• The Lakeshore
Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Sheboygan Counties
Hotel announced for historic building in Plymouth
The Gentine family has announced it will renovate the historic Laack Block in downtown Plymouth into a boutique hotel, restaurant and event venue.
The family provided plan details to the Plymouth City Council Nov. 26. At the meeting Louie Gentine said the family’s decision to purchase and invest in the building reflects its commitment to the community and will be the largest private investment in the city’s historic district. Gentine said it will create a signature destination and serve as a catalyst for growth.
It is estimated that the $16 million investment could generate an additional $1.5 million in annual sales and $100,000 in annual room tax revenue based on 55% occupancy.
Earlier this year the Gentine family purchased the buildings, which date back to the 1800s and include the H.C. Laack Building that was used as a hardware store and for many decades the Adam’s Rexall Drug Store.
Plans include a 35-room hotel with king rooms and suites, a large lobby, three-story elevator, new restaurant and a soda fountain/bar. The building at 52 Stafford will become an event space and banquet hall.
Lakeside Foods purchases Oregon company
Lakeside Foods purchased an Oregon-based frozen foods company and closed a plant in Manitowoc.
The family-owned business completed the purchase of Smith Frozen Foods for an undisclosed price.
Lakeside Foods will continue to produce frozen vegetables at the former Smith production facility in Weston, Oregon and Garrett Packing/Brittany Farms operations in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
“Smith Frozen Foods is well-regarded in the industry for its strong legacy of growing and processing vegetables and its unwavering commitment to product quality and customer service,” said Joe Yanda, president and CEO. “We’re excited to further grow our frozen vegetable business and strengthen service to our nationwide base of retail, food service and industrial customers, especially those with a large footprint on the West Coast.”
The acquisition grows Lakeside Foods’ frozen vegetable market share and positions the company to expand its product base. Smith’s operations include significant frozen storage capacity and some production capabilities new to Lakeside Foods.
Smith Frozen Foods President and CFO Gary Crowder will stay on with Lakeside Foods through the transition.
Lakeside Foods said it will close its Manitowoc production facility on Jay Street.
“This decision, which we did not make lightly, best supports our long-term strategic growth plan,” Yanda said. “Our managers have worked to support affected employees by finding them opportunities at other Lakeside Foods locations. We remain committed to Manitowoc as our home and corporate headquarters, with four remaining production, warehouse and office locations.”
Founded in 1887 as a pea-canning plant, Lakeside Foods has expanded to 14 production facilities, with products distributed in 14 countries. It manufactures canned and frozen vegetables, canned meat, smoked sausage and hot dogs, canned dry beans, frozen desserts, appetizers and canned pet food.
• West Central
Green Lake, Marquette, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara Counties
Ripon College receives $20M anonymous gift
Ripon College has received an anonymous $20 million gift — the largest in its history. The majority of the gift is unrestricted to fund strategic initiatives and will support several key projects:
- Existing residence halls will undergo renovations including the addition of new furniture, study lounges and collaborative spaces.
- A portion of the gift will enable a matching gift challenge to fund the construction of a new residence hall.
- The restricted portion of the gift will fund new construction for a revitalized Merriman House, which is planned to begin in 2025 and will house the Phi Kappa Pi fraternity and Merriman alumni activities.
- A portion of the funds will be allocated to leadership training, increased mental health resources and activities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among students.
The Forever Ripon Campaign, which exceeded its initial goal of $75 million 18 months ahead of schedule, set an extended goal of $100 million in January 2024. This commitment brings the Forever Ripon total to $117 million with several months remaining until the June 30, 2025 close date.
Renovations and new construction are planned to begin in 2025.
Veteran’s estate gives $225K to hospice services in Green Lake, Fond du Lac
Thanks to a $225,000 gift from the estate of William (Bill) Faubel, who died in December 2023 at age 103, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation will continue its support of SSM Health at Home Hospice services in Fond du Lac and Green Lake.
SSM Health at Home Hospice is a program for individuals with a limited life expectancy. An interdisciplinary team works with patients and their families, dealing with their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, at a time when a curative approach to care is no longer available.
SSM Health at Home Hospice in the Fond du Lac and surrounding communities averages 165 patients receiving care at any given time, with 41% receiving financial assistance for the length of their care. The average cost of care is $300 per day.
Faubel’s niece, Polly May, said, “We were very fortunate to have Uncle Bill as part of our family. He was most proud to be a veteran, including being a part of an Old Glory Honor Flight in 2010.”
Faubel was born Nov. 26, 1920, the youngest of four siblings. He was raised in Fond du Lac and graduated from Goodrich High School in 1939.
He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and was stationed at Fort Sheridan. Following basic training, he was assigned to the 435th Troop Carrier Command, 75th Squadron, where he served in ordnance. His squadron dropped paratroopers on D-Day and pulled gliders into France. Faubel was discharged on Sept. 16, 1945.
Upon returning to the U.S., Faubel worked at Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee for a year, then came back to Fond du Lac and worked for Blakely Auto Parts for 12 years. In 1958, he started Appleton Crankshaft Service, eventually selling his business to two employees.
• Interstate 41 Corridor
Brown, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Outagamie, Winnebago Counties
Harrison developing commercial hub
The village of Harrison is developing 23 acres on Highway N between Manitowoc and Schmidt roads to serve as a commercial hub.
“The village’s economic development strategic plan identified the need to undertake a robust business attraction effort directed at retail and commercial development along County Highway N,” said Chad Pelishek, assistant village manager.
The commercial district will be dedicated to small local businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, health/wellness, offices and small-scale development that can provide essential services within the community.
The Highway N corridor has seen extensive residential development in recent years, with traffic counts increasing to an average of 7,000-8,000 vehicles per day.
The village is planning to build a new $11.5 million fire station in this commercial park in 2025 adjacent to Manitowoc Road. This new station will replace the current fire station 70 on Lake Park Road and State Highway 114.
The commercial hub will include pedestrian pathways along Highway N to make the development walkable. Future plans call for a splash pad/entrance water feature and a park to serve both residential and commercial neighborhoods.
Construction on the roadways is estimated to begin in winter 2025, and lots are expected to be available for development in spring/summer 2025.
EPIC plans new marathon and running festival in Green Bay
EPIC Event Center is teaming up with Race Day Events to bring a new festival to Green Bay May 18.
The first-ever EPIC Marathon & Running Festival will feature a marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, half marathon relay, 5K and children’s run. Race Day Events will handle logistical details; Epic will provide live entertainment and events management.
“We’re thrilled to introduce EPIC Marathon & Running Festival to runners near and far,” said Mark Skogen, owner of EPIC Event Center. “We’re putting our own unique spin on this event — not only to create an exciting race day experience, but to give something special back to our community.”
Ryan Griessmeyer, president of Race Day Events, said, “We believe in the importance of keeping a vibrant, community-centered event like this in the region, and we’re excited to partner with EPIC to create an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.”
• The Northwoods
Florence, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto Counties
Marinette sells river frontage to developer
The city of Marinette sold a property with 550 feet of frontage on the Menominee River to Mike Biehl, owner of MJB Inc., for $100,000.
Biehl said he plans to purchase Harbor Town Marine and further develop an existing marina. Harbor Town’s current owners had leased the property Biehl purchased.
The city intends to reinvest interest from the money earned in the sale in the Menekaunee neighborhood where the marina is located.
Other conditions of the sale include:
- A 15-foot permanent easement for the city that remains on the deed
- A requirement that the property remain recreational
- A requirement that Biehl invest $500,000 in docks, launching wells, land or buildings within two years
- No permanent structure may impede the waterfront
The easement across the property Biehl purchased maintains a segment of an existing trail that crosses the property that will connect to another trail the city plans to develop.
Marinette received a $225,000 rails to trails grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and will match it with $225,000. The money will be used to create a walking and biking path along the former Canadian National railroad tracks from Eighth Street to Ogden Avenue. From Ogden Avenue, the new trail will connect to an existing path to Red Arrow Park.
