Green
The Iron Horse Hotel™ is part of an urban revitalization that integrates irreplaceable historic architecture with the latest in luxury amenities, technology and environmental sustainability – from the re-use of the building and reclaimed materials for design elements to the ample covered motorcycle parking that encourages use of more fuel-efficient transportation.
Adaptive re-use
- Much of the distinct architecture remains intact—Hemlock posts and beams, exposed brick and fire doors—reducing the need for resource consumption and waste while inspiring the rugged interior design and loft-style atmosphere.
- Project incorporates reclaimed elements such as granite street pavers for landscaping and gears the building’s ancient elevator system displayed as Industrial art.
- Carpenters in training at Milwaukee Tech High School transformed the building’s 300-year-old Hemlock timbers into custom boot benches for each guest room.
Recycled/environmental-friendly materials
- Recycled post-consumer rubber used as flooring in the fitness, laundry and shipping and receiving rooms and as sound abatement material for all guest room floors.
- Carpet is lined with recycled content.
- Guest rooms feature sustainable ceramic floor and wall tile, the longevity of which is up to four times that of other materials, such as carpet that needs replacement.
- Eco-friendly concrete countertops used for guest room desk/dresser/bar units.
- Wall sculptures made by a local artist out of recycled aluminum.
Energy-efficient systems and operations
- Occupant censoring in each guest room to control and power down heat, electricity and AC.
- High-efficiency boilers versus forced air deliver heat to rooms via a liquid medium.
- Large fully-insulated, energy-efficient windows afford ample natural light, cut down on daylight electricity demands and reduce energy consumption.
- Guest rooms feature energy-efficient Perlick™ beverage centers: by weight using 98 percent green materials; featuring dual-pane glass doors, two-inch thick walls with eco-friendly foam, cold-conducting metal interiors and forced air cooling for maximum energy savings.
- Reduced water consumption through Kohler™ waterless urinals, Kohler™ low-flow toilets and efficient bath fixtures, resulting in a potential reduction of water consumption by 25 percent.
- Additional “green operations” include systems for in-house recycling and waste management, guest opt-outs for daily linen and towel changes, and recycled paper for the hotel’s administrative offices and guest business center.
