RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) – Business leaders gathered in Rhinelander Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new hotel.
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites will offer 99 rooms at its location just off Highway 17 near the Rennes Health and Rehab Center. Construction is just getting underway, but it’s expected to be complete by next July – just in time for peak tourism season.
Tim Thorsen is an investor with the Hodag Hospitality Group: “We know, having built businesses here and raised families here, we’ve always needed some improvement in our temporary housing called hotels. So, we hope to be able to be proud to be able to bring, whether it’s a potential employee or someone staying at the dome or in town, that we can have them stay at a facility that Rhinelander can be proud of.”
Rhinelander Mayor Kris Hanus says the development is a promising sign for the city. “This is the first hotel in about 20 years to be erected in our city, this will be a great asset for anyone who wants to enjoy our beautiful city in the Northwoods.”
And a new hotel might not be all that’s in store for Rhinelander. Thorsen says he envisions a bar and restaurant opening near the hotel, and several new businesses along the stretch of highway. He says he hopes the area becomes Rhinelander’s north business commercial center.
