Comment

Comment by AQUAMAN on September 17, 2014 at 10:38pm

Thanks Willy, good post. I seem to also remember a rumor that because part of the dining area was built over the water, where some boat docks were also attached, that the DNR wouldn't allow it to be done again...? Either way, zoning had to play most of factors too. I remember hearing people talk near the end, that the pilings under that particular part, were decayed to the point of safety there being asked about too. May have been very costly to rebuild that part, even if allowed. It's been over 37 years, so the memory banks are stressed right now, lol. 

Comment by Willy on September 16, 2014 at 11:12pm

I'm pretty sure the reason it was not allowed to rebuild was because the lot it was on was considered a non conforming lot which means the lot was existing prior to zoning regulations and was allowed to be "grandfathered" in, so to speak. That meant that if the main structure was damage by more than 50% of it's value then it could not be rebuilt because the lot size, location, or zoning classification did not meet existing codes when the building burned down.

Comment by AQUAMAN on September 16, 2014 at 10:31pm

Great history report X. The one thing that always bugged me is why the restaurant rebuilding at that same location was NOT an option. Everyone adored that location for convenience and beauty. Did the DNR affect that decision somehow? The only place left like this nowadays in Barnhart's. 

Comment by XLFD on September 14, 2014 at 1:33am

Thanks for the nostalgia, Aquaman.  I remember vaguely the oddly named restaurant and wondered what happened to it, and found that it burned to the ground in 1977, an event which moved his interests into Ludington.

Dwight "Scotty" Scott bought the Wrens Roost Restaurant on Hamlin Lake in 1964.

The Wrens Roost became a favorite restaurant for locals and Hamlin Lake tourists, made all the more popular by its waterfront views and parking for boats. Unfortunately, the Wrens Roost burned to the ground in 1977 and rebuilding the restaurant at the same location wasn't an option. Not to be deterred, Scott purchased the Swedish Coffee Pot on Ludington Avenue in 1977, renamed it "Scotty's" and it quickly became known as an exceptional steak and seafood restaurant. By the mid-70s, he had also purchased the Town House (now Michael's) in downtown Ludington.

Scotty's tradition of casual fine dining continues to this day under the ownership and management of Scott's son, Richard. Adding a third generation, Richard's son, Chip, also shares in the operation of the restaurant. Scotty's is popular for prime rib, steaks, lobster, salads, and sandwiches. They also serve cocktails and a tasty Sunday Brunch. Richard Scott is also the owner of PM Steamers, located on the waterfront across from the Ludington City Marina. PM Steamers is popular, not only for its great waterfront views, but also for a menu which focuses on the freshest, in-season ingredients.

http://www.hamlinlake.com/stories/hamlin_lake_wrens_roost_restauran...