Hotel Verdant — A Uniquely Green Meeting Space
01/18/2024
By Sue Sveum
Bustling with shoppers from 1898 until the mid-1980s, the former Zahn’s Department store in downtown Racine sat empty for four decades. But now, the historic building has once again come alive — as Hotel Verdant, an upscale, unique boutique hotel with an energy all its own.
“We chose the name ‘Verdant’ because we’ve always been interested in green building,” explains Mike O’Connor, who, along with Christopher Adams, is co- principal of Dominion Properties. The hotel has lived up to its name, earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for sustainability and energy efficiency — from its rooftop solar panels to electric vehicle charging stations.
And of course, guests now generate an energy of their own — as they gather here to attend meetings, celebrate weddings and enjoy all that Hotel Verdant has to offer.
Meeting planners have a variety of options to choose from, beginning with the front lobby — once the main entrance of the department store. “We’ve designed this space much like a living room with a big circular fireplace and comfortable seating,” says O’Connor, adding that it can serve as its own casual meeting place or be sectioned off for privacy.
Large events will be right at home in the 3,500-square-foot Belle Ballroom, which can be divided, and pre-function space perfect for registration or socializing. The ballroom holds roughly 200 people on each side. There’s a drop-down projection screen with ceiling speakers for meetings, but don’t worry, the room is well-soundproofed — keeping music and microphones in and hallway chatter out.
“An interior space just under 950 square feet, called the Monument Room in honor of the town square, works great for a board meeting or campaign headquarters — where people need quiet and privacy,” suggests O’Connor. “But with its own kitchen and bathroom, it also makes an ideal dressing room for wedding parties.”
Need something smaller? The 18- by 13-square-foot Zahn’s Boardroom might be the answer. It seats eight to 10 and features a 65-inch TV for presentations. But it’s not all high-tech. “In a nod to the former department store, we’ve decorated Zahn’s with pieces of historic terra cotta and photos of the original construction,” O’Connor says.
For overnight guests, Hotel Verdant has 80 guest rooms (including six junior suites and an almost 900-square-foot presidential suite) — all with 14-foot ceilings. Credit your quiet, restful sleep to the mineral wool insulation in the walls separating your room from those above, below and adjacent to yours.
Local diners, tourists and hotel guests are sure to enjoy a meal from its cozy café, Marguerite. Combining an inviting Scandinavian design with Italian-inspired cuisine prepared by a nationally renowned local chef, the restaurant offers public dining as well as event catering for the adjacent ballroom.
And if location is indeed everything, Hotel Verdant has it all. “Racine has a great walkable do wnto wn and the hotel is right there on Monument Square,” says O’Connor. “With shops, restaurants and more than 100 events taking place, there’s always something to do.”
Last but certainly not least is the hotel’s rooftop garden bar and restaurant, eave. “There’s nothing like it in the area,” boasts O’Connor. “Our indoor seating provides a unique space for a meeting or luncheon before the bar opens at 3 p.m.”
But the cherry on top is the 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio rimmed by a green roof and drink rail. It boasts two fire pits, an herb garden for home-grown drink garnishes and unbeatable panoramic views of Lake Michigan sunrises and sunsets.
