Hotel Rose: Project Scope and On-site Amenities

The three-story boutique hotel will feature 54 guest rooms above ground floor retail, a breakfast and lunch restaurant and a fine dining restaurant offering lunch and dinner. When complete, the development is expected to create more than 50 full-time jobs.

Local Companies Join Forces for Hotel Rose Development

WDG is the developer and owner. WDG Construction is the construction manager and has entered into a joint venture agreement with West Michigan contractor, Platinum Contracting Group. Ghafari is the architect. Moore & Bruggink is the site engineer. Mercantile Bank is providing financing, which is complimented by a CRP loan from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. AHC Hospitality will manage the hotel and fine dining restaurant. PURE Real Estate Brokerage is the listing agent for the available ground floor retail/restaurant space.

Hotel Rose Concept Five Years in the Making Between Developer and City of Rockford

WDG purchased the .4-acre parking lot from the City of Rockford in 2024 after more than five years of planning, discussion, and collaboration. CEO, John Wheeler noted,

“Hotel Rose is an example of the spirit of collaboration and a shared vision. We’ve invested countless hours in this project and through that process have become very impressed with the city of Rockford’s vision and commitment to strategic growth. This is our hometown so it’s a true honor to break ground today and celebrate our community.”

Rockford City Manager Comments on Hotel Addition to Downtown Landscape

Rockford City Manager Thad Beard echoed the shared vision and public-private partnership saying, “We are incredibly pleased to join Wheeler Development Group to break ground on Hotel Rose, which is a welcome and long-anticipated addition to our downtown. When completed, this beautiful hotel will be an inviting location for guests as they explore all Rockford has to offer.

“We appreciate the partnership with the Wheelers and their team to bring this dream to reality. As Rockford residents, they understand our culture and are invested in the success and vibrancy of our downtown.”

Finance Partner Mercantile Bank Comments on their Confidence in the Hotel Project

The investment in the City of Rockford is an example of the continued efforts of WDG and its project partners to connect communities in this area.

“Hotel Rose is an inspiring catalyst for growth in the city of Rockford and a significant investment into the future of this area” said Mercantile Bank of Michigan’s First Vice President of Commercial Banking, Brian Campbell. “Mercantile is proud to be the financing partner and we are appreciative of the collaborative efforts of Wheeler Development Group in bringing this project to fruition.”

Construction has begun with Mobilization and Demolition of Existing Parking Lot

WDG Construction and Platinum Contracting Group mobilized the site for construction earlier this week to create staging areas, begin demolition of the surface parking lot, and remediation of site materials. The construction process will include light demolition, site work, wood and steel construction, and streetscape improvement along the high-traffic corridor.

WDG, representing more than $400 million in commercial and multi-family development throughout Michigan, will soon be revealing Hotel Roses’ signature restaurant concept, interior renderings, and announcements on incoming ground floor retailers.

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