Business Spotlight: Hotel Verdant

RACINE — The long-awaited reconstruction of what was once known as Zahn’s Department Store is almost completed. In the summer of 2023, the historic building will open as Hotel Verdant, Downtown Racine’s very own sustainable and full-service boutique hotel, at 500 Main St.

The hotel is located in the heart of the downtown area, along the coast of Lake Michigan, near the ever-growing Main Street. It will serve visitors and locals to Racine through multiple avenues.

Rooms are available for booking starting Aug. 1, 2023.

Sustainability at the forefront

The hotel has 80 rooms and is destined to be certified as a LEED Gold Certified establishment, meaning Hotel Verdant is adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality, as established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Dominion Properties leads the way

“We’re entering into the final phase of construction now, which is super exciting,” says Emily Garofalo, Project Manager of Dominion Properties.

“His immediate thought based on where the building is positioned right in the heart of downtown, right off the square, was that it was meant to be a hotel, says Garofalo.

“With Hotel Verdant, Dominion Properties saw an opportunity to bring a boutique hotel to Downtown Racine and credits the early support of Racine Mayor Cory Mason and Finance Director Kathleen Fischer in helping to make it happen. Both recognized the impact a boutique hotel could have on the economy of the downtown area and city-at-large,” reads a statement from Dominion Properties.

More than a hotel

In addition to adding a hotel in the community, Hotel Verdant will also come with a full-service lobby level called Café Marguerite. It will feature an evolving menu of healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options—including brick-oven pizza.

“The hotel itself is being managed by a group called Charlestown Hotels. They actually will run the food and beverage outlets as well,” explains Garofalo.

In addition, the rest of the team includes Grey Hospitality, Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA), The
Gettys Group (TGG), Sustainable Building Solutions, Sustainablu, and C.G. Schmidt.

Other amenities include a fitness center, bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding areas and rooms and spaces for use.

There is a meeting/banquet space that holds events of up to 200 people and can be reserved for meetings,
weddings, anniversaries, wellness retreats, company parties, and other events.

With Hotel Verdant’s opening, they aim to be a resource for Racine.

Channeling Racine’s roots

In numerous ways, Hotel Verdant is connecting with Racine’s roots.

Local jobs

Local art

Dominion Properties has a passion for art, therefore has brought a local art connection to life through Hotel Verdant.

‘All of the art that’s in the hotel comes from local artists,” says Emily.

A partnership with Racine Art Museum (RAM) and Art Root has resulted in the inclusion of upwards of 200 works of original local art pieces. These works of art will come from 20 to 30 local artists.

These works can be found in guest rooms and public spaces throughout the hotel.

When the opening of the hotel inches closer, names of artists and more information will be available.

“We’ve just endeavored to represent as much of the community as we can,” shares the Project Manager.

Danish connection

Racine has a strong Danish heritage and that history will be highlighted throughout the hotel. The design professionals have worked to create an atmosphere that channels a specific aesthetic.

The Danish word hygge serves as a focal point for the company. The word meaning coziness, comfort, and feelings of wellness and contentment strives to be the feeling that is given off.

People can think of Hotel Verrdant as being “Racine’s Living Room,” embodying a space for everyone and serving as more than just a hotel boutique.

For Racine and beyond

The hotel, while not open yet, is creating create strong connections to the community including businesses, potential guests, and partners.

More information about Hotel Verdant can be found on their website. Additional updates can be found by following the Downtown Racine Corporation’s Facebook page.