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 used in 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 is 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-sensing systems 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 guest soap recycling, in-house recycling and waste management, guest opt-outs for daily linen and towel changes, and recycled paper printed with soy ink for the hotel’s administrative offices and guest business center.