By Kevin Boneske
Staff writer

ASHWAUBENON – Exterior building alterations, requested by the owners of the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center at 780 Armed Forces Dr., were recommended for approval Tuesday, June 5, by both the village’s Site Plan Review Committee and the Plan Commission.

Village Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator Todd Gerbers said the proposed upgrade to the exterior of the building includes redoing the front canopy with exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) material and reconstructing it with more of a flat ceiling inside.

In addition, Gerbers said the entranceways to the hotel would be highlighted with a bigger façade, which would also provide protection from the elements.

“Again, those would be EIFS, then they will actually go through and repaint the existing facility to more of a grayish color, lighter gray and a darker gray,” he said. “And then probably the more notable change on… the north side of the building, there’s currently an exterior stairway… They’ll construct a wall there to help screen that a little bit, plus keep the elements off.”

However, Gerbers said a required condition for the alterations calls for having a landscape plan with the landscape improvements being proposed, especially near the entrance.

“Public Safety does have to look at it to make sure that they have adequate access between Best Western and the Arena (Motel),” he said. “That is considered a fire lane to get back there to the back portion of the building, so they have to make sure that they have enough clearance there.”

If there would be enough room for a 24-foot fire lane, Gerbers said then the landscaping improvements, as depicted in the concept drawings, would be installed.

“Otherwise, it may have to be tweaked a little bit,” he said.

Gerbers said the proposed exterior alterations at the Best Western came before the Plan Commission as well as the Site Plan Review Committee because the site is located in the village’s Sports and Entertainment District, where any development or remodeling must also be approved by the Plan Commission and the village board.

“Sure looks like an improvement, doesn’t it?” said Trustee Ken Bukowski. “I mean, I hope it goes the way the pictures indicate. That’s been there a long time, that facility.”

When asked by Trustee Gary Paul about two existing signs on the front canopy at Best Western, Gerbers said they are not shown on the concept drawings and would be removed with the alteration project.

The village board will consider the proposed building alterations at its meeting June 26.