Design Narrative

Opened in 2023, Hotel Verdant has become a defining catalyst for the revitalization of Downtown Racine, Wisconsin—an ambitious adaptive reuse that restored a beloved landmark and reshaped the life of Monument Square. Once the historic Zahn Department Store, the building had sat vacant since 1982, its absence felt in the heart of the city. Reimagining it as a contemporary boutique hotel required not only design expertise, but a commitment to sustainability, community value, and thoughtful reinvention. In 2024, the project’s achievements were recognized with the LEED Gold Award, affirming its position as a model for regenerative, adaptive reuse.

The redevelopment balanced preservation with innovation. A new building addition, crafted to complement the original 1925 structure, was designed in full accordance with the National Park Service Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines—an essential step in securing historic tax credits. The project’s most complex challenge, the rooftop bar, demanded surgical structural reinforcement and meticulous coordination across design, engineering, constructability, and budget. The result is a discreetly integrated fifth floor that elevates the guest experience without sacrificing the building’s historic integrity.

Sustainability shaped every decision. The project’s LEED Gold certification is supported by geothermal wells beneath the new addition, a green roof that manages stormwater, and rooftop solar panels that meaningfully reduce energy consumption. Interior finishes and FF&E were selected with equal intention—prioritizing low-VOC materials, natural fibers, durable finishes, and manufacturers with transparent, responsible supply chains. These selections not only improved indoor air quality but contributed to the hotel’s long-term operational wellness.

The design narrative celebrates Racine’s Danish heritage and its connection to the natural rhythms of Lake Michigan. Hotel Verdant presents a modern expression of hygge—layered, warm, and rooted in nature. A sculptural copper fireplace anchors the lobby as Racine’s new “living room,” while blond woods, textured upholstery, organic forms, and a soothing palette create a sense of comfort and belonging. A central light well floods the interiors with sunlight, transforming the guest experience with an unexpected connection to the outdoors.

Across 80 nature-infused guestrooms, a rooftop garden bar, a wood-fired Italian restaurant, wellness amenities, and refined event spaces, Hotel Verdant demonstrates how adaptive reuse, sustainable systems, and human-centered design can revive not only a building, but the spirit of a city. It stands as a testament to how thoughtful hospitality can build community, honor history, and elevate everyday experience.