Monroe mayor proclaims reopening of historic Eugene Hotel; owners set Aug. 19 ribbon-cutting

The City of Monroe on Aug. 3 formally celebrated the reopening of the Eugene Hotel, with Mayor Tom Miller reading a proclamation honoring the restoration and recognizing local, regional and state partners.

"The rehabilitation of this historic property reflects Monroe's commitment to preserving its architectural character while fostering thoughtful economic development," Mayor Tom Miller said as he read the proclamation, which named Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Main Street Monroe and the Greene County Development Corporation among partners.

Chris, representing the hotel's ownership team, told the council the hotel opened to the public the previous Friday and thanked the city and funding partners for support. "We opened on Friday to the public," he said, describing the work as "extraordinarily difficult" and crediting design partners Aaron Olverson and Studio GWA for their role.

Chris invited the council to a noon–3 p.m. ribbon-cutting and open house on Aug. 19, noting the date marks the 101st anniversary of guests first sleeping in the hotel in 1925. He said substantial interior structural work — including steel columns and posts — was required and that the hotel likely would not have been viable as another use.

Why it matters: The council framed the project as a preservation and economic development win for downtown Monroe, with officials saying the hotel should boost weekend tourism and support local businesses. The mayor said he will speak at the reopening and planned to read the proclamation again at the event.

What's next: The owners will host the public open house Aug. 19; city officials will continue to coordinate logistics and oversight as the property operates.