facelift.

“Definitely an area of need in the community,” Johnson said about overnight guest accommodations. “This fits in with making Prescott not just a pass-through town, but a destination.”

Since purchasing the building on Sept. 30, 2020, remodeling has transformed the former pharmacy into an elegant space divided into six suites. Paying homage to the river, the name Port of Prescott is a nod to the river town community.

“A port is where you seek refuge in a storm,” Langer said. “Here, you’re not necessarily seeking refuge in a storm, but you go there to stay. A name can help people get excited about the destination.”

Keeping true to the river town theme, the six suites, all of which have their own design scheme, are named after local rivers: Croix, Kinni, Mississippi, Rush, Trimbelle and Vermillion.

“Each suite has a completely different personality,” Langer said. “Only the ceilings and the floor are the same, which provides continuity.”

Langer finds importance in learning the history of buildings and has been working with local historian Dallas Eggers to unearth the story of 201 Broad St. According to Eggers, she said, the building was once two separate buildings that were combined into a women’s boutique at one time. The space has housed a gas station, a Swedish restaurant, a recreational center for kids, and of course, the pharmacy.

What exactly is a boutique hotel? According to Langer, think of it as similar to a bed and breakfast, minus the breakfast. Large chain hotels have multiple floors of the same, cookie-cutter rooms. At a boutique hotel, each room is different.

“It’s all about making a high quality experience and destination with extra little touches you’d see at a friend’s house,” Langer said.

As for checking in, all reservations must be made on the website. No check-in desk exists, which allows for a contactless experience. The hotel is a secure, smart building. Once you make a reservation, you will be provided a unique confirmation code that will allow you to unlock the front door. You will also be given a suite code that is unique to you. The codes allow Langer to know who is in the hotel at all times.

Langer and her husband have been in the construction business for 20 years, so using all local businesses in the remodel was important to them, such as Hager City Glass and Crestwood Cabinets. Guest rooms will also contain artwork from local artists, along with their contact information in case people are interested in purchasing local art.

Staying at the hotel All suites sleep two to four people, are dog-friendly (25 pounds and under) and have a private bath and fireplace. The rooms feature views of downtown or the river.

If you’d rather stay in to relax than go out on the town, The Kitchen Table offers formal room service seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. Lucille’s will provide formal room and bottle service Wednesdays through Sundays from 3-8 p.m. In-room massages can be booked as well. Langer will also be talking with other businesses to see if other offerings can be made available to guests. With an anticipated opening date of March 15, the public will be invited to open houses the week of March 8-12, depending upon the work load the next couple of weeks.

For more information about The Port of Prescott, visit the portofprescott.com or call 715-821-4040. Follow them on Facebook for video updates on construction progress and Q& A sessions with Langer.

Photos by Sarah Nigbor

Each room at The Port of Prescott will feature artwork from local artists, along with their name and contact information.

Bed frames and wallpaper are in at The Port of Prescott. Each room will have its own personality and luxurious touches, befitting an elegant hotel.

Each private bath in The Port of Prescott hotel showcases beautiful tile work.

Dazzling lighting fixtures are part of the charm at The Port of Prescott boutique hotel, located at 201 Broad St.

This suite, which looks out over Broad Street, features two king beds, a fireplace and private bath. The floors and ceilings throughout the hotel are continuous, providing connectionbetween the rooms.