Dubuque's Grand Harbor Resort to become Radisson hotel

BY CHRIS GRAY

Dubuque’s Grand Harbor Resort is getting a new brand and will be marketed as a Radisson hotel, a top executive told the Dubuque City Council last week.

“Our vision for the Grand Harbor Resort is to truly invest in this property,” David Westergaard, chief financial officer for new resort owner Riddle’s Group, told the council via video chat from Riddle’s headquarters in Rapid City, S.D. “We plan to renovate the rooms and redo the water park”

Westergaard said Riddle’s is primarily a jewelry company but branched into the hospitality business with Choice Hotels about 20 years ago. Riddle’s owns the K Bar S Lodge in Keystone, S.D., near Mount Rushmore.

Radisson is an upscale brand in the Choice Hotels group, which is also known for midscale offerings such as Comfort Inn and Quality Inn, and budget motels such as Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.

Riddle’s Group already operates a jewelry store locally in Kennedy Mall. The South Dakota company purchased the struggling hotel resort and waterpark at a foreclosure auction in December.

On Tuesday, the City Council approved the transfer of the lease and development agreement to Riddle’s subsidiary, RG Hospitality LLC. The city owns the five-acre parcel underneath the hotel.

“We own the land. We do not own the building,” said Council Member Katy Wethal.

The hotel building is privately owned but must meet certain maintenance and upkeep requirements per the development agreement, according to City Attorney Crenna Brumwell.

Source: Telegraphherald.com