Dreamscape

 

The Station at Shepherd’s Hollow welcomes guests to an environment not normally experienced. Situated beside a lakeside green and pines reaching 70-feet in the air, the venue becomes the focal point of outstanding natural beauty and joyful celebration.

 

Its sweeping glass doors coupled with tall windows above invite the outdoors in. Its placid surroundings render a stunning backdrop to any celebration taking place. Sturdy iron beams support the glass framework and provide an industrial element to the wooded setting. With gas lanterns poised around the slate gray terrace and electric ones glowing inside, a subdued urban echo distinguishes The Station from any other location.

 

Against the forest, the venue itself is initially surprising. It is the marriage of 19th century European architecture and the old pine forest. It may be unexpected, but that was owner Mike Bylen’s intent. Inspired by the potential beauty such an unconventional scene could elicit, he got to work.

 

 

The Vision

 

It was many years prior to its construction that Bylen imagined such a place. While waiting to board in a Paris train station, he found himself taken by its architecture — iron archways, awestriking sunlight breaking through the large windows among crowds bustling in and out seeking their next location.

 

The station building’s vivacity along with its distinct architectural design served as inspiration that followed Bylen back to the Michigan woodlands housing Shepherd’s Hollow. If the same lively ambiance could be recreated by an event venue within a Michigan forest, it may be an experience unlike any other. Much work, however, needed to be accomplished to take this vision and make it a reality. It required strategic thinking and the assistance of a very talented architectural designer — David Peterhans.

 

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The Setting

 

Together, Bylen and Peterhans planned and drafted the necessary architectural elements needed to merge the setting and industrial vista into a functional event space. From the outset, it was decided that the landscape and natural setting would never be compromised.

 

After all, the land provides so much more than its aesthetics. Extensive measures were taken to ensure the woodland’s integrity would be preserved during construction. While some trees were removed, The Station will provide significant long-term benefits to the land — allowing for more abundant sunlight and improved airflow among the remaining trees.  

 

The light that breaks through the immense windows highlights the mullioned glass doors, inviting the trees inside of the 6,000-square-foot hall. Periodically spaced steel columns connect to I-beams, establishing an impressive open truss system upholding the monitor roof, allowing for The Station to feel as open and airy as the forest itself.

 

Suspended from the ceiling hang Belle Epoque chandeliers designed by Peterhans specifically for The Station. They reflect their hue across the dining room, which is patterned by a distinct black and white marble floor. The flooring is complemented by a regal blue carpeting dividing itself across the center of the hall, adding for an unexpected, yet sophisticated debut of color.

 

 

 

The Making

 

The partnership between Bylen and Peterhans breathed life into the idea of creating the most striking and unique event venue the state has seen. The two assembled the strongest crew of architects, designers, and engineers to merge the allure of Michigan woodlands with the artistry of industrial Europe.

 

They found the perfect partner to see their combined vision become a reality. David Younker joined the team as the project construction manager and brought the necessary skills to construct this very unique, and challenging, building.

 

 

An Event at The Station

 

A journey of its own takes place when an event is booked at The Station. Electric lanterns inside of the venue match the delicate radiance of the gas ones around the upper and circular terrace, eliciting a seamless experience for all eventgoers.

 

Whether one is indoors looking out toward the relaxed lake at dusk, or outdoors looking in watching loved ones laugh and dance, the shared experience among guests is one entirely unique to The Station. The venue, after all, is much more than its striking surroundings, it is an integral part of each celebration taking place.

 

The talented design team dedicated their work to incorporate the stunning architecture with the readily available natural beauty. Joining the iron and glass structure with the serene forest makes all events come to life. The small spark of that old Paris train station accompanies each celebration, making it a truly special place to host truly special moments.

 

 

 

The Purpose of the Terrace

 

The terrace surrounding The Station provides an outdoor departure. It offers cozy lounging areas and cocktails coupled with conversation. One can just detect the hollow pulse of a shoe hitting the stone floor among the chattering crowd at dusk. And on the terrace, well, it is rumored that after enjoying a glass of champagne, you may hear a soft train whistle echo faintly against the star-dotted sky. Adding some additional wonder to an already wonderful evening.