Transforming a Stalled Hotel Site into an East Coast Adventure Landmark

Project Highlights

• Adaptively repurposed a site originally planned for a hotel and restaurant into a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure destination.
• Employed modular construction techniques to streamline the build process and accelerate the project timeline.
• Incorporated sustainable design strategies, including the reuse of shipping containers, to reduce environmental impact.
• Designed with long-term guest experience in mind—integrating shade sails, misting stations, and intuitive pedestrian flow for enhanced comfort.
• Delivered a dynamic venue that seamlessly blends recreation, entertainment, and community connection.

Strategy: Turning Constraints into Creativity

At the onset, the site presented numerous fixed elements from the former hotel plan. The site featured an established pad, existing roadways, curbing, and a storm sewer layout that others might have seen as constraints. Rather than start from scratch, the SAGE Team worked closely with Mike to strategically repurpose the existing infrastructure, optimizing the budget and accelerating project execution. We laid out a roadmap that balanced vision with viability, planning for long-term expansion while leveraging current usability.

Design-Build Breakthroughs

• We preserved the site’s utility and infrastructure for efficiency through adaptive reuse
• Identified cost and time-saving opportunities without compromising quality through value engineering
• Leveraged a modular construction strategy for speed and flexibility

Assessment: Designing for Experience and Efficiency

A deep dive into the client’s goals and operational needs revealed an opportunity to go beyond a simple ropes course. Our team evaluated site limitations, environmental factors, and user flow to create a master plan that prioritized guest experience, safety, and efficiency. Thorough site analysis and feasibility studies revealed that the site was about 50% done in regards to land development which positioned the SAGE Team to think innovatively about layout and flow.

Data-Driven Decisions

• Concept planning explored uses like go-karts, a dog park, an amphitheater, and a rock wall.
• Ultimately, both client and the SAGE Team honed in on a multidirectional ropes course to allow free-flow climbing experiences.
• Used 3D renderings, shadow studies, and circulation modeling to inform layout.

Guidance: Navigating Complexity with Confidence

From integrating a German-designed ropes course sourced by the client to coordinating Michigan-built containers, the project demanded agility. We didn’t just identify challenges—we offered solutions. Through our Design-Build approach, we seamlessly collaborated with Mike’s preferred partners while sourcing complementary solutions to bring his vision to life. With transparent communication and constant coordination among the client, engineers, and vendors, the SAGE Team served as a trusted partner from start to finish, helping make the most of the existing site while planning for future expansion.

Collaborative Direction

• Managed international shipping schedules while advancing site work.
• Recommended food trucks instead of a fixed kitchen to enhance flexibility.
• Suggested and executed rubber mulch under ropes course for safety and ease of long-term maintenance.

Execution: Building with Precision and Purpose

By embracing a Design-Build model, the SAGE Team provided streamlined execution across all phases. While off-site container fabrication progressed, site grading and utility work were completed concurrently. Every detail—from ADA compliance to misting stations—was considered, ensuring the final product was both functional and exciting. Our proactive approach to managing construction activities for timely coordination across stakeholders – owners, designers, subcontractors, and consultants – through detailed project scheduling and continuous communication.

Precision in Action

• Leveraged off-site container fabrication for concurrent project progress.
• Developed multi-zone layout featuring beer garden, music area, restrooms, retail, and food.
• Finalized construction through detailed oversight and field coordination.

Conclusion: A Case for Design-Build Excellence

HangDog Outdoor Adventure is more than a successful project—it’s a bold reimagining of what’s possible when vision meets the right partner. Through strategic reuse, creative problem-solving, and integrated execution, the SAGE Team turned a hotel plan into a dynamic, multi-use adventure destination unlike any other on the East Coast. Every phase of the journey—from rethinking site infrastructure to orchestrating complex modular construction—was guided by the four pillars of the SAGE Experience: Strategy, Assessment, Guidance, and Execution. Our team didn’t just build; we collaborated, anticipated, and adapted, working alongside Mike McCreary to make sure every square foot served the bigger vision. The result is a sustainable, guest-centered space that blends adventure, entertainment, and community–setting a new standard for what adaptive reuse and design-build can achieve. HangDog stands as a testament to how innovation, agility, and partnership can turn what was into what could be—and why choosing the right team makes all the difference.