Vacant Historic Mansion in Shawano County May Become Hotel and Event Center

The long-vacant Novitiate mansion is set to be transformed into a hotel and event venue after county approval of a zoning change.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A vacant historic mansion in Shawano County, Wisconsin, known as the Novitiate, may soon be turned into a hotel and event center. The Shawano County Board of Supervisors has approved a zoning change for the property, paving the way for the current owner to renovate the 1939 mansion and surrounding land. The goal is to preserve the historic home and transform it into a venue that can host weddings, receptions, and other events, while also offering hotel accommodations.

Why it matters

The Novitiate mansion has sat vacant and neglected for years, but this redevelopment project aims to breathe new life into the historic property and provide an economic boost to the local community. The mansion has a storied past, including a 1975 standoff involving the Menominee Warrior Society, and this transformation represents an opportunity to preserve an important piece of Shawano County's history.

The details

The current owner, Ethan Fernhaber, plans to renovate the four-story mansion, with the basement housing a theater and recreation room, the entry level featuring a dining room and kitchen, and the top two floors containing a total of 13 guest rooms. The surrounding land will also be developed, including a pavilion for events with views of the nearby river. The project is expected to cost between $2.5-3 million, with construction slated to begin this fall and a potential opening in 2027.

  • The Novitiate mansion was built in 1939.
  • In 1975, the Menominee Warrior Society took over the property for more than a month in an effort to prove sovereignty over the land.
  • The property changed hands multiple times until it was purchased by the current owner in 2021.
  • The Shawano County Board of Supervisors approved the zoning change for the property on February 26, 2026.
  • Construction is expected to begin this fall and the hotel and event center could potentially open in 2027.

The players

Ethan Fernhaber

The current owner of the Novitiate mansion property.

David Gilman

The zoning consultant for the Novitiate property and a representative of the current owner.

Rick Giese

A Shawano County Board member who is excited about the redevelopment project.

Russell Means

A member of the American Indian Movement who spoke about the 1975 standoff involving the Menominee Warrior Society at the Novitiate property.

Menominee Warrior Society

The group that took over the Novitiate property for more than a month in 1975 in an effort to prove sovereignty over the land.

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What they’re saying

“This property and the mansion, it's going to be preserved. The land is going to be used in a very respectful manner.”

— David Gilman, Zoning consultant and representative of the property owner

“Out there at the Novitiate, it will be a great opportunity. Like I said, because it's finally going to get developed. It's been great to have been putting some time and effort into it, and then building, it's up and being part of the community now.”

— Rick Giese, Shawano County Board member

“We are attempting to force the white man to recognize his own racism. It's been latent. All this action has done is brought out the extreme racism that exists in this part of Wisconsin.”

— Russell Means, American Indian Movement (FOX 11 News)

What’s next

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the goal of opening the hotel and event center sometime in 2027.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the historic Novitiate mansion in Shawano County represents an opportunity to preserve an important piece of local history while also providing an economic boost to the community through the creation of a new hotel and event venue. This project highlights the potential for adaptive reuse of vacant historic properties to breathe new life into a region.