Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/504765
34 | I NSIGH T • M a y 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m I N S I G H T O N E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT B y S e a n P. J o h n s o n T he water has always been important to Door County. Snugly sandwiched between Green Bay on the west and Lake Michigan on the east, water has always played an important role in the region's development, from its fisheries to its shipyards to its more recent history as a mecca for tourists. Water, and public access to it, are key drivers in one of the newest developments in Door County, Sturgeon Bay's multi-million-dollar West Waterfront, a 3.5-acre, place-making development between the Maritime All along the waterfront Sturgeon Bay development will add Door County's first hotel rooms since 2000 Museum and Oregon Street Bridge. Developed as a public-private partnership, plans are already underway for a publicly-financed festival dock, pedestrian plaza and event stage. Private developers are lining up financing for a planned four-story hotel expected to spur private development of the area and create a walkable space of waterfront amenities and commerce. "We are looking at that whole area getting a total makeover," says Bill Chaudoir, executive director of the Door County Economic Development Corporation. "We are looking for construction to start by summer." e hotel is a key component of what planners consider the first phase of the development. e city of Sturgeon Bay recently approved the zoning for the planned $8 million project. e city is expecting to contribute about $1.8 million in public amenities and infrastructure for the C O U R T E S Y O F C I T Y O F S T U R G E O N B AY An artist's conception of how a proposed 76-unit hotel, left, will fit into the proposed Western Waterfront development. The projects will also include a festival dock and event stage.