MADISON, WIS.—In spring 1994, John and Cathie Imes took the first step towards developing a pioneering bed-and-breakfast concept—an urban environmental inn. They purchased the Plough Inn, a former stagecoach tavern in the early days of Wisconsin’s statehood that had been a private residence for many years, before it was developed into an inn. The couple immediately set out to improve operations while showcasing an environmentally friendly approach. Twenty years later, their mission of providing the art of hospitality while serving as a model for sustainable business remains intact.
“We are fortunate to have a business where working together as a couple, raising a family, and sharing a vision of hospitality, sustainability and responsibility can happen,” said John Imes, co-owner of the Arbor House with his wife Cathie. “We’re grateful to so many in the community for helping achieve that vision over the last 20 years.”
Highlights of the Arbor House
National award-winning annex—A sustainably designed annex connected to the original inn by a landscaped courtyard features an exposed timber frame, arbors, balconies and flooring made from century-old Douglas fir salvaged from the original Sears building in Chicago. Other features: Foot-thick walls are made from recycled wood and concrete. Hot water runs through pipes under the floors for heating. Ceramic tiles are made with recycled glass. The annex is oriented to the south for solar gain; window glass is energy efficient. Other materials are low-toxin, including paints, linens and naturally dyed wool carpeting. A staircase is built from birch and maple from Wisconsin’s Menomonee Indian forest, one of the nation’s best managed sustainable forests.
Historic and natural setting—Natural open space features a diversity of native landscaping and mature trees surrounding the annex and historic landmark Plough Inn building. John and Cathie used prairie, woodland and butterfly garden species, along with an ecological pond, shade garden, herb garden and porous pavement, Oak Savanna and other natural features to complement the inn’s location across from the UW Arboretum with its fresh water springs.
Historic rehabilitation—Built in 1853, the historic landmark Plough Inn is preserved by a major rehabilitation the Imes initiated and completed over five years. The work included a complete facade restoration, new fixtures and mechanicals, plus substantial interior remodeling that integrated sustainable design, green remodeling and the preservation of historic resources. The project was certified by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the high standards of a certified historic rehabilitation.
Accolades—Arbor House has won the Boston Society of Architects’ prestigious “Sustainable Design” award and is listed on the National Green Pages, the largest annual directory of leading socially and environmentally responsible businesses. The couple and their inn were also photographed for Money magazine when it named Madison as the most livable city of its size in the United States. “Travel & Leisure,” “Healthy Living” and “Natural Home” magazines also provided national exposure, and Arbor House was featured as one of the top 10 Eco-Hotels on the Fine Living television network. John and Cathie have also won a national Renew America award and Arbor House was named by Co-op America as a working example of one of the 15 “green businesses” that every community should have.
Notable guests—“Over the years, we’ve hosted tens of thousands of guests including a former U.S. Senator, governors, and other state and local officials, heads of national environmental groups and associations, media personalities, leading authors and keynote speakers for some of Madison’s iconic events,” said Cathie Imes. “Meeting so many diverse and dynamic people making a positive impact on society has been a rewarding and unforgettable experience—one our family will cherish for many years to come.”
Model for sustainable business—In John’s work as a co-founder and executive director for WEI (Wisconsin Environmental Initiative), Arbor House serves as a valuable resource and “scratch test” for the development of sustainable business programs. WEI’s nationally recognized Green Built Home program and Travel Green Wisconsin, a business certification program John developed in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, are notable examples with Arbor House roots. More recently, John developed the Main Street Green program, a voluntary program launched on Monroe Street where the local merchants association and 26 businesses representing various retail, food and beverage and service establishments are making a strong commitment to superior environmental performance.
John, an MATC and Carroll College graduate, currently serves as an elected board trustee for the Village of Shorewood Hills and has served in various appointments and as an advisor to many national, state and local initiatives over the years. Cathie has an MBA and she manages the inn with a staff of five. The couple have four children.
Go to Arbor House.
