HILLSDALE: April 5th 2024, CLRED opened the Keefer House Hotel for local leaders and the media to walk through the construction site and see the progress. Structural work was nearing completion, and the masons, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers were working alongside each other on framing the walls and installing the utility rough-ins.

While construction proceeds, CLRED is working with Hotel Investment Services (HIS), the hotel operator, to prepare for opening. Ron Wilson, CEO of HIS said “The Keefer House Hotel will be a special place that will not only serve the Hillsdale community well but will be one of those hotels that will attract visitors looking to step back in time when hotels were a destination to those looking for a welcome stop for fine dining, entertaining, celebrations, and a well-appointed guest room.”

The Keefer House Hotel launched a temporary website to promote the project and keep the public informed. Along with the website, the Keefer House Hotel officially debuted its logo.
Local civic and business leaders were invited to tour the construction progress firsthand. During their construction walk-through, CLRED’s VP of Construction and Development, Nick Fox, pointed out the newly poured basement slab which starkly contrasts with the wet basement conditions which complicated construction a year ago. Mr. Fox also highlighted the new structural steel, which replaced the nearly 140-year-old structural timbers, and reinforces the entire building. Additionally, he pointed out the new sub-flooring being installed throughout the upper guestroom floors. Along their walk-through, visitors got to see the start of the new wall framing intertwined with the original 140-year-old framing that will eventually be covered up with new drywall, instead of plaster, once all the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are completed.

Over the next several months, crews will continue building out the interior of the hotel, CLRED noted most of the hotel equipment, furniture, and fixtures are already purchased and sitting in storage warehouses waiting to be brought to the hotel site. Wilson said, “We are starting to hire key team members and begin training, developing the website to accept pre-booking, and further developing the on-site restaurant.”

Peter Limberger, Chairman of CL Enterprises, said: “We are happy that all construction problems could be solved, and the project is now on track to open its doors in 2024. We believe it will be a great addition to the city of Hillsdale and will become a destination for leisure and business travelers.”

Drew Gelzer, TIFA Chairman: “After touring the Keefer House Hotel, I am pleased to report that the project is well underway. It was inspiring to view the progress made since my last update thirty days ago. I want to compliment CLRED and Phoenix Builders on their diligence and attention to detail as they bring the Keefer House Hotel back to life, and I cannot wait to see the building finished. Its completion will have a truly transformative effect on the economy of downtown Hillsdale.”

Ron Wilson, CEO of HIS said “The Keefer House Hotel will be a special place that will not only serve the Hillsdale community well but will be one of those hotels that will attract visitors looking to step back in time when hotels were a destination to those looking for a welcome stop for fine dining, entertaining, celebrations, and a well-appointed guest room.

For more information on the hotel development during construction, the public is welcome to check out our temporary website www.thekeeferhousehotel.com.

On Friday, May 12, Grand Power Works LLC, a joint venture of CL Real Estate Development (CLRED) and local partners Diesel Boys, took ownership of the historic Grand Haven Diesel Power Plant. The partners of Grand Power Works plan to redevelop the historic industrial building into a vibrant and active events space and restaurant. Once completed, this project will have a large impact on the local economy and the year-round tourism of Grand Haven. Over the next several months, the team at Grand Power Works will continue assembling the project as initially outlined in their response to the City’s Request for Proposal by finalizing tenant selection, developing construction plans, and securing funding.

“We are thrilled to take ownership of this historic and iconic building in Grand Haven and move into the next phase of development. Since we first began, our excitement for this project has only grown. The more we learn about the region, the community, and the property, the more we see the wonderful history and the immense future potential.” says Nathan Watson, President and CEO of CLRED.

In an effort to maintain the most significant historical aspects of this building, Grand Power Works intends to preserve the building’s character by keeping the openness and grandeur of the space, allowing it to become a unique event venue and dining experience in downtown Grand Haven year-round. “Grand Haven has such an active summer with visitors from across the Midwest coming to shop, dine, and relax,” says CLRED Development Associate Brant Cohen, “Adding this unique and historic property as a restaurant and events space to Grand Haven will be another reason to keep visitors coming year-round, helping the city’s economy and further boosting it with an increase of year-round employment.”

The construction arm of this project is in good hands, led by the senior leadership of long-standing Contractor and CLRED’s partner, Lakewood Construction. Based out of Holland, MI, Lakewood has played a significant role in the development of many projects in the area, including several in Grand Haven. “We are honored to play a role in the restoration of this historic building in Grand Haven, which will not only preserve its architectural charm but also contribute to the city’s economic growth,” says Kyle Engbers, Vice President of Lakewood Construction, “This space will attract tourists throughout the year, creating a thriving destination for both locals and visitors.”

Follow the Grand Haven project along with other CLRED projects online at cl-red.com.

LASALLE, IL. – CL Enterprises and the City of LaSalle are working together to accelerate completion of the Maytag building and Kaskaskia Hotel projects, building a more vibrant and successful LaSalle.

At Monday’s City Council Meeting, the LaSalle City Council approved an amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with CL Real Estate Development so that construction at the Maytag building, located at 801 First Street, will proceed. The construction of pioneering projects like these are made possible with the assistance of development tools offered by the City of LaSalle.

Nathan Watson, President of CL Real Estate Development stated,

“We’re grateful for the City of LaSalle’s support and are confident our positive working relationship will accelerate completion of this transformative project. It’s wonderful to see cooperation between our firm and all the relevant city departments, the aldermen, and Mayor Grove.”

The former Maytag building at the corner of First and Joliet streets in LaSalle is being transformed into a Tangled Roots brewery and restaurant. The building will also feature six residential apartments on the 2nd floor.

Jeff Grove, Mayor of the City of LaSalle, stated,

“The City of La Salle is excited to see renewed forward momentum on the 801 First Street Project and are particularly enthused by the developer’s commitment when they shared their preliminary schedule to ensure successful completion of the project. We believe the new Tangled Roots location, and residential apartments, will be an excellent addition to the continued growth and development of downtown La Salle. The City remains interested in giving all developers the tools they need to be successful in La Salle.”

An amendment to the redevelopment agreement for the Kaskaskia Hotel is in progress. The historic Kaskaskia Hotel, built in 1915, includes a six-story tower, apartment block, and a rear garage building, will be developed into luxury boutique apartments with many exciting features. The complex will feature approximately 50 residential units, 3 event spaces, a rooftop bar, a restored Side Bar, and prime retail space along 2nd Street.

This past summer Carus LLC, the sister company of CL Enterprises, announced a $20 million investment to its manufacturing facility in the City of LaSalle. Carus and CLE combined employ more than one hundred citizens in LaSalle, with hundreds more in LaSalle County.

Inga Carus, Co-Founder of CL Enterprises and CEO of Carus LLC stated,

“In 1915, when Edward Carus built the plant on the site of his father’s factory, he was making a commitment to LaSalle and the surrounding communities. Over 100 years later, we are still committed – now more than ever.”