#1 story of 2015: Rebound Hospitality proposes $11 million hotel for Decorah

The top news story of 2015 in Decorah was the proposal by Rebound Hospitality to build an $11 million 78-room Fairfield Inn and Suites in Decorah on the site of the former Bluffs Inn.

A statement by Rebound Winneshiek issued in June said "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 would involve the complete demolition of the existing Bluffs Inn and Oak Steakhouse buildings.  Rebound Winneshiek says the project will require "significant site reconstruction."

By December several hurdles had been cleared.  The Decorah City Council agreed to ten years worth of property tax abatements totaling around $1.5 million.  Several zoning approvals also were approved.

A feasibility study done by Rebound Hospitality showed there is a demand for an additional 120 hotel rooms in Decorah.  Construction of the hotel is expected to significantly increase hotel/motel tax revenues in Decorah.

By year's end, Rebound Hospitality had filed an official application with Marriott for the Fairfield Inn license.  Marriott will make a decision by January 15th.  Rebound officials say once the license is awarded, the purchase of the property will be finalized and planning will begin for the start of construction this spring.