Green Bay Council Approves Debt Deal to Save Hotel Northland

The Green Bay City Council voted Tuesday to release the owners of Hotel Northland, 304 N Adams Street Green Bay LLC, from a portion of a $2.6 million debt to facilitate the property's sale and avoid foreclosure. The debt stems from a 2014 development agreement and a $4.4 million loan involving the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Under the approved terms, the city will receive a one-time payment of $1 million from the sale proceeds and retain $550,000 in a rescue account. This arrangement effectively forfeits more than $1 million of the total debt. Mayor Eric Genrich advocated for the agreement, stating it was the best option for the city in a less-than-ideal scenario, as foreclosure could have resulted in the city receiving nothing.

Potential buyer Blake Malecha intends to keep the hotel's name and maintain its status within Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Malecha plans to improve the 102-year-old property by paving an adjacent gravel parking lot to host food trucks and live music events.