Michael Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer, speaks on the economic impact of The Harborvale’s opening and importance of Burlington’s hospitality industry. Courtesy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Local leadership, city officials, and community members gathered yesterday at 25 Cherry Street for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Harborvale, Autograph Collection. The event celebrated the completion of a year-long, $19 million top-to-bottom renovation that converted the former Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor Hotel into an independent, design-forward lakeside retreat while generating approximately 100 jobs in the local community.
Spearheaded by local owners Chuck DesLauriers and Jay Canning of Westport Hospitality, the Burlington-based hotel management company behind Hotel Vermont, the project reflects a deep commitment to the city’s downtown waterfront economy. The ceremony featured remarks from a number of city officials including Kara Alnasrawi, Director of the City’s Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO), Heather Pelham, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Tourism and Michael Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer. Attendees were treated to a special preview of The Harborvale’s signature sunset ritual and bell-ringing ceremony, a daily tradition designed to honor the heritage and natural pace of Lake Champlain.
"This project represents far more than a physical renovation; it’s a direct reinvestment in Burlington’s workforce and downtown core," said Hans van Wees, Managing Director of Westport Hospitality. "By bringing the Autograph Collection to Lake Champlain, we are pairing world-class hospitality with deep Vermont roots."
Under the operational leadership of former White Barn Spa Inn & Spa General Manager, Heinrich von Puschendorf and culinary direction of 8th-generation Vermonter Executive Chef Doug Paine, the 161-room property features
- The Harborvale Restaurant & Bar: A lakeside social hub offering daily sunset toasts, local acoustic sets, and fireside pop-ups.
- Hyper-Local Culinary: A restaurant concept centered on regional purveyors and classic techniques.
- Expansive Event Venues: Over 3,000 square feet of flexible indoor space complemented by a sweeping outdoor terrace overlooking the lake.
For reservations and additional information, visit www.theharborvale.com.
About Westport Hospitality
Since 1998, Burlington-based Westport Hospitality has developed and operated inspired Vermont properties, focusing on providing authentic, warm guest experiences. With a background in managing major brand-affiliated and independent hotels, the firm aims to balance superior guest service with a positive environment for associates. Dedicated to community engagement, the team is recognized for creating locally focused experiences. For more information, visit https://www.westporthospitality.com/.
BURLINGTON, VT, July 24, 2026 – Westport Hospitality
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