By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer
ASHWAUBENON – Exterior building alterations requested by Summit Hospitality, owner of the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center at 780 Armed Forces Dr., received final approval Tuesday, June 26, by the Ashwaubenon village board.
Village Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator Todd Gerbers said the planned exterior building upgrades at Best Western include redoing the front canopy to make it look “more stately” with Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) material and more of a flat ceiling to have better clearance underneath.
“Currently, right now it’s kind of just recessed in with a small canopy over the top,” Gerbers said. “This will actually create a little more massing to it.”
Along with architectural massing being done at the other hotel entrances, Gerbers said a stairway on the north side of the building will be partially screened with a new exterior wall.
“That (exterior wall) will help screen that (stairway) from public view, plus it will keep it out of the elements a little better,” he said.
In addition, Gerbers said the remaining block exterior will be repainted with a two-toned grey color.
“They will also be replacing all fencing, including creating some rooftop screening of mechanical equipment,” he said. “That would be more of a vinyl fence, so a little more durable but also less maintenance on it.”
Gerbers said the required conditions for the alterations include implementing a landscape plan on the north side as much as possible so that Ashwaubenon Public Safety would still have access with a 24-foot fire lane between Best Western and the Arena Motel.
The planned exterior alterations at the Best Western previously came before the Plan Commission as well as the Site Plan Review Committee for review. Because the site is located in the village’s Sports and Entertainment District, any development or remodeling there must be approved by both the Plan Commission and the village board.