Peggy and Rick Johnson's dream, which started more than 20 years ago, is finally shaping into reality. Construction of their Prairie Inn and Suites motel in Holmen began earlier this month, with completion expected in early December.

The idea began as they planned for their wedding day, Rick explained. There were no hotels in the Holmen area - no place to put up family and friends. The seed was planted in their minds, waiting for the right time to blossom.

After 20 years of germination, it was time for the seed to sprout. "What really spurred it on (the idea) was when I threw my back out," Rick said with a laugh. "I sat on the couch for two weeks with a lot of time to think about it."

After some discussion about their future, Peggy and Rick concluded that it was time. The first thoughts turned to a northern lodge style, but after consultation with Brickl Brothers, general contractors from West Salem, they went a different direction. Brickl Brothers suggested a prairie-style look, wide eaves and rectangular windows, kind of a Frank Lloyd Wright look. To the Johnsons, it seemed like the obvious choice to blend into the area.

"We're going to tie it in with the prairies around here, like the Holland Sand Prairie, north of Holmen," Rick explained. "That's the theme that we are trying for with the prairie-style building."

In keeping with the theme, the Johnsons plan to decorate the hotel with photographs of prairie flowers and scenes evoked by prairies. They hope to get a collection taken by local photographers of the local prairie flowers.

Peggy will operate the hotel, but Rick will help when he is not busy with their other business, Johnson Terrazzo Co, also in Holmen.

Their sons will also lend a hand. A recent graduate of the the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Adam will return to the area to continue his education at UW-La Crosse and help at the hotel. The youngest son, 16-year-old Buck, has already been busy with daily check-ups of the construction's progress.

The Johnsons will run the hotel as a family, but have already hired a full-time manager and have plans to hire additional employees as needed.

The Johnsons are looking to market Prairie Inn and Suites to a local crowd - family, friends and relatives of wedding parties, as well as housing visitors to the many local attractions the Holmen and Onalaska area has to offer. They are also hoping to put together weekday golfing packages for those who want to get away during the middle of the week.

Although the Johnson's idea for this dream might have started around the time of their wedding, Peggy has had the dream in the back of her mind for many years. Her parents used to own a resort that she worked on while growing up. So Peggy is experienced in the lodging business, and it was a good experience.

"I just love meeting new people and seeing where they were from," Peggy vibrated with excitement at the thought to be able to do this again. "I love it!"