Our Place

The Riviera roof project is finally getting close to being started.
The under-maintained leaking roof on the most iconic building in Lake Geneva is getting close to being replaced. The cost of the project is much less than initially expected. The subcontractor, MSI Engineering, initially expected the roof project to cost the City of Lake Geneva around $880,000.00. An additional request for bids was made and then acted upon. Five different companies submitted bids, and then MSI evaluated and ranked them on experience, qualifications, and cost. The highest-scoring bid was Renaissance and their total bid for the project came in at $488,855.00. One bid was lower and three bids higher.

The Lake Geneva Finance, Regulation, and License Committee met on Tuesday night to vote on hiring Renaissance Roofing for the roof job on the Riviera’s new clay tile roof. The city council is next for the final vote on the project. The sooner the roof replacement starts, the sooner the other long-overdue renovations of the Riviera can be decided upon and started. The city has already scheduled the Riviera to be closed from February 2020 through April 2020, so the roof work can be done, and the roof is just the start. The full scope of renovations and changes to the Riviera could take up to two years and cost millions of dollars. The lowest bidder on the project, incidentally (lower by more than $75,000), was overlooked because it got no points for ‘qualifications’ and no votes for ‘experience,’ even though that company did the roof on one of the city’s largest structures. It was rumored at the meeting (by members of the finance committee) that the passed-over builder allowed used materials to be substituted for new in that construction. There was no substantiation for any of that though. Maybe the General Contractor, that created the “point system,” not unlike the mayor’s alcohol license system, should pay the difference. Now that’s an idea.


Brick & Mortar on the corner of Geneva and Cook Street is closed but hopes to reopen in the spring of 2020
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Last Sunday was the last full day it was open until the renovations are complete. Brick & Mortar has another location in downtown Lake Geneva, and Thomas and Kathy George (the owners), have other successful shops in Lake Geneva as well. The Brick and Mortar in the Historic Maple District was originally going to be razed and a new building erected to take its place. That didn’t go over well with the neighbors, as the beautiful cream brick structure is thought of as a piece of history. The next plan was the possible relocation of the building, but that turned out to be not feasible. Finally, the George’s presented a renovation project to the city and the neighbors, and that was approved. Sunday, September 29th was their final open day, and now the work begins. Monday morning the store was packed up and cleared out. The renovations will allow the great home décor store a much better retail space, along with an enclosed porch and outdoor seating to accommodate their new coffee shop.

 

More coffee?
Yes, and why not? Lake Geneva is full of coffee lovers. The newest and most unique coffee shop is planning on opening in the spring of 2020. “Inspired Coffee” is the name, and Inspiration Ministries is the force behind the idea. The shop will be opened in the old Peet’s Coffee location; 833 Main Street, Lake Geneva. The lease was only recently signed, and signage will be put up in the next week, or so, as to get the word out and help inspire people to come drink coffee and support their great cause. Inspiration Ministries strives to empower adults with disabilities to live with purpose and be their best. This coffee shop will employ and train the staff members and give them skills that they can carry with them to new opportunities throughout their lives. Inspiration Ministries is a non-profit organization and has raised over half of the monies needed to make this happen from donations. This great organization is committed to seeing it through. If you want to be a part of the project, or you just want to follow the progress, you can check it out at inspiredcoffee.org.

The Business of the Week

Hannah's by the Lake Geneva

Hannah’s by the Lake, formerly known as Geneva Jake’s, at 772 Main Street is the same great store with a new name. This shop is all about family, community, quality products, and yes, they still carry all the great brand name stuff including the Pandora jewelry.

 

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