KENOSHA, WI–A ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday to officially usher in a new era in downtown Kenosha.

The Stella, the newly renamed and renovated former Elks Club, has an 80 room hotel, restaurant, bar, and meeting areas and has already become quite popular with locals and visitors alike. One of the themes among attendees yesterday was the improbability of the project.

The Elks Club was headed for demolition six years ago before a local group worked out the funding sources and weathered delays until completion.

Gorman and Company oversaw the 26 million dollar project on the century old building.