Developer and builder Justin McIver, founder of Main Eco Homes and Bridgton native, is building a 65-room boutique hotel in his hometown, slated to open summer 2026.
Situated on 2.4 acres, adjacent to Stevens Brook and just off Main Street, McIver said Hotel Bridgton is designed to be a four-season destination with skiing, waterfront recreation, hiking and golf all within easy access.
The 42,296-square-foot hotel incorporates natural materials, sustainable construction practices including solar panels, and interior details to create the feel of a lakeside retreat rather than a traditional hotel.
“As a life-long resident of the Bridgton area and with a family history in Maine that goes back eight generations, the development of Hotel Bridgton is deeply personal to me,” said McIver.
McIver’s company builds both residential and commercial but this is its first hotel project.
“My vision is to create an authentic destination experience that feels like a true home away from home for our guests, while also establishing the hotel as an economic driver for the town and the region,” McIver said.
“Historically a former mill town, our community continues to evolve as a commercial centerpiece for the region and as a sought-after leisure destination, and Hotel Bridgton is poised to serve as the natural homebase for those visiting Maine’s lakes region.”
The hotel will feature an indoor heated pool, fitness center, meeting and event space for up to 50, a bar and lounge and a grab-and-go food and beverage shop. Outdoor amenities will include a patio and riverfront green, fire pits and space for lawn games.
The hotel is expected to create approximately 25 to 30 year-round jobs. It is being developed in partnership with Portland-based Olympia Hospitality, which will manage the hotel upon its opening.
Additional partners include Norway Savings Bank and Kennebec Savings Bank, Portland-based Barba + Wheelock Architects and the Architectural Team, which is headquartered in Chelsea, Mass. Boston-based J/Brice Design International is handling interior design.
Sara Masterson, president of Olympia Hospitality, said, “The hotel’s design draws inspiration from local craftsmanship, regional art, and Maine’s natural beauty, creating a true sense of place in every space. We are excited to help bring Hotel Bridgton to life as both a welcoming destination for travelers and a meaningful addition to the community.”