Hotel STRY, a historic building in the heart of Amherstburg, has become a beacon of urban renewal, thanks to the Brouyette family. Their passion for revitalizing historic spaces has breathed new life into the town, blending the building’s rich past with a vibrant future.
Constructed in 1875, Hotel STRY has a long and storied history. It originally housed businesses like Samuel Lauler’s hardware store, a department store, and Johnston’s Bank. Over the years, it became the economic heart of Amherstburg, hosting various businesses until it fell into disrepair. By 2019, the building and surrounding area had been largely neglected, but Lauri and her son, Kaine Brouyette, saw its potential.
Lauri’s passion for real estate runs deep, growing up as the granddaughter of a real estate investor. Starting with a number of investment properties and Airbnbs, including Mariner’s Rescue, the family’s passion for tackling renovations grew. When it comes to purchasing new properties, Lauri’s mantra has always been, “Location is everything,” and that’s what drew them to Amherstburg—its potential to be revitalized.
Hotel STRY officially opened its doors in October 2023 after an extensive renovation. Originally planned as a boutique hotel, the space grew into something more, with a bar, spa, and coffee shop added to the first floor. The name "STRY" reflects the building’s 150-year history, and each room tells a unique chapter of its story.
The vision for Hotel STRY goes beyond just a place to stay—it’s a community hub. Inspired by spaces in downtown Detroit, the hotel serves as a gathering place for events, celebrations, and socializing. Each room is designed to reflect the building’s history, with guests encouraged to experience and create their own stories within its walls.
Lauri’s work continues with projects like the Anchor District, a plan to revitalize even more of Amherstburg’s downtown area and provide spaces for small businesses to thrive. She’s also excited to enhance Hotel STRY’s outdoor patio this spring and host future community events throughout the summer.
Hotel STRY is a shining example of how revitalizing a community can create a lasting impact.
For a full Interview with Lauri Brouyette check out Episode 164: Brewing Renewal
