Couple planting seeds for a green inn

Sunday, March 08, 2009

From an article Kayla Bunge on Janesville's GazetteXtra:

DELAVAN TOWNSHIP — Catherine McQueen and Fritz Kreiss are seeing green.

The couple plan to transform their secluded 5 acres at N5072 Highway 50 into The Green Leaf Inn, a 19-suite bed and breakfast with a focus on sustainability.

“We’re redefining the perception of what green living will be,” Kreiss said. “We want to show people they can live without having to change their lifestyle—but do it in a way that’s sustainable.”

The couple says the bed and breakfast will maintain the highest standards for sustainable building, renewable energy and use of land and resources while providing guests with a luxurious experience. . . .

McQueen and Kreiss want to immerse the community in the possibilities of green living—from the early development stages, through the construction and into the day-to-day operation of The Green Leaf Inn.

“We want to stuff this place as much as we can,” McQueen said of the couple’s plans implement as many green concepts—from a solar photovoltaic system to generate electricity to a cistern to capture rainwater for reuse to using towels and sheets made from bamboo.

The plan calls for three buildings on the property:

-- A welcome center will house the reception desk, bathrooms, a small conference center and displays about the energy systems, building materials and sustainable practices used on site.

-- A main suite building will house 16 Jacuzzi suites.

-- A secondary suite building will house three Jacuzzi suites, including an upstairs honeymoon suite, along with living and dining space.