Iron Horse Hotel

Green

Travel Green LogoThe 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.

We are proud of our Travel Green Wisconsin partners Great Lakes Distillery, Lakefront Brewery, Harley-Davidson Museum, Lake Express High Speed Ferry, Miller Park and many more!

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.
  • The 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.
  • Continuing education students at the neighboring Bradley Tech High School transformed the building’s 300-year-old heart pine 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 are used for guest room desk/dresser/bar units.
  • Wall sculptures were made by a local artist out of recycled aluminum.


Energy-efficient systems and operations:

  • Occupant-sensing systems in each guest room 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.
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The Iron Horse Hotel
500 West Florida Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204

1.888.543.4766 Front Desk
1.414.755.0084 Fax