GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The long-awaited announcement from the Green Bay Packers came Thursday, as team officials unveiled plans for the Titletown District.
It will be a nearly 34-acre development west of Lambeau Field, which aims to maximize its unique location to attract more visitors to the area, spur additional regional economic growth and offer new amenities to residents.
“We’re very excited to share our vision for the Titletown District,” Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said. “The public plaza, with its size and location near Lambeau Field, will be a draw that is very unique in our area and a wonderful public space for our community.”
The Titletown District will feature a 10-acre public plaza, a park-like setting with year-round, diverse programming with cultural opportunities, and offers a versatile area for a variety of uses, including a winter ice skating rink and team-inspired public art, in addition to festive game day action.
The three key tenants are the Kohler Company, Bellin Health and Hinterland Restaurant and Brewery.
“Kohler Co., Bellin Health and Hinterland are three great Wisconsin organizations that provide exceptional service in their respective areas. We’re thrilled they will be a part of Titletown,” said Murphy. “They each will bring more visitors to the area, serve our current residents and add to the draw for our community as a whole.”
Kohler Co. will build a hotel called “Lodge Kohler”, a proposed Four-Diamond hotel on Ridge Road. The new hotel will include a panoramic bar and restaurant, an indoor/outdoor garden pool, spa and fitness facility, and an outdoor area featuring a tented event space.
“Kohler Co. is proud to collaborate with the Green Bay Packers to develop Lodge Kohler in the new Titletown,” said Kohler Executive Chairman Herb Kohler. “The hotel will be our company’s 4th hotel in an iconic location adding to The American Club and Inn on Woodlake in Kohler, Wisconsin, and The Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland. The new hotel will offer guests a high level of accommodation, excellent service and unique amenities.”
Bellin will operate a nearly 30,000 square foot sports medicine facility, geared toward injury prevention, performance improvement, and treatment and therapy for injuries. It will include lab, x-ray and MRI, along with sports nutrition and sports psychology services.
The clinic will be staffed by longtime Packers team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie, as well as Dr. Jim Ebben, Dr. James Spears and other sports medicine specialists.
“The proximity of this location to the team’s facilities certainly heightens the level of convenience for Dr. McKenzie and the players needing injury evaluation and treatment,” said George Kerwin, Bellin Health president and CEO. “That being said, the most prominent aspect of our relationship with the Packers has been our shared desire to elevate the health and wellness of the community. This facility is an opportunity to share a magnificent sports medicine facility with athletes of all abilities.”
Hinterland Restaurant and Brewery will move out of their downtown Green Bay location, and headquarter in a new 20,000 square foot facility at the corner of Ridge Road and Lombardi Avenue.
“This is a big day for us,” said Bill Tressler, owner and creator of Hinterland restaurant and artisanal brewery. “My wife, Michelle, and I have been brewing for over 20 years and pairing our beer with exceptional food in our restaurant. This new location, across from Lambeau, will allow us to expand our brewing operation and create a craft beer experience that is unique to Hinterland and will wow our guests.”
Hinterland will feature a main floor brew pub and restaurant experience that pairs farm-to-table culinary experiences with game day specialties. The exterior walls will be retractable for outdoor experiences – complete with heated concrete and heat lamps for the ultimate tailgating, event or concert environment.
The restaurant’s upper level will host an intimate 50-75 seat restaurant featuring Hinterland’s signature Green Bay culinary experience; and also have rooms for private events.
The brewery will produce 20,000 bottles annually and have tours and tasting rooms for guests to learn about Hinterland and its unique approach to craft beers and the art of brewing.
Team officials hope to open parts of the Titletown District before the 2017 season.
You can learn more about the Titletown District here.
by Jeff Flynt
