GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Hotel Northland still isn’t open, but the public will get to look inside for the first time next week.
Poke the Bear Bar and Restaurant will open inside the Northland next Wednesday.
“It’s our take on a sports bar,” said John Williams, general manager of Hotel Northland. “Our twist on this is we wanted to dedicate it to the fans., particularly to the 100-year fans of the Green Bay Packers.”
Williams says people who ask for a tour will be able to see parts of the hotel when Poke the Bear opens. Those parts include a guest room, the Crystal Room, and meeting and function space.
There is added interest in this project because it has been a top priority of city officials for the last five years.
Construction on the 94-year-old building started back in December 2015. Renovation work stopped for nearly a year, mostly last year, because of financial problems.
On the brink of opening, Williams says the hotel needs to be perfect before guests will be staying overnight.
“The lipstick hasn’t been applied yet,” said Williams.
Accessories haven’t been added to the lobby and guest rooms are still missing furniture.
“There are a few things that are missing and until it’s right, we’re not going to open,” said Williams.
“So how many of the 160 rooms right now would be ready for use?” asked FOX 11.
“It doesn’t matter and here is why: in the Marriott specifications and the Marriott guidelines, a floor has to be 100 percent completion,” said Williams.
“If I were the GM, it would’ve opened, but they’re very particular about the artwork and making sure everything is picture perfect,” said Jim Schmitt, Green Bay’s mayor.
Since work on the hotel restarted late last year, the city has been saying the hotel has to open by the end of this year to receive federal and state tax credits. The city says the project will still receive $14 million in tax credits because it has been granted its certificate of occupancy.
“It’s going to open,” said Schmitt. “I don’t have a date certain. If I did, everyone would know it.”
According to Marriott’s website, the Northland will open in February. Williams says it will open no later than March 15th.
“Until it’s right, we’re not going to be ready,” said Williams.
Williams says once Marriott sets an opening date for a hotel, a 21-day process begins. That includes computer systems going online and training employees.
