Developers in Eau Claire have unveiled plans to renovate a dilapidated, downtown hotel and city officials are optimistic that the project will help rejuvenate the city’s center.
A group of investors, including Eau Claire software developer Zach Halmsted, bought the ailing, eight-story hotel last year vowing to pump $16 million into a complete remodel. It’s expected to reopen later this year as the Lismore Hotel.
Eau Claire Economic Development director Mike Schatz said he expects there to be an economic ripple effect.
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“There will be spinoff dollars spent downtown when people start staying here overnight and visiting some of the shops,” said Schatz. “So, that’s going to be a big, big help for the local businesses that are located downtown.”
Schatz said the new 123-room hotel will pair nicely with a proposed performing arts center that is a key part of the city’s Confluence Project.
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