewhere—Annalisa in hospitality and design, and Cody in construction and shoreline restoration—the Bermels returned to Bayfield to undertake the ambitious project. Their vision was to create a destination that honored the building's past while serving the modern needs of the community.
"It was falling apart," Cody Bermel stated, reflecting on the building's initial condition. "But it still had a pulse. You could feel it under the dust." This sentiment drove a meticulous restoration process designed to save as much of the original structure as possible.
The Restoration Process
The renovation was extensive, requiring the team to strip the building down to its core frame. Key historical elements were carefully preserved and integrated into the new design. These included original wooden beams, old timber joists, and a brick chimney that stands as a centerpiece of the structure's past.
Where materials could not be salvaged, the Bermels chose to rebuild with historically sensitive and high-quality components. The new interior features reclaimed wood floors, handmade tiles, and custom lighting fixtures. The project represents a significant investment in preserving the architectural heritage of Bayfield's main street, Rittenhouse Avenue.
Inside the New St. James Social
The completed St. James Social is a multi-faceted establishment. It combines accommodation, dining, and social spaces, aiming to be a central point in the town's social and economic life.
Bayfield's Unique Setting
Bayfield is located on the shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The town is the primary gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a collection of 21 islands known for their natural beauty, sandstone sea caves, and historic lighthouses. This unique location makes it a popular destination for tourism, particularly in the summer and fall.
The hotel offers eight boutique guest rooms. Each room is designed with a focus on quiet comfort and includes amenities such as Parachute bedding, turntables with a selection of records, and handmade ceramics from local artisans. Custom artwork by local painter Kate Alyse Clark of Penny Print Studio is featured in each room, further connecting the hotel to the regional arts scene.
Dining and Community Spaces
The ground floor of St. James Social houses a full-service restaurant and bar. Above it, a rooftop lounge provides panoramic views of the Lake Superior harbor and the surrounding landscape. The establishment also includes a unique treehouse-style sauna for guest use.
"Luxury here isn’t what you buy. It’s what you’re allowed—time to breathe, space to connect, freedom to belong."
– Annalisa Bermel, Co-owner of St. James Social
This philosophy extends to the hotel's operational model. St. James Social forgoes a traditional front desk, opting for digital codes for check-in to provide guests with more autonomy. The goal, according to the owners, is to create an environment that feels both private and communal.
Connecting with Local Agriculture and Culture
A central part of the St. James Social concept is its deep integration with the local economy and culture. The restaurant, under the direction of Executive Chef Leonard Colton Burton, builds its menu around ingredients sourced from the surrounding area.
The Bayfield "Fruit Loop"
The region around Bayfield is known for its unique microclimate, which supports a thriving agricultural community often called the "Fruit Loop." This area is home to numerous century-old, family-run orchards and farms, including Hauser’s Superior View Farm and Erickson’s Orchard. They supply local businesses with apples, berries, and other produce.
The menu at St. James Social directly reflects this local bounty. Dishes feature produce from farms like Northcroft Farms, local maple syrup, and heritage lamb. Popular items include brick oven sourdough pizzas, showcasing a commitment to simple, high-quality food that tells a story of its origin.
The connection to the community is also fostered through events. The dining room often hosts live music from local musicians, creating a gathering place where tourists and residents can interact. "We build everything around connection," Annalisa Bermel explained. "The farmers, the musicians, the artists—they’re all part of the story."
Historical and Seasonal Context of Bayfield
The revitalization of the St. James building adds a new chapter to Bayfield's long history. Before European settlement, the land was home to the Ojibwe people. The town later grew into a center for logging and commercial fishing, with its harbor bustling with schooners and steamships.
Today, the town's rhythm is largely defined by its distinct seasons:
- Summer: The peak tourist season, attracting visitors for kayaking, sailing, and exploring the Apostle Islands' sea caves.
- Fall: Known for the annual Apple Festival, a major event that celebrates the region's harvest with food, music, and crafts.
- Winter: A quieter period where the landscape is covered in snow. If Lake Superior freezes sufficiently, visitors can access the spectacular ice caves on foot.
- Spring: A time of reawakening, with apple orchards blossoming and the town preparing for the return of warmer weather.
The reopening of St. James Social provides a year-round anchor for the town's economy. By offering a high-quality destination, the Bermels hope to support a more consistent flow of visitors and provide stable employment, contributing to the long-term resilience of the community. The project is seen not just as a business venture, but as an investment in the future of a historic Wisconsin town.