New Boutique Hotel In Wisconsin

APPLETON, WI—Construction will soon begin on a 73-room boutique hotel here. Named “Copper Leaf, A Boutique Hotel,” the property will be locally built, owned and managed. The ownership, Fox Cities Hotel Investors LLC, is a community-based consortium consisting of John Pfefferle, who is managing partner, Paul Hoffman, Jim Geerts, Bob Steidl, Leon Vanden Heuvel and Rich Batley. Batley, who is currently the managing partner of the Baymont Inn in Waupaca, WI, will oversee the operations of the new hotel. The owners estimate the project will cost $9 million and anticipate completion in early 2004. The City of Appleton will contribute $800,000 in TIF monies to assist in the redevelopment of the former J.C. Penney site, the owners said. Copper Leaf will be a 61,000-square-foot, five-story building. Each room will have a microwave, refrigerator, hair dryer, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, whirlpool tub and a large work desk. Additionally, rooms will have high-speed Internet and dataport connections. Each of the hotel’s suites will have a two-way fireplace and private bedroom. The new Copper Leaf will also feature a business center, meeting rooms, spa and exercise area. Guests will be offered a continental breakfast each morning and an evening wine and cheese reception. Hoffman Corp. of Appleton is the designer/builder of the project.