Lutsen Resort owner and alleged arsonist sues insurance company for denial of fire claim

Jana Hollingsworth, Star TribuneThe Minneapolis Star Tribune

DULUTH – The alleged arsonist behind the fire that destroyed the historic Lutsen Resort lodge has sued his insurance company for denying the $16.5 million claim for his property.

Canadian citizen Bryce Campbell, 41, submitted an insurance claim for a total loss the day of the 2024 fire. He cited “a fire of unknown origin,” according to the criminal complaint that charged him with several felonies, including arson and insurance fraud.

Campbell’s North Shore Resort Co. filed a federal lawsuit Jan. 23 against Michigan-based Auto-Owners Insurance Co. The complaint says the company formally denied his claim that day, “breaching the parties’ insurance contract.”

Campbell has repeatedly denied that he had anything to do with the fire that engulfed the three-story wooden structure.

He did not respond to an interview request and calls to his attorneys and insurance company were not returned Monday, Jan. 26.

Campbell had increased the resort’s insurance policy to $13 million in 2023, a $4.5 million increase from 2022, authorities have said.

A former general manager said that was done because of extensive renovations at the lodge, including adding a third floor of rooms. The lodge had recently been appraised at $14 million.

Campbell bought the lodge and its assets in 2018 for $6.7 million, the criminal complaint said. His business debt, which included his other ventures, was more than $14 million at the time of the fire. It included $13 million for his Superior Shores Resort near Two Harbors and money owed to the Lutsen Resort’s previous owners, townhome associations and various businesses.

St. Paul architect Edwin H. Lundie designed the Mesaba Red U-shaped lodge, with its massive fireplace made from local stone and hand-hewn posts and beams carved from white pine. The original lodge was destroyed by fire in 1948, rebuilt and destroyed by fire again in 1951. The lodge that burned nearly two years ago was built in 1952.

The popular resort was beloved by families and locals for decades, but many said skyrocketing prices and a different vibe since Campbell took ownership had changed it.

Campbell next appears in Cook County court in March.