District 12 will soon have a new place for tourists to hang their hats – and their helmets. The Iron Horse Hotel, located across the river from the new Harley-Davidson Museum, will be a 102-room hotel with luxury accommodations and special features that appeal to the average motorcycle traveler. The boutique hotel will be in a converted warehouse at 500 W. Florida St. Though the hotel is expected to house guests of the Midwest Airlines Center, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino and Rockwell Automation, part of its draw includes unique elements that motorcyclists will appreciate.

There will be sturdier hooks in the rooms to hold leather apparel, benches to help with taking off boots, and covered parking to keep bike seats dry.

The hotel has benefited from an ordinance initiated by Ald. Witkowiak authorizing expenditure of $275,000 of development funds held by the city. The funds will help with nearby retaining walls and street repairs to accommodate the building and its occupants.

"This is a great addition to the district and the city," Ald. Witkowiak said, "It's a great location and another unique tourist destination for the city."