NEW GLARUS — One of the county’s oldest landmarks has new owners and a plan for revitalization. The New Glarus Hotel, which opened in 1853, was recently purchased by New Glarus HG, LLC, founded by Nic Mink. Mink also spearheaded the recent restoration of Seven Acre Dairy in Paoli.

Mink plans to renovate the legendary New Glarus structure from top to bottom over the next year, restoring the iconic downtown building for a return use as both a hotel and restaurant. The project is expected to cost about $7 million.

“This is about breathing new life into a place that holds deep meaning for New Glarus,” Mink said. “We’re weaving together our history with modern amenities to create something truly special that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Mink emphasized the company’s commitment to preserving the property’s rich Swiss heritage, while ambitiously transforming it into a boutique hotel and supper club. This extensive restoration aims to position the hotel as a contemporary hospitality hub, situated at the very heart of downtown New Glarus.

“Nic dreamt up this idea. I got involved because I live in this community. The New Glarus Hotel is the cornerstone of our downtown,” Christina Bleifuss said. She grew up on a farm outside of Monticello, but now lives in New Glarus with her children.

Built in 1853 by Melchoir & Rudolph Baumgartner, the building became New Glarus’ first hotel. Initially known as the New Glarus Haus, the building also served as a dance hall under Alfred Lienhardt and later a theater operated by his son Fred Lienhardt. In 1960, John F. Kennedy dined there following a campaign speech in New Glarus. 

The renovations are looking to restore the building to the way it looked in the 1960s and ’70s. 

It was then that the New Glarus Hotel was a popular supper club and later the headquarters for the acclaimed Roger Bright Band. Others owned the business through the years and left their mark, including Swiss immigrants like Robbie Schneider and later Hans Lenzlinger. Eventually, the property was left in the hard-working hands of Mike Nevil and his wife, who maintained the building’s heritage and stewarded its operations for many years until selling it to New Glarus HG.

Located in the heart of New Glarus, the New Glarus Hotel’s restaurant has been closed since the coronavirus pandemic, and Ticino’s Pizzeria in the downstairs portion of the building ceased operations this past fall. However, the New Glarus Hotel building — and business name — is still deeply ingrained in the community’s soul, Mink said. New Glarus HG aims to revive the property as a social cornerstone, and there is a planned soft opening slated for spring 2025. 

New Glarus HG is using Bachman Construction for the project, and layout and design plans are in their early stages. The goal, Bleifuss said, is to add about 10-12 suites for lodging, as well as opening the balcony to look out over the rest of the village, similar to other hotels in Glarus, Switzerland. The developers are also hoping to achieve a National Historic Landmarks designation for the site, which would be the 18th overall in New Glarus.

As word got around the community, optimism filled the air.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to make new memories there,” said Ember Genthe, a former server at the New Glarus Hotel restaurant. “The hotel is really an important part of the town’s soul.”

The ambitious project is already attracting strong financial support, including a mix of grants, loans, and backing from local investors. Plans include restoring the restaurant’s historic charm, while introducing features designed to attract both locals and visitors alike.

“The New Glarus Hotel is a treasured historic landmark in our community, which is why the Village of New Glarus committed a $1 million TIF grant to this project,” said Village Board President Roger Truttmann. “We are excited to support this transformational project in New Glarus.”

Investors and interested community members can visit www.newglarushotel.com for more information on plans and learn about ways they can contribute.

“It’s an extensive project. Many people in this community are involved and want to be a part of it,” Bleifuss said.