RACINE, WIS.—Hotel Verdant, the newest hotel built in downtown Racine, Wisconsin in decades, has officially earned a LEED Gold Certification for its outstanding sustainable design and operations, including the use of geothermal, solar and wind technologies. The Gold level of the certification solidifies Hotel Verdant as the most sustainable hotel in the state of Wisconsin.
The 80-room boutique property, which is managed by the renowned hospitality group Charlestowne Hotels, is a revitalized adaptive reuse project that prioritizes mindful amenities and a positive environmental impact. Formerly the iconic Zahn’s Department Store, the property boasts two on-site food and beverage outlets, Marguerite, an Italian-inspired restaurant and Eave, a rooftop cocktail bar. The Racine County Economic Development Corporation also recently recognized the property as Business Development of the Year, praising the hotel for its potential to catalyze development in the downtown area and job creation.
“The Hotel Verdant team is honored to be awarded with a LEED Gold Certification,” said Mike O’Connor, Chairman and Principal of Hotel Verdant ownership group Dominion Properties. “Community is at the core of this hotel and ensuring that our environmental footprint is minimal is essential. From renewable energy use to eco-minded transportation and food and beverage operations, our operations and design embrace renewal and appreciation for Racine’s natural beauty.”
Sustainability highlights include 20 on-site geothermal wells to heat the lower level, first floor, and rooftop, solar panels and wind turbines for electricity generation, a living green roof to eliminate water run-off and provide insulation, energy-efficient fixtures and temperature controls throughout, and the use of chemically neutral interior materials. Beyond this, bicycles are available for borrowing, electric vehicle chargers are on-site, a composting program is being explored, and waste-reducing practices are in place such as the elimination of single-use plastic bathroom products, cups, utensils, and to-go containers.
“It means so much to the Hotel Verdant team to be honored with this certification and to be furthering the advancement of green hospitality,” said Travis Gitter, General Manager of Hotel Verdant. “As we approach our one-year-anniversary in August, we look forward to identifying new ways to continue our sustainability efforts.”
