ROTHBURY, MI – The Double JJ Resort, one of the most popular family resorts in Michigan, is already thriving under its new ownership.
Closed last year after Labor Day, all parts of the resort are now open except for the original ranch. This means the riding program, indoor and outdoor waterparks, Thoroughbred golf course and rodeo are all in full swing and ambitious fall and winter programs are being planned.
Located near Rothbury, Michigan, the historic property consists of three distinct resort areas. They include a dude ranch and riding stables, indoor and outdoor water parks, camping facilities, homes and condos, and an Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course.
An investor group, Progressive Resorts LLC, of Michigan, purchased the bankrupt resort on June 30, 2009. The new owner-operators are American Resort Management LLC, of Erie, Pa., (ARM), an investor in the property, and Heritage Hospitality, LLC, of York, Pa.
“We became involved with this property when we were called in to evaluate the resort during the bankruptcy proceedings,” explained Richard Coleman, senior vice president of operations and development for ARM. “We discovered what a unique place this is. It is different. You just don’t have this kind of place anymore. We saw the potential.”
Double JJ first welcomed guests in 1937 as the Jack and Jill Ranch and operated continuously year around until last September. It did not reopen until this July, just in time for the resort’s second successful Rothbury Music Festival.
“We will finish the summer with everything in place right now. This fall we are planning special events, including Banjos & Beer, with bluegrass music and beer tastings, planned for October. Then we have an ambitious winter program, which is a surprising time at Double JJ,” Coleman said. “We offer the indoor water park, dogsled rides, tubing, skating and a full equestrian program. Next spring we hope to introduce geo-caching, a Segway® program and other new activities. We want to create a cruise-ship-on-land mentality.”
The company is in negotiation with the producer of the Rothbury Festival to continue the event and bring more such festivals to the area. An estimated crowd of over 35,000 fans attended this year’s event July 2-5. There were 14,000 cars on site along with 500 RV’s.
Progressive also plans to further expand the many real estate opportunities at Double JJ. The real estate office is offering sales of fractional ownerships for the popular family cabins, as well as condos and high-end home sites.
Coleman stated that a multi-year capital improvement campaign will begin in 2010. Future improvements include the construction of a conference center in the next 12-16 months and the possible development of a parcel of land in back of the golf course into an exclusive area featuring pro sports celebrities and extreme sports.
There are also plans to make the entire resort as energy-efficient as possible, with a low carbon footprint as guests will park their cars and get around by foot, bicycle, or golf cart.
“We plan to cut many more trails and paths through the property to make this possible,” Coleman said. “Ultimately, we hope to use it as a model for others in the world to come and see.”
The energy saving effort will be directed by an investor, Tom Kiser, a specialist in energy efficiency.
“We believe that the future of travel is fun and authentic family experiences,” Coleman said. “Here you can go from shooting a bow and arrow in the morning to a great steak dinner in the evening. You could never afford to build this again. We were in love with the property, so we chased our hearts.”
For more information visit www.doublejj.com.
Contact:
American Resorts Management
Richard Coleman
(814) 860-1962
rcoleman@americanresortmanagement.com
Resort & Golf Marketing
Dave Richards
(248) 642-6420
dave@resortandgolf.com
