Rebound Winneshiek is proposing a $11.4 million hotel complex on the Bluffs Inn property

Details are now emerging of the proposed development on the former Bluffs Inn property on Highway 9 in Decorah. 

Rebound Winneshiek--the Minnesota-based company that owns the Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah, The Des Lux Hotel in Des Moines, Lost Lake Lodge in Lake Shore, Minnesota, and The Archer House River Inn in Northfield, MInnesota--is proposing to build a 78-room Fairfield Inn and Suites on the property, as well as two additional commercial sites that would house restaurants or commercial offices.

A statement by Rebound Winneshiek says "The Hotel Winneshiek needs more hotel rooms in order to more fully utilize the Steyer Opera House and its conference and banquet business."

The project calls for the complete demolition of the existing Bluffs Inn and Oak Steakhouse buildings.  Rebound Winneshiek says the project will require "significant site reconstruction."

Construction on the new complex could start as soon as next spring and the hotel could open in the spring of 2017.

(See stories below for additional details)