Manitowoc's first new hotel in more than 20 years will be a Hampton Inn by Hilton near I-43. Ground was broken on the project in June.

MANITOWOC – The city’s first new hotel in more than 20 years is coming to the city near Interstate 43, perhaps in time for the National Football League’s draft coming to Green Bay in 2025.

Chicago-based Odyssey Hotels Group broke ground on a new Hampton Inn by Hilton near the city’s Industrial Park across the street from AMC Classic Manitowoc 10 movie theater, at 2555 S. 44th St.

It’s part of a larger project announced several years ago that could also include a Marriott-brand hotel and a restaurant.

Crews recently began site work for the first project. A formal ground-breaking event is set for July 23.

Plans call for an 84-room Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel, which Odyssey Hotels CEO and Manager Rachit Dhingra told the Herald Times Reporter in 2022 is the right size hotel for the area. There will be 44 rooms with king-sized beds, three king suites and 37 rooms with two queen-sized beds. Amenities will include a fitness center, swimming pool and conference facilities.

Dhingra said the hotel is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers "offering a perfect blend of luxury and convenience."

“We are thrilled to begin construction on our newest property in Manitowoc,” Dhingra said in a recent news release. “This hotel will be a wonderful addition to the community, providing top-notch accommodations and services to visitors and residents alike.”

Dhingra told the Herald Times Reporter two years ago he was waiting for construction costs to come down before breaking ground.

Under a tax incremental financing district agreement made with the city, one of the hotels must be built by 2030, and the second hotel and a restaurant constructed by 2026.

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City leaders approved a zoning change related to building height in its business park to accommodate a hotel. Odyssey has a franchise agreement with the Hilton name.

Original plans called for the Hampton Inn to open sometime in 2026, but Mayor Justin Nickels said he hoped the timeline could flex to accommodate the thousands of visitors expected when the NFL Draft comes to Green Bay.

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