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Our 
Story

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BORN TO TAKE FLIGHT...

The Blackbird Waterhouse is housed in a historical Coloma resort-era building. Originally known as the Wil-o-Paw Inn until the 1980's, the location on Paw Paw Lake Road has been host to a number of restaurants and event centers.  The historical building was established in 1931 by George Klotter, who was also known for beginning development on the Paw Paw Lake Islands, which is now home to a number of locals to the Coloma community. 

The front pub was added on in 1941, but with a much lower ceiling. Eventually, the back portion of the building was added in the 1960's, which houses our upstairs event space, main dining room with stage, and the main kitchens. The upstairs in the 60's was an apartment for the owners at that time, part of which is now our offices. Our historic bar was added in the early 80's and is a bowling lane from the bowling alley that used to be housed next door.

In 2014, the building was condemned because of the roof. Nick Bertuca and Bertuca builders acquired the building and got to work preserving this historical Coloma landmark by raising and rebuilding the roof around the entire original building. The front pub now showcases the entire front of the original Wil-o-Paw Inn and is one of our favorite features of the restaurant. From the stone details, to the historical story that the aged window frames tell. 

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