THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN WAUSAU
Welcome to Jefferson Street Inn Hotel
Just steps from the River District’s historic landmarks, our hotel provides a boutique experience with downtown charm. As the cornerstone of Third Street Lifestyle Center, we play a vital role in Wausau’s upscale live-work-play community.
DISCOVER THE CHARM OF JEFFERSON STREET INN
Rooms & Luxury Suites
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel at home in our distinctive rooms and luxury suites—each offering everything you need to unwind in style.
Cozy up by the fireplace or indulge in an oversized jacuzzi tub in our Luxury Suites, prepare a romantic dinner in a Premier Suite with a full kitchen, or pamper yourself in the soothing steam shower of our Master Suite.
However you choose to relax, your stay will be nothing short of unforgettable.
A rich heritage in the heart of WAUSAU
History of The Jefferson Street Inn
Early Beginnings: A Vision for Downtown Wausau
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, city leaders and local business owners in Wausau recognized the need to rejuvenate the downtown area. Long-known as a regional hub for commerce and culture, the city sought to revitalize its core by attracting new investments and creating a more vibrant urban neighborhood. Out of this vision, plans took shape for a premier, boutique hotel that would draw visitors, spur economic activity, and serve as an anchor for downtown redevelopment.
Founding of Jefferson Street Inn
The Jefferson Street Inn opened its doors in 2005, occupying a prime location that combined historic charm with modern design. From the outset, the hotel’s mission was two-fold: to offer guests a comfortable, upscale experience, and to bolster Wausau’s broader efforts to transform its downtown into a destination for visitors and residents alike.
Catalyst for Economic Growth
Almost immediately, the Jefferson Street Inn became a cornerstone for the local hospitality and tourism industry. Conventions, business travelers, wedding parties, and leisure tourists discovered the hotel’s proximity to the historic district, boutique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the nearby arts center and the city’s vibrant riverfront. In turn, these visitors supported local businesses, boosting sales and elevating Wausau’s profile as a place to visit, work, and live.
The hotel’s presence helped:
- Generate local jobs: From front-desk staff to managerial roles, the hotel provided quality employment opportunities and strengthened the downtown labor market.
- Encourage further investment: As the hotel quickly gained a reputation for excellent service, other businesses—restaurants, galleries, and retail stores—were more confident about launching or expanding nearby.
- Enhance the city’s appeal: Media coverage and word-of-mouth praise for the Jefferson Street Inn brought in travelers from across the Midwest and beyond, increasing the city’s tourism revenue.
Expansion and Ongoing Revitalization Efforts
With steady growth came the need to expand. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the hotel undertook an expansion of the property, improvements to its guest rooms, and common areas, solidifying its reputation as one of the region’s leading accommodations. These renovations were carefully designed to preserve the hotel’s boutique ambiance while integrating modern amenities and technology.
Beyond physical upgrades, the Jefferson Street Inn played an active role in civic initiatives. The hotel worked with local organizations to attract conferences and special events that introduced new visitors to Wausau’s parks, museums, and downtown shopping scene. This steady collaboration helped maintain the city’s momentum in restoring a bustling downtown culture.
Acquisition of Char Grillhouse & Event Center
In the early 2020s, the Jefferson Street Inn embarked on a major strategic step to further enhance its offerings: the acquisition of the onsite restaurant, now known as Char Grillhouse, and an adjacent event center. The addition of Char Grillhouse reinforced the Inn’s commitment to providing a high-quality dining experience that would appeal to hotel guests, local patrons, and area event planners.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of the property’s event and meeting facilities allowed the Jefferson Street Inn to more efficiently provide a superior experience to larger gatherings—weddings, corporate retreats, and community fundraisers—directly onsite. This development further cemented the hotel’s role as a driver of economic activity, as guests often extend their stays and explore the greater Wausau area before or after events.
A Continuing Legacy
Today, the Jefferson Street Inn stands as a testament to what vision, community collaboration, and dedication to hospitality can accomplish. Its story is deeply intertwined with the broader revitalization of downtown Wausau—an ongoing effort that has transformed the city’s core into a lively and inviting destination.
By embracing innovative guest experiences, and supporting the city’s cultural and business ventures, the Jefferson Street Inn remains a beacon of both comfort and economic vitality. From its humble beginnings as part of a strategic downtown development project to its present status as a premier lodging and event destination, the hotel’s journey reflects Wausau’s spirit of growth and resilience.