A historic Holland landmark is turning 100 this week. The Warm Friend, located at the heart of downtown Holland on 8th Street and Central Avenue, is celebrating a century of community with a weeklong celebration for its residents—and an invitation for the public to join in celebration by enjoying a commemorative beer brewed in its honor.
In celebration of The Warm Friend’s 100 year legacy, Big Lake Brewing launched the Warm Friend Tavern Bier, a nod to the building’s early days as a luxury hotel and Prohibition-era tavern. The special release beer is available for purchase on tap and by the can at Big Lake Brewing (13 W 7th St, Holland), offering a flavorful way for the community to toast a beloved piece of local history.
On Monday, April 21st, Warm Friend residents kicked off their week-long celebration with a special happy hour, raising their glasses of Tavern Bier in the same building that hosted Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, Hollywood stars, and even heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano during its heyday. Originally opened in 1925 as the Warm Friend Tavern, the six-story building has long been a cornerstone of downtown Holland. Commissioned by A.H. Landwehr after the loss of the Ottawa Beach Hotel, it was designed to serve as a premier destination for traveling businessmen. Over the decades, the Warm Friend has housed a radio station, restaurant, bank, retail shops, and was home to a hidden bierkelder during Prohibition. Since 1982, it has served as one of Resthaven’s independent living communities, providing seniors with vibrant downtown living and supportive services.
Today, residents of The Warm Friend enjoy offerings like concerts, language classes, cardio drumming, and lifelong learning, all in a building that retains its signature warmth and history. As the building enters its second century, Resthaven is embracing both preservation and renewal—updating infrastructure while honoring the character that makes The Warm Friend so unique. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone not only with our residents but with the entire Holland community,” said Jodie Zegunis, The Warm Friend’s Administrator. “The Warm Friend Tavern Bier is a creative, meaningful way to connect our past and present—and invite our neighbors to be part of the story.”
Media Contact: Lindsey Zona, Director of Development at Resthaven 616-796-3512, lindsey.zona@resthaven.org