A major hospitality development is moving forward in Wisconsin Dells, as JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has successfully secured construction financing for Phase 1A of the upcoming Dellshire Resort. The 208-key destination property is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026 and aims to bring a new level of luxury and entertainment to one of the Midwest’s most popular tourist hubs.

JLL arranged the financing on behalf of the developer, Uphoff Ventures, combining support from both a private capital lender and a national C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) lender. The hybrid funding structure reflects growing industry confidence in sustainable resort developments that also offer robust entertainment and hospitality amenities.

The Dellshire Resort, when complete, will feature a four-story luxury-themed hotel, two on-site restaurants with seating for 350 patrons, several bars, a family-friendly retail promenade, and six indoor and outdoor pools. Additional amenities will include a meeting and event space for up to 280 guests, a 9,000-square-foot family entertainment center, amusement rides, and a scenic Tree Canopy Walk offering elevated views of the landscape.

Located in Wisconsin Dells—dubbed the “Waterpark Capital of the World”—the resort is expected to benefit from the region’s 5.5 million annual visitors. The development site is positioned on what Uphoff Ventures describes as the city’s most prominent and visible intersection, making it a prime location for drawing in both regional and out-of-state guests. The resort will be managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality, with construction led by regional contractor Kraemer Brothers.

In announcing the financing milestone, Steven M. Uphoff, CEO of Uphoff Ventures, credited JLL’s team for their strategic guidance throughout the process.
“JLL’s Hotels Debt Advisory team, particularly Adrienne Andrews and Jeff Bucaro, provided valuable expertise and support throughout the financing process,” Uphoff said. “Their responsiveness and deep knowledge of the market helped us navigate the complexities of the deal and achieve a successful outcome. We appreciate their partnership in bringing this vision to life.”

JLL’s advisory team was led by Managing Directors Adrienne Andrews and Jeff Bucaro, who specialize in hospitality and resort financing for high-profile and mixed-use projects.

“This financing represented a compelling opportunity to facilitate the development of a distinctive, high-end resort in one of the Midwest’s premier tourist destinations,” said Andrews. “The Dellshire Resort is poised to capitalize on the strong demand for modern, family-focused hospitality experiences and become a landmark destination. The hotel will provide substantially larger and more luxurious room product than currently exists in the market. With access to nearby waterparks, gorgeous nature-oriented facilities, mixed virtual reality components and an entertainment-oriented resort, the Dellshire amenities will offer year-round appeal to guests.”

The project signals an ongoing evolution in the Wisconsin Dells area from traditional waterpark attractions to more expansive, full-service resort experiences. In addition to drawing traditional summer vacationers, the Dellshire Resort aims to attract visitors year-round, including business travelers, corporate retreats, and destination events.

JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, which has executed more than $83 billion in hotel transactions globally over the past five years, continues to be a leader in advisory, valuation, and capital markets for hospitality assets. With a team of over 370 professionals across 20+ countries, the firm’s involvement further bolsters expectations that Dellshire will become a standout asset in the region’s hospitality sector.

Originally reported by Denis Stackeusky in Hotels.