In 2026, The Clinton Inn proudly celebrates 125 years since first opening its doors in 1901. This milestone marks not only a celebration of its rich history, but also a renewed commitment to preserving it for generations to come.
A Commitment to Preservation
When The Clinton Inn entered new ownership in 2019, it was clear that this historic landmark needed renewed care and investment to reach its full potential. Since then, our focus has been on thoughtfully restoring the building while preserving the character that has made it a recognizable part of downtown Clinton for more than a century. Every improvement has been guided by a long-term vision: to return The Clinton Inn to the place it once held in the community.
Today, The Clinton Inn once again welcomes overnight guests while serving as a destination for weddings, private events, business conferences, corporate functions, and community gatherings. Although much has been accomplished, the restoration continues one project at a time, with each improvement bringing us closer to realizing that vision.
The Restoration Continues
Since 2019, every phase of restoration has been guided by a simple principle: preserve the historic character of The Clinton Inn while thoughtfully enhancing the experience for today’s guests. Our work has focused on restoring guest rooms, event spaces, hallways, and other public areas while preserving the architectural details that have defined The Clinton Inn for more than a century.
In 2026, that work continues with several exterior improvement projects, including a phased window replacement project beginning on the ground floor and progressing upward. Additional exterior improvements are also planned as we continue restoring the building one project at a time. Restoring a landmark of this significance is a long-term commitment, and every completed project brings The Clinton Inn one step closer to the prominence it once enjoyed.
The Clock Tower Restoration Project
For the past several years, our restoration efforts have focused on bringing new life to the interior and public spaces of The Clinton Inn. As we celebrate the building’s 125th anniversary, we believe it is time to turn our attention to one of its most recognizable and enduring features: the historic Clock Tower.
Originally dedicated in memory of David K. Van Tuyle, the historic Clock Tower has stood for generations as one of downtown Clinton’s most recognizable landmarks. More than an architectural feature, it has become part of the village’s identity and skyline. Today, however, it is no longer functional and requires significant restoration. Returning it to full operation represents the next chapter in The Clinton Inn’s ongoing restoration while preserving one of Clinton’s most recognizable landmarks for generations to come.
Restoring the Clock Tower is the most ambitious phase of our work since restoration efforts began in 2019. The project includes structural repairs, roofing, electrical restoration, lighting, window restoration, weatherproofing, and mechanical repairs to once again make the Clock Tower a visible and functioning landmark overlooking downtown Clinton.
As part of The Clinton Inn’s 125th Anniversary celebration, we have established a fundraising goal of $100,000 to complete the restoration of the historic Clock Tower. Every contribution will directly support returning this landmark to full operation and preserving it for future generations.
Major Restoration Components
Become Part of the Story
For 125 years, The Clinton Inn has stood as one of Clinton’s most recognizable landmarks. Every generation has played a role in its story, whether by building it, preserving it, celebrating life’s milestones within its walls, or simply passing by its Clock Tower on a familiar walk through town.
Today, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter together.
By becoming a Preservation Partner, you are helping restore one of Clinton’s defining landmarks while ensuring its story continues for future generations. Your support is not simply recognized for a moment. It becomes a permanent part of the building’s history.
Every Preservation Partner will receive permanent recognition on the Clinton Inn Clock Tower Legacy Wall, permanently displayed inside the Inn’s lobby. Long after the restoration is complete, future generations will see the names of the families, businesses, and organizations that chose to preserve this landmark during its 125th anniversary.
One day, a child or grandchild may walk through these doors, look up at the Legacy Wall, and proudly say: “Our family helped restore the Clinton Inn Clock Tower.” That is the legacy this campaign hopes to create.
The Clinton Inn Clock Tower Legacy Wall
| Preservation Opportunities | Commitment | Your Legacy Includes |
|---|---|---|
|
Clock Tower Founding Steward
Help restore the landmark that will define the next century of The Clinton Inn.
|
$15,000 |
|
|
Heritage Steward
Help preserve a landmark that has watched over generations of Clinton families.
|
$7,500 |
|
|
Preservation Steward
Become a steward of one of Clinton’s enduring landmarks.
|
$5,000 |
|
|
Guardians of the Clock
Become one of only twelve Guardians.
|
$2,500 |
|
|
Preservation Partner
Help preserve a piece of Clinton’s history.
|
$1,000 |
|
|
Friends of the Tower
Every story is built one chapter at a time.
|
$250 – $500 |
|
Concept rendering of the Clinton Inn Clock Tower Legacy Wall, which will be permanently displayed in the lobby to recognize the families, businesses, and preservation partners whose generosity helped restore one of Clinton’s most enduring landmarks.
Celebrate 125 Years With Us
To commemorate the 125th Anniversary of The Clinton Inn, we invite you to join us for an elegant evening celebrating the history, restoration, and future of one of Clinton’s most recognizable landmarks.
Limited to just 100 guests, the evening will feature fine dining, the official launch of the Clinton Inn Clock Tower Restoration Project, and a special presentation on the history of The Clinton Inn by the Historical Society of Clinton. Together, these moments will honor the Inn’s remarkable past while celebrating the beginning of its next chapter.
Become Part of the Story
Whether you choose to attend the Anniversary Celebration Dinner, become a Preservation Partner, or simply learn more about the Clock Tower Restoration Project, we invite you to join us in preserving one of Clinton’s most recognizable landmarks.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Clinton Inn as we celebrate 125 years of history and begin writing the next chapter together.
Preservation Partnerships
Preservation Partnerships may be completed online or by mail.
If contributing by mail, please include:
- Your selected Preservation Opportunity
- The exact name you would like displayed on the Clinton Inn Clock Tower Legacy Wall
- Your preferred contact information
Make checks payable to:
The Clinton Inn
104 W. Michigan Avenue
Clinton, MI 49236
Questions? hotel@theclintoninn.com or (517) 507-5777